The Current and Future State of Radiation Therapy Practice-An Analysis of the Professional Workforce Survey

In 2023, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists conducted a Professional Workforce Survey to define current and assess future practices of radiation therapists. The survey focused on the evolving role of radiation therapists, amid staffing constraints and advancements in radiation oncology technologies, exploring clinical duties, knowledge levels, comfort with specific tasks, and the call for advanced practice roles.

In October 2023, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists sent 14,822 survey invitations to certified radiation therapists, using a questionnaire based on the American Society of Radiologic Technologists' 2016 pilot survey and current trends in technology and practice. By November 2023, 403 responses were received, resulting in a 2.7% response rate. With an estimated 23,000 radiation therapists, the sample size of 403 provides a ±4.8% margin of error at a 95% confidence level.

The survey identifies areas where radiation therapist's excel with high knowledge, comfort, and low supervision while highlighting opportunities to strengthen clinical and technical skills to meet evolving technology and standards. It emphasized the need to define advanced practice roles (advanced practice radiation therapist) for radiation therapists to improve care delivery, address staffing shortages, and provide career growth. Expanding radiation therapy's scope in research and care coordination could help fill gaps, alleviate workforce challenges, and improve outcomes.

The findings suggest that the future of radiation therapy practice lies in maximizing the potential of radiation therapists, with additional development needed to define new clinical career pathways and improve patient outcomes. Further research and resources are necessary to establish evidence-based models that leverage radiation therapists' expertise to the level of advanced practice.