The number of first-year students enrolled in radiologic technologist programs in the U.S. dropped for the third straight year in a row, according to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) of Albuquerque, NM.
The ASRT's survey results indicate that an estimated 15,948 radiography students, 1,462 radiation therapy students, and 1,534 nuclear medicine technology students were enrolled in educational programs in 2010. This is a 4.8% decrease for radiography programs and a 2.9% decrease for radiation therapy programs when compared with 2009 enrollment numbers. Nuclear medicine technology programs saw an enrollment increase of 5.3% in 2010, the ASRT said.
Approximately 11% of radiography program directors said they plan to reduce enrollment numbers in their programs, according to the society, while 4.7% said they plan to admit additional students. Nearly 10% of radiation therapy program directors plan to decrease enrollment, compared with 5.7% who plan to increase their rolls.
The numbers indicate that radiologic science programs are reducing enrollment in response to the low vacancy rate in the job market for RTs, the ASRT said. Programs can also be more selective in the students they admit.
Nearly 82% of radiography students, 77% of radiation therapy students, and 71% of nuclear medicine technology students were able to obtain employment in their respective disciplines within six months of graduating in 2009, according to the survey results.
Results from the survey came from directors of radiography, radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine programs listed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The survey was sent by e-mail to more than 1,000 directors in October 2010, and a total of 629 participants responded, resulting in a 62% return rate.
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