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Radiologic Technologist Job Outlook Job opportunities are expected to be favorable. Some employers report difficulty hiring sufficient numbers of radiologic technologists and technicians. Imbalances between the demand for, and supply of, qualified workers should spur efforts to attract and retain qualified radiologic technologists and technicians. As an example of such efforts, employers may provide more flexible training programs or improve compensation and working conditions. Radiologic technologists who also are experienced in more complex diagnostic imaging procedures, such as CT or MRI, will have better employment opportunities, as employers seek to control costs by using multiskilled employees. Employment of radiologic technologists and technicians is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012, as the population grows and ages, increasing the demand for diagnostic imaging. Although healthcare providers are enthusiastic about the clinical benefits of new technologies, the extent to which they are adopted depends largely on cost and reimbursement considerations. For example, digital imaging technology can improve quality and efficiency, but remains expensive. Some promising new technologies may not come into widespread use because they are too expensive and third-party payers may not be willing to pay for their use. Hospitals will remain the principal employer of radiologic technologists
and technicians. However, a greater number of new jobs will be found
in offices of physicians and diagnostic imaging centers. Health facilities
such as these are expected to grow rapidly through 2012, due to the
strong shift toward outpatient care, encouraged by third-party payers
and made possible by technological advances that permit more procedures
to be performed outside the hospital. Some job openings also will arise
from the need to replace technologists and technicians who leave the
occupation. |