According to a recent study conducted by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the number of first-year students enrolling in radiography and radiation therapy programs increased slightly in 2013.

The Enrollment Snapshot of Radiography, Radiation Therapy and Nuclear Medicine Technology Programs – 2013 showed that in 2013 16,154 students enrolled in radiography programs and 1,513 students in radiation therapy programs, or an average of one additional student per class in each group when compared with 2013 numbers. Comparatively, nuclear medicine saw a slight decrease with enrollment at 1,280 students, or an average decline of 0.5 students per class since 2012.

Despite the increase, it appears that programs might not be filled to capacity. Forty-six percent of respondents indicated their programs had unfilled slots, although radiography program directors had also turned away an average of 36.3 qualified students per class and nuclear medicine program directors had turned away an average of 7.8 students.

Researchers contacted 990 program directors in October 2013 and received 501 replies, for a 50.6% response rate. For more information, visit the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.