Manpower shortage: observations of N.Y. state licensure and registration data

In a random sample (n=411) of New York state radiologic and radiotherapy license and registration forms, univariate descriptive analysis showed women outnumbered men 2:1. Nearly seven of ten were born before 1961, most were licensed between ages 19 and 26, nearly nine of ten lived in New York state (one in five in New York City) and 7% lived in neighboring border states. Approximately 51% of sampled licensed technologists worked in hospital practice settings, 33% worked elsewhere and nearly 15% were not practicing. Hospitals experienced a net loss of 24 technologists (5.8%) between 1983 to 1988. Technologists born between 1951 and 1960 represented approximately 56% of hospital technologists, yet represented 37.5% of licensees. Females represented nearly 60% of hospital technologists, 68% of technologists in other settings and 77% of technologists not practicing. 92% had general licenses, 5% had therapy licenses, and 1% had both licenses. Approximately 47% of general license technologists were in hospital settings. A bimodal licensure duration histogram revealed two subpopulations--one with a mean of two to three years, and one with a mean of ten to 12 years. Licensure frequency, since 1973, was characterized by three cyclical peaks, each cycle with a four- to five-year period. New York and other states must look at nontraditional trainee recruitment pools; develop workforce planning strategies that factor in facilities, personnel and technology; and develop an effective workforce data base.