AI, politics and rising demand for imaging—how rad techs are faring amid an evolving professional landscape
A new report details how technologists and nursing staff feel about the current political climate, policy changes and the emergence of artificial intelligence, revealing that rad techs may be the most adaptable to change.
Wednesday, Incredible Health—the largest software and AI-powered career marketplace for permanent healthcare workers—released its sixth annual State of U.S. Nursing & Technicians Report. The publication details how nurses and techs (radiology, surgical, nursing, etc.) feel about the challenges currently facing healthcare workers, including staffing concerns, compensation, well-being and AI integration.
"Nurses and technicians comprise the majority of healthcare workers in the U.S. and it is essential to get their point of view on what is—and is not—working in our healthcare system," Incredible Health co-founder and CEO Iman Abuzeid, MD, said in a news release. "This year's report offers meaningful insight for health systems on how to improve conditions for these essential workers to reduce turnover and ultimately improve quality of care."
The report focuses on all nursing and tech positions, but Health Imaging was able to acquire information specific to imaging technologists. The data suggest that rad techs may have the most positive outlook of their career trajectories and how AI and politics will affect them.
Here are the highlights specific to imaging techs:
Rad techs are at the forefront of AI utilization. According to the report, around 38% surveyed said they have used AI in clinical settings. This figure is more than double what all other techs and nurses reported. Despite this, 75% said they need more AI training and education.
Rads techs are among some of the most experienced healthcare workers. The report indicates that nearly 40% of the rad techs who participated in the survey are 65 or older. While this suggests these workers have extensive knowledge and experience, it also could signal there will be large staffing gaps to fill as these individuals near retirement. However, it should be noted that other recent data estimate the average rad tech is in their mid-40s.
They feel the rising demand for imaging. All rad techs surveyed reported experiencing a rise in demand for surgical and imaging services, compared to just 68% of other tech respondents. Rad techs also tended to be more optimistic about how their organization is handling the increased demand, with 63% indicating their employer is well equipped to do so.
Imaging staff are more content with pay. As a whole, 74% of techs reported feeling underpaid, but just 50% of rad techs expressed discontent with their salary. However, around 10% said they would benefit from a moderate raise.
Rad techs are less affected by burnout. Compared to other techs and nurses, rad techs reported less burnout, while 63% said they felt supported by their employer, which could indicate a healthier working environment.
Other insights from the survey suggest that the majority of all techs and nurses—nearly 90%—believe that policy changes related to Medicare and Medicaid will negatively impact health systems; 63% said they felt concerned about how the political climate will impact their profession and 66% said this would influence their career decisions.
"The future of healthcare hinges on how we support the healthcare workers delivering care," said Abuzeid. "The good news is that healthcare employers have clear, actionable steps they can take to strengthen hiring and retention. That means investing in competitive, transparent compensation; expanding overall flexibility; prioritizing mental health and workplace safety; and providing continuous training—especially when it comes to emerging technologies like AI."
The full report is available here.
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She began covering the medical imaging industry for Innovate Healthcare in 2021.