Meet Jonathan, MRI Technologist & Corporate MRI Program Graduate

When Headwaters Health Care Centre announced plans for a cutting-edge MRI suite, Jonathan didn’t just see new equipment; he saw his future taking shape. With support from Headwaters, Jonathan was selected to participate in a fully-funded corporate MRI program through Mohawk College, an experience that combines academic excellence, clinical training, and a strong foundation for a successful career. This is his journey from ambition to achievement, and how Headwaters helped make it possible. 

I joined HHCC as it was preparing to add an MRI suite to its facility. I had always been interested in working in MRI, so during my hiring interview, I expressed interest in joining the MRI department when it was formed. Shortly thereafter, there was an invitation sent to the diagnostic imaging department to enroll one employee into a corporate MRI program through Mohawk College – a program that would be fully paid for by Headwaters while still providing salary compensation during academic study. 

To my excitement, my application for this opportunity was approved! I was fully supported by Headwaters: in addition to covering the cost of tuition, textbooks, and program-specific required software, they provided ongoing salary compensation and allowed me to dedicate all of my normal working hours to academic study. 

The program itself was condensed into one didactic semester and one clinical semester, so there was a lot to learn in a short span of time. Headwaters allowed me to study full-time so that I could focus on learning the materials, and hired me as a full time MRI technologist to start when the MRI suite arrives. 

The professors in the MRI program at Mohawk College were very knowledgeable in their field, supportive of student learning, and always available for extra support when needed. Although the didactic material itself was cumbersome, it was presented in a way that was manageable to learn, with each course reinforcing concepts learned in other courses. As intense as the material was to learn in a short amount of time, it definitely prepares students for the national licensing examination. 

Typically, students enrolled in the corporate MRI program will return to their home site to complete clinical training, but since Headwaters did not yet have the MRI suite at the time of my completion of the didactic semester, arrangements were made for me to train clinically at Trillium Health Partners (THP) Mississauga and Credit Valley sites. The hands-on learning was very supportive to my learning and growth as a future MRI technologist, through direct guidance, challenges that forced me to think critically, and review pertinent foundational knowledge. They took me in as one of their own and went above and beyond to prepare me for my future career as an MRI technologist at Headwaters. 

Overall, my experience on this journey has been exceptional. I count my blessings for the opportunity that Headwaters has given me to learn MRI and join the department as a full-time technologist, the supporting learning environment at Mohawk College, and the wonderful experience gained during my training at THP. I couldn’t be more excited to start my career as an MRI technologist at Headwaters Health Care Centre!