The need for technology teaching programs

Abstract

The article by Rominger and Browning’ identifies the critical shortage of radiation therapy technologists. The study represents a manpower survey conducted under the aegis of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiologists. The data dramatically identifies that 250 positions currently are open for radiation therapy technologists but by 1978, an additional 825 registered radiation therapy technologists will be needed. The existing training programs have a capacity for 420 students but the number of enrollees is estimated at only 250. However, actual data indicate that the number of students enrolled in 1975 was only 220. This came from the number of applications received by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology for certifying examination in therapeutic radiologic technology. This number was only 184. The authors identify the need for more programs to train radiation therapy technologists with an increased commitment to educational programs from institutions eligible to sponsor such programs and from those in a position to contribute to clinical education. The majority of programs at this point are 1 year certificate programs for graduates of diagnostic radiologic technology programs. Recruitment of students into these programs has been accomplished by the exposure of diagnostic radiologic technology students to radiation therapy. Other recruits have been those who have worked in radiotherapy for some years but who have an express need to qualify themselves to achieve career mobility. Two year certificate programs would provide a shorter overall program for technologists and many institutions starting with a one year program, have added a 2 year program and run both concurrently. In no part of the country is there an oversupply of graduates. There are, however, large areas with no certified radiation therapy technologists; these areas must recruit from great distances and compete with a wide variety of salary scales. There is no immediate end to the shortage. More clinical institutions must become involved with training of radiation therapy technologists and more programs must be established if the number of graduates from accredited training programs is expected to increase. Added efforts must be made toward recruitment into already existing programs. This recruitment should be encouraged by multiple efforts to demonstrate the career potentials in radiation therapy technology. The American College of Radiology and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists as well as the American Society of Therapeutic Radiologists are actively involved in such a drive. The manpower needs in radiation therapy technology are major. As a consequence, major efforts must be directed toward such