The future of MRIT employment: Recruitment and retention from a new graduate perspective

There is a critical shortage of medical imaging and radiation technologists (MRITs) in Canada, compromising patient care and contributing to escalating wait times. Employers must consider strategies to optimize recruitment and retention. This study examines the priorities of MRIT graduates entering the job market.

A prospective survey targeted graduates from 2021-2024 from all MRIT disciplines from a single academic institution in Ontario. Participants completed a survey examining job-seeking priorities, including location, compensation, shift type, professional development, organizational culture, and clinical experience. Ethical considerations involved informed consent and participant confidentiality.

There were 32 responses across disciplines. Geographic location emerged as a major factor in employment decision-making, with many applying exclusively in their preferred city, and the majority open to incentivized relocation. Compensation and work-life balance were consistently prioritized. Radiation therapy respondents demonstrated greater interest in academic opportunities. Most respondents desired full-time employment. Notably, nearly half of the respondents had considered leaving the field due to limited growth opportunities, insufficient pay, and negative clinical experiences, highlighting potential retention challenges for new graduates in the field.

This study provides critical exploratory insights into the lived experiences of recent MRIT graduates seeking initial employment and deciding to remain in the field. Future research using larger, more representative samples is needed to increase the generalizability of the results. Employers can leverage these preliminary findings to begin developing effective recruitment and retention strategies that align with the profession's future.

There is a shortage of medical imaging and radiation technologists in Canada, which can increase wait times for care. This study surveyed recent graduates to understand what matters to them when choosing jobs, including location, pay, working hours, and career growth. This study found that graduates value location, fair pay, and work-life balance, and many have considered leaving the field due to limited growth, low pay, and negative work experiences. This matters because understanding these priorities can help employers improve recruitment and retention, which may support better patient care.