Medical technologists for radiology (Medizinische:r Technolog:in für Radiologie – MTR) are central specialists in imaging diagnostics and radiation-based therapy. In Germany, the profession of Medical Technologist for Radiology (MTR) encompasses all three disciplines – (1) radiology, (2) nuclear medicine, and (3) radiation therapy – within one qualification. This differs from countries where radiographers or similar professionals are trained specifically for one of these fields. The MTR profession is also a training occupation in Germany and does not require a university degree.
They mainly work in the field of outpatient and inpatient care within the German healthcare system (see German healthcare system). Of the approximately 1,900 hospitals in Germany according to the Federal Statistical Office, less than 650 had their own radiology department with a total of about 1,600 CT and 1,100 MRI machines in 2021. The majority of radiological services are thus provided by radiologists in private practice. Many of these radiology practices are connected to hospitals and also take over parts of emergency care.
| Range | Description | Examples of Institutions | Areas of application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outpatient care | Medical examination or treatment without inpatient admission | - General practitioners‘ practices - Specialist practices, e.g. for radiology, radiotherapy or nuclear medicine - Supra-regional professional practice associations with several locations | - X-ray - CT - MRI - Mammography - Radiotherapy - Nuclear medicine |
| Inpatient care | Medical treatment with at least one night in hospital | - Hospitals in different levels of care and sponsorships - University hospitals | - Radiology (emergency, routine, interventions) - Radiation therapy and nuclear medicine - Special Therapies |
| Rehabilitation | Medical aftercare to restore health and functionality | - Rehabilitation clinics - Partly specialized rehabilitation centers | No regular main area of application for MTR |
Areas of care in the German healthcare system and areas of application of MTR
Training to become a Medical Technology Technologist (MTR)
The three-year training is regulated by the state. It takes place at a state-recognized MTR school in cooperation with a clinic, a medical care center (MVZ) or a radiological practice.
Recognition procedure for trained MTR
Have you completed training as a ‘radiology technologist’ (Medizinische:r Technolog:in für Radiologie – MTR) or ‘radiographer' in your home country? Or do you have comparable training or a comparable qualification in radiology? You do not have to repeat the entire training programme if you want to work as an radiographer (MTR) in Germany. There is a mutual recognition procedure in which the district government determines in a case-by-case assessment which theoretical or practical units you have to catch up on in an adaptation period.
Additional qualifications and vocational training
Medical technologists in radiology (MTR) are offered numerous opportunities for professional development. Additional qualifications play a central role in this, as they can enable MTR not only to make a career leap, but also to achieve long-term professional success.
DGMTR Certifications: Recognized Additional Qualifications for Practice
The German Society for Medical Technologists in Radiology (DGMTR) offers certifications in various specialist areas. These additional qualifications are also open to foreign MTRs after they have received their professional recognition.
- Interventional Radiology Specialist: This certification provides MTR with in-depth knowledge of the planning, performance and aftercare of image-guided procedures, including radiation protection, hygiene regulations and documentation in three modules
- Cardiovascular Imaging Specialist: In this training course, participants acquire specialized knowledge for performing CT and MRI examinations in cardiovascular imaging
- Mamma Diagnostics Specialist: After a 40-hour basic course in breast diagnostics, MTRs can earn this certification, which provides comprehensive knowledge of mammography procedures.
Practical instructions: Introduction to training and teamwork
Another important additional qualification is practical guidance. If you would like to accompany as experienced MTR trainees, you can train to become a practical instructor. This qualification is particularly valuable for colleagues who want to pass on their knowledge and actively participate in training teams.
Practical instructors provide structured support for trainees during their practical training. In doing so, they not only impart technical knowledge, but also support the development of professional skills, especially in everyday clinical practice. They act as a link between theory and practice and make a significant contribution to quality assurance in training.
The training course comprises at least 300 hours and teaches pedagogical, communicative and legal basics. It strengthens the position in the team and improves professional integration, especially in the multicultural environment of clinics and practices. Many providers offer the training part-time and modular – also in combination with online formats, which is particularly helpful for working MTRs.
Further education and training events
In Germany, there is no legal obligation for MTR to undergo regular further education or training, except for updating the specialist knowledge in radiation protection. Nevertheless, continuous training is an important part of professional development – especially for international professionals. They help to keep medical technical knowledge up to date, to learn new procedures and technologies and to specialize in a targeted manner. In addition, training strengthens the trust of employers and patients and facilitates integration into an ever-evolving work environment. Many educational offers are also financially supported by clinics or public funding programmes. Those who actively take advantage of the opportunities offered by further education and training not only improve their professional skills, but also their prospects for a long-term career in Germany.
Further education and training for MTR can be found in the DGMTR event calendar: www.dgmtr.de
Other training platforms for MTR professionals
- DIW-MTA - German Institute for Continuing Education for Technologists and Analysts in Medicine: https://www.diw-mta.de/
- MT-Dialog - Specialist portal with current courses & news: https://www.mtdialog.de/
- Associations of Statutory Health Insurance Dentists for Mammography Screening Programs, (depending on the federal state, e.g. https://www.mammo-programm.de)