Since the last century during which Macau was governed by the Portuguese, radiological technologists have been servicing in both private and public health sectors.  However, due to the lack of social attention, assistance, as well as no unified jurisdiction, recognition or training, the development of the Macau radiological technologists’ professions is considered to be “poor”.  The Macau Radiology Association (MRA) was founded in 2000 and brought radiological professionals together as a group that includes radiological technologist.  The major efforts of members of the MRA regarding the holding of symposia and overseas visits, not only improves the social status of the radiological professions but also the understanding of the importance of such professions in relation to the Macau medical system.

      Due to rapid development as well as the increase in resources and talents in the field of radiology, the Macau SAR government established new professional posts for Macau public health professionals in 2010; in which public radiological technologists must have a related bachelor’s degree.  Moreover, the Macau government has intention to establish a set of norms which can regulate the radiologist’s professional qualifications, certifications, and registrations to both public and private sectors in the coming few years.  In order to cooperate with the Macau government with such an intention, we must improve the international standard upon which the Macau Radiological Technologists’ Association (MRTA) is established.  Furthermore, the MRTA is enthusiastic in participating in the legal work regarding the accreditation of radiological technologists and striving for the reasonable rights and interests for its members.

   In June 2011, the Macau Radiological Technologists’ Association (MRTA), which is led by a group of working radiological technologists with related Bachelor Degrees, was officially registered with the government as a legal organization.  In addition, the first symposium titled “Radiologists’ Professional Qualifications, Accreditations, and Registrations of the China, Taiwan, Thailand and Hong Kong and New Imaging Technology” was held in September of the following year with the aim of exploring and understanding each other in order to provide valuable and professional advice for future legislative work regarding to the licensing of Macau radiological technologists for Macau Government.

       The MRTA will organize a variety of activities in the future which include participation in international visits, continuing profession development, enhancement of professional level, so that the majority of people in Macau can obtain better quality and safer medical radiation services.