A new white paper from the Consensus Committee on the Future of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, which includes representatives from 18 radiologic science organizations, highlights recommendations to address the pressing issues of a radiologic technologist workforce shortage and career pathways. Image courtesy: American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)
July 19, 2024 — Core tactics to address the current medical imaging and radiation therapy workforce shortage and build career pathways were offered in a new white paper from the Consensus Committee on the Future of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy. Recommendations include raising awareness of the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession, articulating career pathways, creating a pipeline with education programs, building a career advancement ladder, expanding opportunities for student education and training, and sharing frameworks and tools to improve workplace satisfaction.
Spearheaded by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), the paper, "Mapping the Future of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy: White Paper on the 2024 Consensus Committee Meeting Outcomes," is the culmination of the committee’s work, according to a written statement detailing the recommendations. The committee included representatives from 18 radiologic science organizations who met in February 2024 to address two principal topics: the current medical imaging and radiation therapy workforce shortage and developing career pathways for medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals.
“The consensus committee included professionals from a wide variety of radiologic science organizations and practice areas, which was incredibly helpful in outlining the recommendations in the white paper that that can be used to address professional areas of concern,” said ASRT CEO and Executive Director Melissa B. Pergola, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(M), FASRT, CAE.
The combination of an aging population needing more health care, fewer students, increasing numbers of professionals leaving due to retirement, burnout and seeking opportunities elsewhere has led to a workforce shortage that exceeds levels documented in more than 20 years. This shortage could affect the quality of patient care as it has left the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession with unprecedented numbers of job openings and overburdening staff.
“The white paper serves as a repository of ideas to address the workforce shortage, strengthen the profession and build career pathways for professionals,” said ARRT CEO Liana Watson, D.M., R.T.(R)(M)(S)(BS), RDMS, RVT, FASRT, CAE.
According to JRCERT CEO Leslie Winter, M.S., R.T.(R), the recommendations in the white paper provide a roadmap to take action and address issues. She added that it is vital for all areas of the profession to work together to develop and launch the initiatives.
“Implementing the tactics outlined in the white paper will require the ongoing commitment and combined talents of our professional societies, accrediting organizations, certifying bodies, equipment vendors, health care organizations, educational institutions, and every member of our professional community,” said Winter
“Work has already begun on several of the recommendations,” said Dr. Pergola. “The level of buy-in from the supporting organizations has been truly inspiring.”
More information: www.asrt.org
August 06, 2024 
