Radiography educational program directors report that the number of students enrolled in radiologic technologist training programs declined in 2021, while programs in nuclear medicine and radiation therapy saw a slight increase, according to a survey by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).
The survey found that enrollment in radiography programs for technologists fell 1% in 2021 over the previous year, while radiation therapy and nuclear medicine program enrollment grew at single-digit rates.
| Enrollment in radiologic technologist programs in 2021 | |||
| 2020 | 2021 | Percent change | |
| Radiography | 15,620 | 15,477 | -1% |
| Radiation therapy | 1,182 | 1,275 | 8% |
| Nuclear medicine | 1,076 | 1,300 | 2% |
In addition, the survey also asked educational program directors about the effect of COVID-19 protocols on their programs.
"When we asked whether their program allows students to perform exams on known or suspected COVID-19 patients, 61% said yes. That's down from 74% in October 2020," said ASRT Associate Executive Director Myke Kudlas in a release.
The survey was sent to all 961 directors of radiography, radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine technology programs currently approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and achieved a response rate of 28.8%. The ASRT has been conducting the survey annually since 2001.
