While enrollment in radiation therapy and nuclear medicine programs climbed in 2012, the number of students entering radiography educational programs dipped by 4.7%, according to a new report from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).
In its annual "Enrollment Snapshot of Radiography, Radiation Therapy, and Nuclear Medicine Technology Programs," ASRT estimated that 15,675 radiography students entered programs in 2012, down from 16,454 in 2011.
It was a different picture, however, for radiation therapy and nuclear medicine programs. ASRT found that 1,403 students were enrolled in radiation therapy programs in 2012, up 16.5% from 1,204 in 2011. In addition, 1,407 students entered nuclear medicine programs in 2012, up 19.7% from the 1,175 reported in 2011.
Even with the variability in enrollment numbers, ASRT noted that radiologic technology continues to attract interest as a profession. Radiography program directors reported that they turned away 16,323 qualified students in 2012, while radiation therapy programs did not accept 836 students. Nuclear medicine programs declined to take 232 students, according to the society.
Future enrollment numbers will depend on the discipline, ASRT said. According to the report, 89% of radiography program directors will likely keep enrollment numbers the same for entering classes in the coming years, but 19% of radiation therapy programs indicated they would increase enrollment numbers. Almost 18% of nuclear medicine program directors reported they would increase enrollment.
In other findings, close to 85% of radiography students and 86% of radiation therapy students found employment in their respective disciplines within six months of graduation in 2011. However, only 57.2% of nuclear medicine students did, according to the society.
ASRT gathered data for the report by emailing a survey to 1,007 program directors in October 2012. Of these, 606 responded, for a 60.2% return rate.
