Multicompetency education in radiologic technology

A primary method of cost control in health care facilities is the utilization of one employee in more than one capacity. The need for multicompetency education is readily apparent in radiologic technology, a field that consists of a wide variety of closely related specialty areas. The curriculum in the Division of Radiological Health Sciences at the University of Texas School of Allied Health Sciences at Galveston, has been specifically structured to accommodate this need. The division offers associate degree programs in radiography, nuclear medicine technology, and radiation therapy technology, and makes use of a core curriculum. The division also offers advanced skills training in subspecialty areas at the postassociate level in computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, angiography, and dosimetry. An evaluation of this system of multicompetent education is provided, based on a survey of graduates from the program. Multicompetent graduates were found to receive significantly higher salaries, enjoy an expanded job market, and have consistently better outlooks toward their future careers than single-skilled graduates.