The expected shortage of radiologic technologists may be filled in part as the number of students enrolling in radiography, radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine programs increased for the third year in a row, a new study indicates.
According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), the study shows that although the numbers of radiation therapists and nuclear medicine technologists should meet the U.S. government-projected demand, there may not be enough radiographers (technologists who take and process basic x-rays) to fill the anticipated 75,000 more job openings in 2010 than in 2000.
The ASRT study showed an estimated 14,734 first-year students enrolled in radiography programs in the fall of 2002, a 13.7% increase from an estimated 12,960 students in 2001. The study also estimated that 1,326 students entered radiation therapy programs in 2002, up 27.4% from the estimated 1,041 students in 2001. Nuclear medicine entering students in 2002 was put at 1,454, up 29% from the estimated 1,127 students a year earlier.
Some 69% of radiography programs were at full enrollment. Program directors at these institutions estimated they turned away 13,766 potential students.
The ASRT survey was conducted in September of this year. Questionnaires were sent to the directors of every accredited radiologic science program listed by the ASRT.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writers
December 4, 2002
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