Medical Technologist for Radiology (MTR)

Diagnostic radiology

In order to detect illnesses or injuries, X-rays and other imaging techniques such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging can be used to display human bones, limbs and lungs as images and document them on film. The anatomical position and function of individual organs can also be examined. For example, blood vessels, kidneys, heart or the gastrointestinal tract can be visualized anatomically. In radiodiagnostics, all organs are examined and visualized.

In all of these examinations, MTRs are responsible for the good quality of the resulting images. For each image, the patient must be positioned as precisely as possible in order to optimally capture the body regions to be examined. To do this, MTRs must correctly select the size of the imaging field, the distance and angle of incidence of the X-ray machine and the dose.

MTRs look after and monitor patients during each examination. They also prepare the necessary aids, such as contrast media, as well as the necessary examination program for computer tomography. In recent years, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become increasingly popular alongside CT technology. Its advantage is that it does not require the use of X-rays. The individual departments at Heidelberg University Hospital have state-of-the-art equipment at their disposal.

Radiotherapy

In radiotherapy, tumors and inflammations are treated with high-energy types of radiation and, if possible, cured. This form of therapy places particularly high demands on the MTR, as inaccuracies in radiation treatment can cause severe damage to patients or lead to side effects. MTRs draw up a radiation plan before the start of treatment according to the specifications of the radiation oncologists. This contains all the important details of the radiation treatment: positioning of the patient, dimensions of the radiation field, distance of the radiation source from the patient, etc. This radiation plan is precisely transferred to the patient and measured on a simulation device for radiation methods. The subsequent irradiation units are carried out independently by the MTR after the initial setting.

Nuclear medicine

The types of examination used in nuclear medicine are primarily used for diagnostic purposes for very specific diseases. For this purpose, radioactive substances are used, which are chemically combined with organ-specific carrier substances in very small quantities in a specially equipped laboratory by the MTR. MTRs monitor the examination device while the radioactive substance is injected into the patient's arm vein. They carry out the examination and operate and control the highly specific computer-controlled measuring devices; they therefore require good knowledge of data processing. All persons working in nuclear medicine are monitored separately using special measuring devices to ensure that no unnecessary radiation exposure occurs.

Dosimetry

The main field of activity is "quality assurance" in the individual specialist areas. For this purpose, the function and radiation intensity of the radiation-generating devices are checked at prescribed intervals.

The training lasts three years and consists of theoretical and practical lessons and practical training. It is based on the law on professions in medical technology (MT Professions Act - MTBG) and the Training and Examination Ordinance (MTAAPrV) and concludes with a written, oral and practical examination. The theoretical training comprises at least 2,600 hours. At least 2,000 hours must be completed in practical training.

Since 2019, trainees at the MTR School at Heidelberg University Hospital have received a training allowance (as of 01.05.2024)

1st year of training: 1,245.24 euros
2nd year Year of training: 1,305.30 euros
3. Year of training: 1,402.03 euros

Theoretical training

Four MTR teachers teach the course together with around fifty other lecturers from Heidelberg University Hospital. The theoretical training covers 5 areas of competence:

I. Planning, preparation, organization, execution, documentation, control and assessment of medical-technological tasks in imaging diagnostics with and without ionizing radiation as well as in nuclear medicine diagnostics including technical evaluation and assessment of results: 700 hours

II. planning, preparation, organization, execution, documentation, control and assessment of medical-technological tasks in therapy with ionizing radiation and radioactive substances, including technical evaluation and assessment of results: 300 hours

III. planning, preparation, organization, implementation, documentation, control and assessment of radiation protection and personal safety measures including quality, risk, process and data management in diagnostic imaging with and without ionizing radiation and in therapy with ionizing radiation as well as in diagnostics and therapy with radioactive substances: 1,000 hours

IV. Intra- and interprofessional communication and action in the professional field of action and interface areas, taking into account person- and situation-specific contexts: 200 hours

V. Orientation, justification and reflection of own actions and participation in the further development of the profession on the basis of scientific findings and taking into account legal requirements, economic and ecological framework conditions and ethical values: 160 hours

A further 240 hours are at the free disposal of the school.

Practical training

The connection to Heidelberg University Hospital guarantees that state-of-the-art equipment can be used for practical training in all departments - the only one of its kind in Germany. Practical training takes place in the following departments:

• Radiological Diagnostics
• Radiotherapy
• Nuclear Medicine
• Dosimetry and radiation protection
• Interprofessional internship

For training purposes, we have a total of

• ten MRI machines from 1.5 Tesla to 3.0 Tesla
• eight CT scanners, including a 256 ICT, a 64 line and a 16 line scanner
• We also have 13 different projection radiography stations, six sonography stations and four angio systems for training in radiological diagnostics.

The Clinic for Radiooncology and Radiotherapy at Heidelberg University is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, most of which is also available to the MTR School. The Heidelberg Ion Beam Therapy Center HIT with two horizontal beam stations and a gantry for therapy with heavy ions (protons and carbon ions).

Training begins on April 1 and October 1 of each year. We take on fifteen trainees each year. During the selection process, we place particular emphasis on good grades in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, German and a foreign language.

Requirements for entry to the apprenticeship

• Secondary school certificate or an equivalent or higher school-leaving qualification
• Secondary school certificate or equivalent school education, together with successfully completed vocational training with a planned training period of at least two years
• Applicants who have obtained their school-leaving certificate abroad require recognition of their school-leaving certificate:Assessment of the school-leaving certificate by the Stuttgart Regional Council

Application documents

Applications can be submitted at any time with the following documents as originals or certified copies:

• Letter of application
• curriculum vitae
• Half-year report card or certificate of secondary school leaving certificate or high school diploma
• Certificates or attestations of previous activities and internships

If you are accepted for an apprenticeship, the following documents must also be submitted:

• health suitability and proof of immunity against measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox and pertussis (form will be sent with the acceptance letter)
• Police clearance certificate

From the start of your training, you are an employee of Heidelberg University Hospital. Attendance is compulsory during theoretical and practical training. Regular and successful participation in the training must be certified by the school and is a basic requirement for admission to the state final examination.

Vacation: 30 days / year

Training allowance: You will receive a training allowance (see above).

Job ticket: As an employee of Heidelberg University Hospital, you can apply for a job ticket.

iPad: will be provided.

Accommodation: Rooms of varying sizes and facilities are available in staff residences in Heidelberg-Neuenheim (Neuenheimer Feld campus) and Heidelberg-Schlierbach (Orthopaedic University Hospital). In Neuenheim, rents are between € 175 and € 239/month, in Schlierbach between € 295 and € 302/month. (as of January 2024)

Once you have successfully completed your training, you will be able to work in university clinics, radiology departments in hospitals and radiology practices. MTRs also work in science and research as well as in industry. Manufacturers of imaging equipment like to employ MTRs to instruct doctors and specialist staff on equipment used in radiological diagnostics, nuclear medicine and radiotherapy.

MTRs can become self-employed in quality assurance and, for example, carry out quality controls in hospitals and established radiology and nuclear medicine institutes. They can also work as an application assistant or set up their own practice.

Further professional training for MTRs

Once you have passed your examination, you can take advantage of many opportunities for further training - both part-time and full-time.

• Radiology technology/specialization in one of the fields
• Head of MTR/healthcare management
• Medical education studies
• BSc. in Health Sciences

The German Institute for Continuing Education in Medicine (DIW e.V.) in Berlin offers the specialist qualification for MTR qualification.

Income

MTRs are often employed in the public sector. Payment is based on the collective agreement for the public service (TVöD) or the working guidelines for institutions of the German Caritas Association (AVR). In private practices, payment is usually based on the TVöD, while in industry, remuneration is freely negotiated in employment contracts.

Career prospects

The MTA Act also regulates the practice of the profession in a legal sense. MTAs have "reserved activities". In practical terms, this means that only MTRs and medical specialists may work in the areas described above. The law only allows a few exceptions for other healthcare professions. However, these professions may only work under the constant supervision of a specialist doctor, while MTRs work independently and on their own responsibility and not under the constant supervision of a specialist doctor. This regulation means that only qualified personnel may carry out this work in the interests of patient protection.

The extensive training as an MTR makes it possible to switch between specialties within the profession later on. This means that MTRs have a wide range of tasks. The career prospects are very good, as radiation protection law in Germany only allows a few professional groups to handle radiation for diagnostic and therapeutic measures.

A radiation dose with damage to the organism or genetic make-up can be ruled out. The radiation exposure of staff is subject to different laws than that of patients. Medical personnel are always outside the primary radiation path. Depending on the type of examination, however, low-dose scattered radiation is to be expected. The radiation protection regulations for equipment and personnel ensure that no damage to the organism occurs even after decades of work, for example when wearing lead aprons.

1. The highest radiation doses are applied to patients in radiotherapy. Here, the potential risk to medical staff is zero, as they work outside in shielded rooms.
2. In nuclear medicine, radioactive substances are introduced into the body and measurements are taken on the patient. A minimal radiation dose for medical staff is conceivable here, but this can be practically neglected thanks to protective measures.
3. In radiological diagnostics, a distinction is made between procedures with and without ionizing radiation. In computer tomography, there is no measurable radiation at all for the personnel. The same applies to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which does not produce any X-rays. In projection radiography, medical staff assist with some examinations; a very low radiation dose may be expected here.

The doubts occasionally raised in the media about the effectiveness of radiation protection measures are not justified. Training in the field of radiology can offer a future varied and interesting job combined with fascinating development opportunities and a high standard of safety in the workplace guaranteed by professional law. Anyone who feels attracted to this profession can only be encouraged to undergo this sound training.