Camosun College will begin training future Vancouver Island medical radiography technologists next fall, helping to prepare Islanders for high-demand jobs.

Advanced Education Minister Naomi Yamamoto and MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head Ida Chong joined executive, faculty, staff and students to announce the new Island medical radiography technology diploma program at Camosun College, including startup funding.

The college will offer 16 full-time first-year spaces in the new program - part of the college's school of health and human services at the Lansdowne campus - starting in 2012-13. The provincial government is providing almost $3.4 million to Camosun College for startup costs and equipment purchases for the two-year diploma program. In addition, by 2013-14 when the two-year program is expected to be fully underway, Camosun will be receiving approximately $591,000 in ongoing operating funding for the program.

Medical radiography technologists use computer-generated images to help health-care teams make medical diagnoses, from simple X-rays for a broken bone to more sophisticated examinations used to detect heart, blood vessel or brain abnormalities.

This new program supports the BC Jobs Plan commitment to enhancing access to skills and apprenticeship training throughout the province. It is also an investment into a priority health-education that will benefit British Columbians now and in the future.

Quotes:

Ida Chong, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head -

"Congratulations to Camosun College as they continue to be an integral part of ensuring we have trained health-care professionals who can deliver the quality of care we have come to expect."

"Training Island students close to where they live, means they are more likely to stay in their communities to pursue rewarding careers delivering the health care Island families need."

Kathryn Laurin, president, Camosun College -

Camosun College and the school of health and human services are pleased to be offering the new Island medical radiography technology diploma program. This is an exciting new opportunity for the college, and an excellent addition to our health programming. MRT is a leading example of the interdisciplinary approach to modern health care that combines the diverse skill sets of sophisticated technology and traditional care-giving."

"We appreciate the support and confidence that we have received from the ministries of Advanced Education and Health, and look forward to continued partnerships that engage our academic and health-care communities."

Quick Facts:

• In addition to the program at Camosun College, medical radiography technology diploma programs are also offered at the British Columbia Institute of Technology in Burnaby and the College of New Caledonia in Prince George.
• Over the last 10 years, the provincial government has added more than 7,600 education spaces for health programs across B.C., including expansions in priority health programs such as medical radiography technology, nursing, pharmacy and physical therapy.

Since 2001...

• The Province has provided approximately $1.2 billion in health-related post-secondary funding to institutions throughout the province.
• The Province has invested more than $2.5 billion in student financial assistance, making post-secondary education more accessible for students across the province.

Learn More:

For more information on the medical radiography technology diploma program at Camosun College, go to: http://camosun.ca/learn/programs/mrt/

For information about student aid programs for post-secondary training, go to: www.aved.gov.bc.ca/studentaidbc

For more information on the B.C. Jobs Plan, go to: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

Media Contact:

Joanne Whittier
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 952-6400