Pursuing a professional career in a new country is never easy, especially when it involves overcoming academic and licensing hurdles. My journey to becoming a certified Medical Radiation Technologist (MRT) in BC has been a challenging yet rewarding experience that took determination, adaptability, and resilience. As an internationally educated health professional, I navigated many obstacles to reclaim my career and fulfill my dream of contributing to Canada’s health care system.
Choosing the right path
I began my career as a Registered Radiologic Technologist in the Philippines in July 2016. I gained nearly five years of experience in diagnostic imaging, which laid a strong foundation for my technical skills and patient care abilities.
I arrived in Canada in August of 2022 as an international student and enrolled at Coast Mountain College in the Associate of Science Degree in General Studies program. Initially, I planned on changing careers, thinking it would be too difficult to return to my profession because I didn’t know how the certification process worked and was nervous about taking an exam so many years after completing my training in the Philippines. However, I soon realized I would struggle to find a job that could support my plan to become a permanent resident of Canada. Changing immigration rules made it clear that becoming a health care professional would provide a more straightforward path to permanent residency. Additionally, I realized that returning to my profession would make it easier to find a job where I could apply my skills and experience effectively.
Making the case
Even though I was already a fully licensed and certified radiologic technologist in my home country, a major challenge I faced was aligning my foreign credentials with the Canadian education system. The process was sometimes tedious and overwhelming, involving thorough assessments, document verification, and proving specific regulatory requirements. Each step required careful attention to detail, from gathering the necessary paperwork to understanding how my previous training compared to Canadian standards. Navigating this process required patience, perseverance, and extensive research to ensure I met all the necessary qualifications.
Before my assessment and exam, I spent a significant amount of time researching how to become an MRT in BC. I familiarized myself with the requirements set by the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT), reviewed licensing pathways, and reading everything from their website. Understanding the steps and requirements gave me the clarity and confidence to keep moving forward.
Preparing for life after graduation
As I neared my graduation in Canada, I submitted my documents to CAMRT for assessment in February 2024. I planned this timeline to ensure that the assessment results would be available in time for me to take the certification exam in either September 2024 or January 2025. This way, my certification would be ready when my Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) was granted, allowing me to look for jobs as an MRT. Since the PGWP is an open work permit, I could work with any employer with no restrictions.
To move forward with my MRT certification, I dedicated myself to preparing for the CAMRT exam, a crucial step in my journey. Over the course of 50 days, I studied rigorously for 8 to 12 hours, daily. The exam preparation was intense, but my persistence paid off when I successfully passed the CAMRT exam in September 2024.
A new career means new challenges
Achieving certification was a significant milestone, but the journey didn’t stop there. I applied for a job immediately and secured a permanent MRT position in October 2024 at Mills Memorial Hospital (now Ksyen Regional Hospital) in Terrace. This marks the beginning of my career in BC’s health sector. Adapting to a new work environment came with its own learning curve, but I was fortunate to receive support from colleagues and mentors who helped me navigate the system.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey has been the opportunity to contribute to patient care in Canada while continuing to grow professionally. The road to becoming a certified MRT as an internationally educated professional was not easy, but it is certainly achievable with determination, strategic preparation, and the right support system.
My story is just one among many. The number of internationally educated health professionals from the Philippines continues to grow as many seek better opportunities, competitive salaries, and an improved quality of life.
For those considering taking this path, my advice is to stay focused on your goal, be patient with yourself, and seek guidance from those who have walked the same journey. The challenges may be great, but the rewards of practicing in your chosen profession in a new country are even greater.
I am grateful for the support of Northern Health and for the opportunity to share my story. I hope it inspires others who are striving to reclaim their careers and make meaningful contributions to health care in Canada.
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