August 1 - Survey Finds Rad Tech Supply Nearly Equals Demand

The results of the nationwide Radiology Staffing Survey 2008, conducted by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), shows the profession is reaching a balance between the number of positions available for radiologic technologists (RTs) and the number of new RTs entering the field. More than 1,500 managers and directors of U.S. hospital-based radiology departments or facilities completed the survey in March.

"This supports a trend we've been seeing from previous staffing surveys," says ASRT's chief academic officer, Sal Martino, EdD, RT(R). "In radiography, for example, our staffing surveys have shown vacancy rates of 10.3% in 2003, 7.7% in 2004, 5.4% in 2005, and 4.5% in 2006. The vacancy rate for 2007 was 3.7%, and as of first quarter of 2008, it was 3.4%."

"Even though there aren't as many jobs available now as there were a few years ago, jobs are out there," says ASRT's director of research, John Culbertson. While some areas of the country are experiencing an oversupply of technologists, other areas are experiencing shortages. Results from the survey indicate one in five radiography facilities have openings for radiographers and one in three have openings in one or more of the other specialties. "It may mean that RTs will have to be more flexible to find jobs, such as considering relocation or longer commutes. The good news is that because RTs aren't being stretched thin due to the earlier shortage we had, the patients are better off."

While there might be the potential of an oversupply of RTs, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics' estimated demand for 2006-2016, there are other factors to consider. Entering-class enrollments have begun to level off after steadily increasing since 1999, indicating program directors are taking steps to avoid a glut by reducing enrollment numbers. Also, the demand for medical imaging and radiation therapy services will increase as the U.S. population ages. And as the population ages and retires, the RT workforce will follow suit, creating more positions to fill.

Source: American Society of Radiologic Technologists

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