MTR – a very varied profession for anyone who enjoys working with people and is interested in medicine and technology. After training, you have the opportunity to work in X-ray diagnostics, radiation therapy or nuclear medicine.

X-rays were discovered by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen in Würzburg in 1895 and have been professionalized ever since. This was a breakthrough in medicine as it allowed the bones and organs of the human body to be seen without cutting it open.

The MTR job description includes four specialist areas:

X-Ray Diagnostic

In x-ray diagnostics, bones are visualized using x-rays. At the request of an expert doctor, MTRs take X-ray images independently. But organs and vessels can also be detected using X-rays and other imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound. This means, among other things, illnesses, fractures and malfunctions can be diagnosed. The cross-sectional images generated in MRI are used to analyze tissue structures and functions.

MTRs assist the radiologist in performing fluoroscopic and X-ray contrast studies of organs and blood vessels.

Operating highly complex technical devices such as computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is part of the area of ​​responsibility of an MTR in x-ray diagnostics.

Radiotherapy

Cancer is treated with radiation therapy. Ionized radiation is used to treat benign and malignant tumors. MTR work on the planning and irradiation devices (simulators, linear accelerators) and with computer-controlled control setting systems. The radiation field is marked on the patient's body so that exactly the same area is irradiated during each treatment. Working in radiation therapy not only requires a high level of responsibility but also a great deal of empathy. Since radiation therapy is often carried out on a patient over a longer period of time, the MTR is an important confidant or contact person.

Nuclearmedicin

MTR works in nuclear medicine with slightly radioactive, short-lived substances, which are administered to patients in small quantities. For example, the functions of organs are checked using highly sensitive computer-aided radiation measuring devices. Cell mutations (e.g. nodules in the thyroid gland, bone metastases) can also be diagnosed. Nuclear medicine is also used to treat thyroid diseases, for example.

The MTR prepare the radioactive substances that will be administered to the patient. She therefore has a high level of responsibility because the quantities have to be measured precisely.

Dosimetry and Radiotion protection

The field of radiation physics, dosimetry and radiation protection is very extensive.
As an MTR, you take over the radiation planning, for example. Quality controls are also carried out and X-ray and therapy devices are checked. Compliance with limit values ​​is monitored by the MTR.
There is almost no patient contact in this area.

Learning and Training

The duration of the MTR training is 3 years and takes place in the form of school-based training (Alexander Schmorell Vocational School).
The theoretical learning material is taught in a vocational school. The practical elements of the training take place in hospitals or practices.
The theoretical training content includes, for example, anatomy, physiology, histology, pathology and disease theory in biology and medicine. The topic of hygiene also plays a very important role, as you usually have to deal with sick or seriously ill people in everyday work. Other important teaching subjects include radiological diagnostics, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, dosimetry and radiation protection.

In order to be able to put the gray theory into practice, the practical training content takes place in clinics and practices. There the MTR students can implement the knowledge they have learned. In x-ray diagnostics, radiation therapy and nuclear medicine, the prospective MTRs learn about everyday work and can also take on activities themselves under the supervision of the teaching MTR.

An important part of the training is the six-week nursing internship. Here you will learn the basics of being a health care worker and learn how to deal with patients.

Job

After training you can work in many different areas. There is the possibility of working in a practice or in a hospital. X-ray diagnostics, radiation therapy and nuclear medicine are the best-known areas of responsibility of an MTR. But industry, research and the school system also have interesting areas of work for a trained MTR.

So if you like working with people and are interested in medicine, biology and technology, you are making exactly the right decision when you learn the profession of MTR.