Course Description
Radiologic technologists (RTs) are instrumental in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up imaging of patients with various diseases and health conditions. These specially trained medical professionals provide high-quality patient care while operating advanced imaging equipment. However, in recent years, the number of job vacancies for RT positions has been steadily increasing while the demand for imaging continues to rise. The current job vacancy rate for radiographers in the United States is at an all-time high of 18%, reflecting similar trends in other countries. The global RT shortage will significantly impact patients who may experience longer wait times, delayed diagnoses, and the potential for a lower quality of care from overworked RTs. Addressing this issue is complex and will require coordinated efforts from educators, healthcare organizations, professional associations, and RTs to implement effective staffing and technological solutions.

This Continuing Education (CE) course will review the landscape of the current RT shortage, including common contributing factors such as low student enrollment, high numbers of RTs leaving the field, and understaffing caused by RT burnout and attrition. The potential implications of the shortage regarding patient care will also be explored. This CE course will also cover potential solutions for addressing this shortage including recruitment and retention strategies, promoting a healthy work-life balance, and encouraging professional development opportunities. Finally, the use of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and remote scanning to alleviate workloads will be discussed.

Learning Objectives
After reviewing the content, the participant should be able to:

• ASSESS the key factors contributing to the radiological technologist (RT) shortage, including the increasing demand for imaging, understaffing, burnout, and low morale.
• EVALUATE the impact of the RT shortage on patient care and healthcare delivery.
• ANALYZE recruitment strategies aimed at attracting students to enter the field.
• OUTLINE initiatives designed for retaining RTs by enhancing work/life balance and overall job satisfaction.
• EXPLORE the use of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and remote scanning, to optimize workflow efficiency, improve diagnostic accuracy, and alleviate workforce burdens.

Categories: Personal Development/Patient Care & Technology

In order to receive CE credit, you must first complete the activity content. When completed, go to the "Take CE Test!" link to access the post-test.

Submit the completed answers to determine if you have passed the post-test assessment. You must answer 14 out of 18 questions correctly to receive the CE credit. You will have no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete the post-test.

Participants successfully completing the activity content and passing the post-test will receive 2.0 ARRT Category A credits.

Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for ARRT Category A credit.

This program is approved by AHRA, a Recognized Continuing Education Evaluation Mechanism (RCEEM), approved by the ARRT to grant Category A CE credit.

Approved by the state of Florida for ARRT Category A credit (for Personal Development credits). 

Texas indirect credit.

This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities such as Internet courses, home study programs, or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same biennium.