Future Challenges and Occupational Prospects of Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Introduction: Nuclear Medicine is a field to which much of society is unaccustomed, especially among those outside of the medical field. According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, there has been a 24% increase in demand for licensed nuclear medicine technologists (NMTs). With theragnostic and PET advancements, demand for NMTs is likely to increase. However, there continues to be a limited supply of working technologists due to factors including accredited educational program closures and a large number of licensed professionals exiting the field. This gap has been compounded by COVID-19, which has significantly reduced the available workforce throughout the healthcare industry, including the field of nuclear medicine. Therefore, there is a forecasted significant deficit of licensed NMTs in the next 5-10 years.

Methods: Statistical data from 2012 to 2022 was retrieved from the Joint Review Committee of Nuclear Medicine Technologists (JCNMT) regarding the number of qualified nuclear medicine technologist programs nationwide. Also obtained was the number of students successfully graduating from 2012 to 2020. The annual exam report, data from 1996 to 2021 on the total number of examinees and certificants from 2012 to 2022, were obtained from the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB). Data on open positions within Kaiser Permanente hospitals Northern California region between 2015 to 2020 was obtained from the Director of Career Service for KPAHS. A randomized survey of 50 certified NMTs currently working in Northern California healthcare facilities (including Sutter, Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, etc…) was conducted to evaluate the current and future shifts existing within the occupation in terms of direct patientcare in the next 5-10 years.

Results: From 2012-2022, 26 accredited nuclear medicine programs were discontinued, accounting for a 26.8% decrease in active programs. From 2012 to 2021, the total number of graduating students from nuclear medicine programs decreased by 397 students, representing a 43% decline. Since 1996, the number of examinees who took the NMTCB licensure examination was at its lowest in 2020. Between 2012-2022, the field of Nuclear Medicine Technology saw a loss of 1438 NMTs, indicating a 6% decrease. The number of posted job openings, including internal and external positions, within Kaiser Permanente facilities Northern California have increased from 2 to 13 between 2015 and 2022, which is equivalent to 550% increase. The micro survey indicates 26% of NMTs are planning to retire or withdraw from direct patient care over the next 5-10 years.

Conclusions: Collecting data from multiple sources and a population specific survey reveal a continued increase in demand for NMTs and the decrease in availability of working NMTs, confirming our hypothesis of an upcoming shortage of NMTs. Significant thought and concern should be taken to understand the shortage of NMTs in the upcoming 5 to 10 years. Regardless of the reasons, hospitals, healthcare providers, and staffing partners should prepare for the upcoming deficit. We believe the solution to the shortage lies in partnership with accredited organizations, educational institutions, clinics, and hospitals to address the likely future deficit of NMTs.