Spotlight on Alberta’s Combined X-Ray & Laboratory Technologists

In celebration of CLXT Week
October 17 - 23, 2021

Dani Selk says the heart and soul of her work is always about the patient. As a senior Combined Laboratory and X-ray Technologist II (CLXT) at the Oilfields General Hospital in Black Diamond and the Health & Wellness Centre in Okotoks, Dani loves the dynamic nature of her role that makes her part of her patients’ journey from start to finish.

“Being a CLXT is very rewarding,” she says. “Not only is there a variety of work to do, we are able to help patients from the minute they walk through our doors and see them when they leave, knowing they’ve received the best patient care possible. The continuity of care we are able to provide patients is so important.”

CLXTs across rural Alberta provide diagnostic imaging (X-rays) and laboratory services to physicians and nurses to inform patient care plans. While they are trained in medical laboratory, X-ray procedures and electrocardiography and work with medical imaging and laboratory equipment, they also need to be comfortable connecting with people.

“Connecting with our patients and getting to know them makes a huge difference to their overall experience,” says Corrina Gates, also a CLXT II, in Tofield. “Because we’re a smaller community, we really get to know our patients.”

Corrina and two of her colleagues, Robyn Hebor and Janet Lande, shared more on their role as a CLXT earlier this year.

Alberta leads the way with the highest number of Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technologists across Canada — a total of 583 — with the majority living in rural Alberta and Saskatchewan. This is because the two main training centres are at Edmonton’s Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and Saskatoon’s Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

What started as the Alberta Society of Certified Combined Technicians in 1969 was proclaimed under the Health Professions Act as the Alberta College of Combined Laboratory and X-ray Technologists in 2006.

“This is a growing profession, I’ve been a CLXT for 38 years and in the last five years the demand for these roles in rural sites is increasing more than ever,” says Senior CLXT Michelle Williscroft of Fox Creek Health Care Centre in Fox Creek.

“Combined with advancements in technology, the field is evolving to provide cutting-edge ways to improve patient outcomes through precision and timely diagnosis.

“You could say we wear a few hats. This is important for our patients especially in rural and remote communities where access to diagnostic imaging and lab are available at one medical centre, which allows for easier access for testing, diagnosis and treatment,” Michelle adds.

APL is hiring for a number CLXT positions throughout Alberta. Postings can be viewed on APL’s Career Page.

For additional information on CLXTs in Alberta, visit the Alberta College of Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technologists.