Radiation therapy technology manpower needs 1982.
A shortage of radiation therapy technologists has existed in the United States for many years. This report analyzes the data from the third manpower survey of ACR/ASTR carried out in 1981 to 1982, using the Patterns of Care master facility list. Of 1106 questionnaires mailed, 77% were returned. The survey identified 3757 technologists performing radiation therapy technology duties. Of these, 2537 of these were Registered Technologists (Therapy) American Registry of Radiologic Technologists RTT (ARRT), 1220 were not. There has been a good growth in the total number of RTT (ARRT) members as indicated by the 1982 ARRT Annual Report (1148 in May, 1977, 2878 in May, 1982). Using the "Blue Book" Criteria of 1981 of 2 RTT/megavoltage unit or 2 RTT/300 new patients, the technology need (2900) would appear filled. However, 860 of the RTT were performing supervisory or dosimetry duties and 42% of the 2897 staff technologists were non RTT personnel. At the time of the survey, 597 funded vacancies existed (241 in 1977). A trend toward a changing standard of 3 RTT/megavoltage unit, reflecting the increased complexity of modern radiation therapy techniques, especially in Patterns of Care Strata A1, A2, C1 institutions was identified. While great progress has been made, there is a continuing need for recruitment into the 113 existing educational programs to try to stabilize the supply of technologists. Attention should also be given to measures for upgrading the skills and knowledge of the non RTT personnel in the field and retention of the RTT personnel.