Submitted by: Paula Bouchard, MNO Regional Employment and Training Coordinator

Métis youth Riley Saunders
Métis youth Riley Saunders.

Riley Saunders is a recent high school graduate from the community of Nipigon in northwestern Ontario who self-identifies as Métis. Interested in the prevention and treatment of disease, Riley immediately began looking for a unique career in health care.

One job that caught her eye was a Medical Radiation Technologist, which involves producing and analyzing diagnostic images to assist physicians in the diagnosis and management of various system disorders. Knowing that this job would be a tremendous responsibility and would require a delicate balance between attention to detail and empathy, it was something that she knew she could handle and enjoy!

Riley researched the program a bit more before enrolling in a unique two and a half year Medical Radiation Technologist Diploma Program at the Confederation College of Applied Arts and Technology in Thunder Bay. Through the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Training Purchase Program, Riley was able to complete this advanced level program, which included learning about: radiology, x-ray and computed tomography (CT) in courses such as general radiology, patient management, radiation safety, quality management, and research methods. This program equips students with the theory and in-class practical skills to successfully integrate into positions in diagnostic imaging in hospitals and other clinical settings.

Fresh from graduating and after only a brief job search, Riley secured a permanent position with Royal Inland Hospital—a 224 bed acute care facility in Kamloops, British Columbia.

For more information on the MNO’s Employment and Training programs, please visit the Employment and Training Programs section on the MNO website.

Published on: September 14, 2016