The bleak news about the shortage of radiologic technologists finally has a bright spot. A recent survey by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) of Albuquerque, NM, showed that the number of people entering radiologic science programs has increased in the past three years.
Directors of 590 U.S. radiography programs, 110 nuclear medicine programs, and 86 radiation therapy programs were asked to report freshman enrollment for each of the past three years. Responding were 75% of radiography program directors, 62% of nuclear medicine program directors, and 60% of radiation therapy program directors.
The reported enrollment figures were extrapolated to give an estimate of the entire student population entering radiologic science programs in 1999, 2000, and 2001. Survey results showed enrollment increases for all three types of programs.
Radiography students entering new programs increased from 10,582 in 1999 to 11,160 in 2000, and to 12,529 in 2001. The number of students going into nuclear medicine programs in the U.S. increased from 922 in 1999 to 970 in 2000, and to 1,252 in 2001. Students entering radiation therapy programs numbered 556 in 1999, 701 in 2000, and 860 in 2001.
While many health professions are experiencing shortages, reports indicate the shortages are deepest among pharmacists and radiologic technologists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the U.S. will need 55,000 more radiographers, 4,000 more nuclear medicine technologists, and 4,000 more radiation therapists by 2008.
The ASRT and the Summit on Radiologic Sciences and Sonography have tried to counter the shortage by conducting a media campaign to inform the public about job opportunities in the field.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writers
January 29, 2002
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RTs give so-so marks to therapists with bachelor’s degrees, May 29, 2001
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