McMaster University and Mohawk College are today celebrating a $2.2 million award from Ontario's Strategic Skills Investment Program to launch a new collaborative healthcare program in medical radiation sciences.

Beginning in September 2004, the fully integrated Diploma-Degree Program in Medical Radiation Sciences will provide students with the training they need to pursue careers in the field of medical imaging. Students in the collaborative program will study in one of two program options to become either medical radiation technologists (radiography), or diagnostic medical sonographers. The first group of students in September 2004 will graduate in April of 2008 with both a Bachelor of Science degree from McMaster University and a diploma in Health Sciences from Mohawk College.

This is the first diploma-degree program offered in Ontario for diagnostic medical sonographers.

The start-up costs for the collaborative project are estimated at $5.7 million, with $2,214,000 coming today from the Ontario Ministry of Enterprise, Opportunity and Innovation through the Strategic Skills Investment(SSI)Program. Industry partners are contributing about $1.4 million to the program.

“A skilled labour force plays a significant role in improving Ontario's economic climate,” said Jim Flaherty, Minister of Enterprise, Opportunity and Innovation. “The benefits of investing in training are endless. Our businesses remain at the forefront of their respective industries, while Ontario continues to be one of the most prosperous jurisdictions in North America.”

McMaster President Peter George said: “This partnership is another example of our focus on students and how best to meet their needs. This innovative program is a model for future successful fully-integrated university-college programs in medical radiation sciences. It will offer students a thorough scientific education through our Faculty of Science combined with experiential learning that will help them excel. In turn, this collaboration will also address the critical and growing need for medical imaging professionals in Ontario.”

“The Mohawk-McMaster Integrated Diploma-Degree in Medical Radiation Sciences was developed because of the need for a new and enhanced form of diagnostic training for medical imaging professionals in Ontario,” Mohawk College President Cal Haddad said. “This announcement by the Ontario Government is an investment in the quality of diagnostic results and improved health services.”

Philips Medical Systems Canada, whose total support for the collaborative project equates to more than $1 million, says the diploma-degree will provide employers with graduates better prepared to meet the challenges facing diagnostic imaging because of their new and expanded level of skills.

“These graduates will be able to facilitate the move to digital imaging, teleradiology and the involvement of technical personnel in clinical applied research,” said Philips Canada President Iain Burns. “The economic benefits that can be realized are significant to Ontario.”

With the opening of the state-of-the-art Mohawk-McMaster Institute for Applied Health Sciences building in September 2000, both institutions have been charged with developing collaborative programs.

The collaborative medical radiation sciences program is 10 semesters and includes 51 weeks of hospital/clinic work experience. About 120 students are expected to enroll in the program annually.

The field of medical imaging, as an integral part of the healthcare system, is undergoing critical change. The catalyst is new technology and technological advancements, most notably the shift from film to digital-based diagnostic systems. Critical new healthcare initiatives, such as Telehealth, are premised on virtual diagnostic services. Delivery systems and infrastructures are being streamlined, and innovative, more efficient approaches to healthcare delivery are being introduced.