The American Society of Radiologic Technologists has launched “The RAD Position,” a monthly podcast hosted by ASRT CEO and Executive Director Melissa B. Pergola, Ed.D., R.T. (R)(M), FASRT, CAE. The podcast features guests from the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession, including members of the ASRT Board of Directors, ASRT staff, medical imaging and radiation therapy experts, and others.

The podcast’s first guest is ASRT President Heather Moore, Ph.D., R.T.(R), who shares her vision for the ASRT, discusses her presidential initiatives and gives advice on how to get involved and take the first step toward volunteering.

“Nearly every person will be touched by a medical imaging or radiation therapy professional throughout the course of their life. I am excited to host this podcast to uplift our medical imaging and radiation therapy community, to talk about the ASRT and how we are working every day for these health care heroes, and to provide information to general listeners about medical imaging and radiation therapy,” said Dr. Pergola.

ASRT has launched the Guide to the Fellows Application Process and Procedure video, to help applicants complete the Fellows application process. The 2023-2024 Committee on Fellows developed the guide to streamline the application process. The comprehensive video walks applicants through the best practices and essential steps to become an ASRT Fellow.

The designation of Fellow represents an exemplary leader who has contributed significantly to the ASRT and the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession. ASRT began recognizing Fellows in 1956.

Candidates interested in becoming a Fellow in 2026 can submit their applications until Aug. 1, 2025. To learn more, watch the video and start your application at asrt.org/fellows. See the video guide below:

Apply today and take the first step toward becoming an ASRT Fellow.

To kick off the presidential initiatives of ASRT President Heather Moore, Ph.D., R.T.(R), leaders from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico met with ASRT’s staff in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Sept. 6, to highlight the BBBS program and outline volunteer opportunities. “ASRT will promote Big Brothers Big Sisters to its staff and members so they can learn about the organization and hopefully participate,” said Dr. Moore.

In addition to the presentation, ASRT is hosting tours of the ASRT Museum and Archives for BBBS area youth and their adult brothers or sisters in Albuquerque starting on Oct. 10. Students can dive into the rich history of medical imaging and radiation therapy, learn about the profession and interact with the museum’s computerized displays.

The BBBS collaboration is one of Dr. Moore’s three presidential initiatives, which are focused on the current workforce shortage, developing best practices for patient care and introducing middle and high school students to the profession. “I’m confident that my initiatives, combined with ASRT’s resources, will result in positive outcomes for the Society and medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals. Join me as we make a difference in our personal and professional lives,” said Dr. Moore.

The next episode of ASRT’s podcast, “The RAD Position,” airs on Sept. 16, and features ASRT member, actor and producer Michael John Benzaia, M.B.A., R.T.(R)(CT).

Benzaia is one of the faces of ASRT’s Be Seen campaign, an initiative to raise the visibility of medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals.

Benzaia talks about why he became a radiologic technologist, his transition into acting and starring in the Be Seen commercial, which aired on NBC and USA Network during the U.S. Olympic trials and during NBCUniversal primetime programs. “This campaign has just been really fun to be involved with, and I see the tangible difference that we’re making real time,” said Benzaia.

“The Rad Position” is a monthly podcast hosted by ASRT CEO and Executive Director Melissa B. Pergola, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(M), FASRT, CAE, and is available on Spotify, Apple and other streaming platforms. It features guests from the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession, including members of the ASRT Board of Directors, ASRT staff, medical imaging and radiation therapy experts, and others.

Visit the website to share how you discovered the profession. If you are a patient, tell us about your interactions with medical imaging and radiation therapy heroes. Your story may be featured on an upcoming episode. Archived episodes with transcripts are available at this link.

The 2024 vacancy rate for radiation therapists increased to 13.6% while the vacancy rate for medical dosimetrists decreased to 9.6%, according to the ASRT Radiation Therapy Workplace and Staffing Survey. This is compared to a 10.7% vacancy rate for radiation therapists and 11.4% for medical dosimetrists in 2022.

Vacancy rates represent the number of unfilled positions that are actively being recruited. The increase in vacancy rates in medical imaging and radiation therapy captured in ASRT’s staffing surveys has served as a catalyst for the Society to work with peer organizations to develop strategies to address the current workforce shortage.

"In February 2024, ASRT, American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology co-hosted the Consensus Committee on the Future of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, which included representatives from 15 organizations spanning the profession. From this meeting, sponsoring organizations are actively collaborating to address workforce shortages by 1) articulating career pathways, 2) creating a pipeline from formal education programs to the workplace and 3) expanding opportunities for education and training that meets the emerging needs of students. Through this work, ASRT is taking steps to advocate for the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession and to support workforce and staffing," said Melissa Culp, M.Ed., R.T.(R)(MR), executive vice president of member engagement.

The survey also tracks longitudinal changes in staffing levels in radiation therapy and medical dosimetry. For example, the average number of full-time equivalent radiation therapist positions budgeted at each facility rose from 7.3 in 2022 to 8.3 in 2024.

Overall, the average number of FTE therapists budgeted per facility has increased by 2.3 during a 20-year period — from 6.0 in 2004 to 8.3 in 2024. The number of FTE dosimetrist positions budgeted per facility rose from 2.4 in 2022 to 2.7 in 2024. Overall, the number of FTE dosimetrists budgeted per facility has increased by 1.1 during a 20-year period — from 1.6 in 2004 to 2.7 in 2024.

ASRT emailed the biennial survey in May 2024 to 22,892 radiation therapists and medical dosimetrists. At the close of the survey in June 2024, 645 respondents from all U.S. states, except Montana, had submitted completed questionnaires for a response rate of 2.8%.

More than 70 health care organizations from across the U.S. will participate in ASRT’s free Virtual Career Fair on Sept. 26 from 4-7 p.m. Eastern time.

The event is part of ASRT’s ongoing efforts to address the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession’s workforce shortage, which was discussed at the Consensus Committee on the Future of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy this past February.

"The Consensus Committee meeting resulted in several goals to address the current shortages by increasing the pipeline into the profession. This career fair is one part of a larger plan by ASRT, which aims to bolster staffing and support the medical imaging and radiation therapy workforce," said Melissa Culp, M.Ed., R.T.(R)(MR), executive vice president of member engagement.

Participants are encouraged to register, review the participating organizations’ profiles, browse open positions, provide their background experience and prepare to connect with representatives for one-on-one chats. An internet-connected device is required. Registration is free and all registered participants will be entered into a drawing for a $100 Visa gift card.

The ASRT is seeking qualified members interested in volunteer positions for the Committee on Fellows, Committee on Nominations and the Practice Standards Council.

The duties, qualifications and time commitments required for these openings are available through the links below:

Please contact ASRT Volunteer Services at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

To see all current positions available, visit the Open Volunteer Opportunities page.

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists has donated $10,000 to the American Red Cross to assist with disaster relief efforts across the southeastern U.S. caused by Hurricane Helene. The donation is being made on behalf of ASRT’s 156,000 members, the health care professionals who perform medical imaging procedures or plan and deliver radiation therapy treatments.

Nearly 41,000 ASRT members live and work in the Southeast region of the U.S. where the storm has had significant impact.

"It is vital that we provide this assistance to those affected by this catastrophic storm. We are aware that many of our own ASRT members, staff and their families may have been impacted and we are committed to their recovery," said ASRT President Heather Moore, Ph.D., R.T.(R).

The Red Cross is working diligently with its partners on the ground to mobilize relief supplies and disaster workers and is coordinating with local and state officials to support people in need.

"We also want to recognize the first responders, emergency personnel and health care workers for their heroic efforts in providing care and comfort to those affected," added ASRT Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Melissa B. Pergola, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(M), FASRT, CAE.

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists is hosting a museum event for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico on Oct. 10, at 11 a.m. at the ASRT Museum and Archives in Albuquerque. The event is part of an initiative introduced by ASRT President Heather Moore, Ph.D., R.T.(R), which focuses on educating children and young adults about the radiologic technology profession while also promoting the mission of BBBS.

Dr. Moore's passion for the mentor organization stems from a relationship that began more than 20 years ago when she and her husband mentored a little brother through BBBS. "It was a life-changing experience," said Dr. Moore, who continues her mentor relationship to this day.

During the event, BBBS area youth, with their adult brothers or sisters, will be introduced to the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession, dive into the profession's rich history and interact with the museum’s computerized displays and exhibits. Deanna Sauceda, chief of programs for BBBS of Central New Mexico said, "I think our young people will learn a lot about the history of radiology and walk away with their eyes wide open to a lot of new opportunities."

Dr. Moore's two other presidential initiatives focus on building pipelines into the profession and developing continuing education products focused on the special considerations needed when imaging or providing care to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. "I'm confident that my initiatives will support the Society's mission to advance and elevate the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession and to enhance the quality and safety of patient care," said Dr. Moore.

The ASRT Museum and Archives, established in 2015, tells the history of the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession, and the ASRT, the world's largest radiologic science association. The museum is open to visitors by appointment only. To schedule a guided tour email [email protected].

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists 2025 election in February will include a special election ballot to fill the vacated 2024-2025 Board of Directors president-elect seat.

The annual election offers ASRT voting members the opportunity to elect officers and chapter delegates.

By casting their vote on the special election ballot, members will vote in a new president-elect for the remainder of the 2024-2025 Board term. In addition, members will vote to elect the next president-elect for the 2025-2026 term as part of the annual election ballot.

When the company that manages the election tallies the votes in March 2025, the Society will follow the process below, as outlined in the ASRT Bylaws:

• The member who wins the special election component will immediately start serving on the Board as president-elect and finish out the 2024-2025 term. The individual will then be elevated to president for the 2025-2026 term after being duly installed during the Installation of Officers event at the close of the 2025 ASRT Annual Governance and House of Delegates Meeting in Reno, Nevada.
• The member who wins the regular annual election will serve as president-elect for the 2025-2026 term after being duly installed during the Installation of Officers event at the close of the 2025 ASRT Annual Governance and House of Delegates Meeting in Reno, Nevada.

The special election is required per ASRT Bylaws as Daniel DeMaio, M.Ed., R.T.(R)(CT), recently resigned from his position as president-elect. “I have decided to pursue a new professional direction that precludes me from continuing my volunteer service with the ASRT at this time,” said DeMaio.

ASRT members who meet the qualifications and are interested in running for president-elect or nominating another qualified ASRT member to run on the special election ballot may submit nominations through the ASRT election web page during the nomination period, Oct. 14-25.

For questions about the special election, contact the ASRT Governance Department at [email protected].