H-PRO | Supply & Demand: radiology technologists

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Radiology technologists are critical members of the health care team who create images used to diagnose patient injury or illness. They use sophisticated equipment to produce radiographic images, or X-rays of the human body. Radiology technologists have a background in anatomy, physiology, and patient care techniques.

Numbers

In 1998, Washington state ranked 37th lowest of 50 states for the number of radiology technologists per 100,000 population.70 Between 1992 and 1997, the percentage of radiology technologists per 100,000 population in Washington state decreased by six percent. Ninety-five percent of Washington state hospitals responding to a recent survey reported it was “somewhat or very difficult” to recruit radiology technologists. The figure was 100 percent for urban hospitals. The American Hospital Association is reporting a national 18 percent vacancy rate for radiology technologists.

Pipeline

Radiology and other imaging technologists must graduate from an approved training program and earn registration or certification from the state. Most radiographers have a Certificate or Associate of Arts degree in Radiologic Technology.