Supply of and demand for radiologic technologist personnel in Taiwan: an analysis of 20 years

Abstract

Background: Currently, nine universities and one junior college offer radiologic technologist (RT) programs (RTPs) in Taiwan. The curriculum, certificate examination, and licensing of RTs in RTPs in Taiwan are similar to those for RTPs in Japan and Korea. The present study explored the supply of and demand for RTs over the past 20 years and identified predictive indicators of trends affecting the numbers of RTs supplied and demanded.Methods: The present study involved web-based research. The analyzed data were publicly available information downloaded from the websites of relevant statistical departments in Taiwan. The study employed specific medical devices or examinations used in hospitals to determine the demand for RTs. Long-term (1999–2018) and short-term (2014–2018) trends were analyzed. The change rates were calculated using compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Pearson’s product–moment correlation coefficient or Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to evaluate two groups of continuous variables. Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Shapiro–Wilk tests were used to test normally distributed data.Results: During 1999–2018, the annual numbers of students and graduates in RTPs were 2654 ± 350 and 516 ± 109, respectively, with corresponding CAGRs of 2.2% and 3.7%. During 2014–2018, the annual numbers of students and graduates in the RTPs were 2908 ± 67 and 605 ± 55, respectively, with corresponding CAGRs of −0.7% and 2.4%. During 1999–2018, the annual numbers of examinees and qualified personnel were 1228 ± 174 and 372 ± 62, respectively. The CAGRs for the number of qualified personnel were −1.5% and −4.7% during 1999–2018 and 2014–2018, respectively. The number of specific medical devices increased from 599 in 2000 to 1057 in 2018, whereas that of specific medical examinations increased from 1.7 million in 2000 to 5.3 million in 2018.Conclusion: During 2014–2018, 605 students graduated from RTPs annually, with approximately 375 annually becoming qualified personnel in Taiwan. The increase in the numbers of specific medical devices and examinations resulted in an annual increase of 204 new positions for RTs.