Radiology technologist training programs saw enrollment gains in 2013

Radiography and radiation therapy program enrollments increased slightly in 2013, according to a recently published survey by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).

The survey found that in 2013, 16,154 students enrolled in radiography programs and 1,513 students entered radiation therapy programs. Based on the survey responses, an average of 21.8 students entered radiography programs in 2013. This represents an increase of 0.9 students per program over the previous year.

On average, 12.5 students entered radiation therapy programs in 2013, which represents an increase of one student per class for both radiography and radiation therapy programs compared with 2012 enrollments.

Nuclear medicine technology programs enrollments were down, slightly, however, with 1,280 students enrolling, representing a decrease of 0.5 students per class, from 10.5 students per class in 2012 to 10.0 students in 2013.

Even with the slight increases, it appears that program directors are limiting enrollment numbers. For example, radiography program directors turned away 36.3 applicants per class and radiation therapy program directors turned down 17.1 students. Nuclear medicine program directors turned away 7.8 students.

"After factoring in the number of students who weren't admitted and the available slots in programs, we estimated that more than 15,500 students were turned away in 2013," John Culbertson, ASRT director of research, said in an announcement. "In addition, about 46 percent of radiography program directors who participated in the survey said their program was not at full capacity in 2013, which possibly indicates that many directors are carefully monitoring their enrollment."

An ASRT survey published last summer determined that radiologic technologist salaries have increased by 1.7 percent over the last three years, and now average $62,763.

To learn more:
- see the ASRT survey (.pdf)
- read the announcement from ASRT