Radiation therapy technology manpower needs 1982

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiologic Technology Workforce Analysis
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• A long-standing shortage of radiation therapy technologists in the U.S. necessitates workforce evaluation.
• The American College of Radiology (ACR) and American Society for Therapeutic Radiology (ASTR) conducted a manpower survey.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the 1981-1982 manpower survey data to assess the current and future needs for radiation therapy technologists.
• To identify the number of registered and non-registered technologists and their roles.
• To evaluate the adequacy of the technologist supply based on established criteria.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the third ACR/ASTR manpower survey (1981-1982).
• Analyzed data from 1106 mailed questionnaires, with a 77% return rate.
• Cross-referenced survey data with the Patterns of Care master facility list.

Main Results:

• Identified 3757 technologists, with 2537 being Registered Technologists (Therapy) American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (RTT-ARRT).
• Despite meeting 1981 'Blue Book' criteria, 860 RTT-ARRT performed supervisory/dosimetry duties, and 42% of staff technologists were non-RTT.
• Reported 597 funded vacancies, an increase from 241 in 1977, indicating a growing need.

Conclusions:

• While RTT-ARRT numbers grew, a significant portion were not in direct therapy roles, and many staff positions were filled by non-RTT personnel.
• A trend towards a higher standard of 3 RTT-ARRT per megavoltage unit was observed due to increased treatment complexity.
• Continued recruitment for educational programs and upskilling of non-RTT personnel are crucial for stabilizing the workforce.