The Federal Public Service Health, in collaboration with the FRPB and the TCPB, in which the VMBv is represented, is launching a campaign to raise awareness of paramedical professions. The goal of this campaign is to make everyone aware of the importance of paramedical professions. With these videos, we:

• explain what paramedics do and why patients can consult them
• highlight the relevance and added value of paramedics
• promote the multidisciplinary aspect of patient care

In Belgium, there is a shortage of TMB professionals. There is insufficient inflow from education, while medical imaging departments are facing a significant wave of retirements. Through a joint effort, TMB has been recognized as a shortage occupation.

A job seeker who wishes to pursue a recognized training program, and meets the requirements, is entitled to several benefits, such as retaining unemployment benefits or receiving support for course fees, mobility, or childcare costs.

The VVRO (Association of Nurses in Radiotherapy and Oncology) is establishing the postgraduate program in radiotherapy in collaboration with KDG (Karel de Grote University of Applied Sciences).

Karel de Grote University of Applied Sciences in Antwerp will launch a new Bachelor's program in Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy starting in September. It is only the second Flemish university of applied sciences to offer this program.

The Royal Decree of February 28, 1997, was renewed with an amendment to the ARBIS, published on December 21, 2018. Radiation protection training has been made mandatory for those involved in administering medical exposure to patients. For technologists, this requirement is included in their bachelor’s program. Nurses and non-technologists working in radiology departments are required to undergo an additional training of at least 50 hours, with a minimum of 10 hours of practical training. Radiotherapy and nuclear medicine training includes an extra 10 hours of instruction.

This publication was based on recommendation 2013/04 from the National Council for Paramedical Professions and recommendation 2015/01 from the Technical Committee for Paramedical Professions (TCPB). Medical Imaging Technologists are now legally permitted to operate radiotherapy and echocardiography equipment.

The Royal Decree of February 28, 1997, was renewed with a new Royal Decree on December 22, 2017, concerning the professional title and qualification requirements for the practice of Medical Imaging Technologists and the list of technical procedures and actions that may be delegated by a physician.

Recognition and a transitional measure were established: since December 2, 2014, everyone working in Medical Imaging must possess both the official recognition and a professional identification card (visa) issued by the Ministry of Health, which serves as a license. The exception to this rule is for nurses legally allowed to work in Medical Imaging based on the Royal Decree of June 18, 1990, which defines the list of technical nursing services and tasks that may be delegated by a physician to nursing practitioners.

This recognition marked the end of a long-standing tolerance policy that allowed individuals to work in radiology without any formal qualification. It ensures that the Medical Imaging Technologist meets the educational requirements for a correct and high-quality practice. The VMBv advocated for a transitional measure to avoid significant social consequences: individuals with sufficient experience could request a derogation (equalization) with employer certification until the end of August 2019.

On May 20, 2012, the VMBv sent a letter outlining its goals to BELMIP, focusing on two main points: the request for a recognition process and the expansion of the list of delegated actions to include radiotherapy and echocardiography, based on the demand from the General Assembly of the professional association. This letter contained two action points:

• Request to initiate an individual recognition process and transitional measure for all professionals working in Medical Imaging.
• Inclusion of radiotherapy and echocardiography in the list of delegated actions.

The European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS) was founded in 2008 by 27 radiographer associations, including the VMBv. Prior to this, many European radiographer associations had already been meeting and collaborating under the umbrella of the ISRRT since the 1950s.

Today, the EFRS is an umbrella organization that brings together 40 Medical Imaging Technologist associations across Europe to represent, promote, and advance the profession of Medical Imaging Technologists in Europe.

The first class of Medical Imaging Technologists graduated.

The recognized training program for Medical Imaging Technologists (TMB) began at the Catholic University College Brussels (now Odisee), following the replacement of an existing physical therapy program (decree of June 23, 1998).

Royal Decree of February 28, 1997, concerning the professional title and qualification requirements for Medical Imaging Technologists, and establishing the list of actions that may be delegated by a physician.

Recommendations from the Technical Committee for Paramedical Professions (TCPB) concerning the qualification requirements and tasks of Medical Imaging Technologists on January 25, 1996.

The last meeting of the Medical Imaging section of the National Council for Paramedical Professions.

Royal Decree of January 10, 1992, establishing the guidelines for the composition, organization, and operation of the Technical Committee for Paramedical Professions (TCPB). This federal advisory body advises on the list of technical auxiliary services and the list of actions that physicians can delegate under their responsibility and supervision.

VMRL becomes VMBv, the Flemish Association of Medical Imaging Technologists, a legally recognized professional association.

On November 7, 1991, an advisory was issued for the use of the title ‘Medical Imaging Technologist’ as a professional title, later adjusted by the Council of State to align with the French title ‘Technologue en imagerie médicale’ (TIM).

The VMRL is renamed VMBv, the Flemish Association of Medical Imaging Technologists, a legally recognized professional association.

The first professional associations for X-ray technicians were established under the legal structure of a non-profit organization (vzw). The MRTB and VMRL, Francophone and Dutch-speaking associations for X-ray technicians, aimed primarily at organizing continuing education and obtaining formal recognition of the X-ray technician profession. For ten years, they sought the appropriate path through the political maze of a Federally organized Belgium divided into communities.

Royal Decree No. 78 of November 10, 1967, concerning the practice of healthcare professions, set forth the conditions for practicing medicine, nursing, and paramedical professions.