There are numerous challenges currently facing the healthcare industry. Uncertainty about COVID-19, hospitals at capacity (or in some cases, nearly empty), and tightened resources are all concerns.
That shortage of resources refers to not only masks and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). It also includes a lack of necessary personnel. Hospitals and healthcare facilities are struggling to fill vacant jobs in several areas. One such job function for which happens is CT Technologist. There is a massive deficit of CT Techs. Positions are left unfilled as there are not enough qualified applicants coming forward.
Potential Causes for Vacancies
So, why is it that healthcare institutions in both urban and rural communities have large numbers of CT Technologist vacancies and are struggling to fill these types of roles?
- Retirement: As of 2018, 26% of radiologists were over the age of 55, according to the ACR Commission on Human Resources Workforce Survey. Additionally, 7% of the total is over age 65. Recent and upcoming retirements mean that a large number of radiology vacancies are becoming available.
- The Appeal of Private Employers: Radiology is not immune to staff departures from those who have decided to take up employment with private institutions. Compensation, working hours, and other factors have pulled many CT Technologists from public hospitals.
- Low Number of Qualified Applicants: The requirement of CT certification for open positions and a lack of applicants with that credential also makes these roles challenging to fill.
Importance of a CT Credential for Employers
Having a CT credential is not only significant in that it signifies a high level of competence and mastery in the area of Computed Tomography. Additionally, having techs with this certification allows hospitals to benefit from increased reimbursements from Medicare. To get full reimbursement from Medicare for radiology procedures, medical institutions need to have a certified CT Technologist on record during the procedure. Those without only allow their employer to obtain partial Medicare reimbursement.
National vs. State Certification
States often vary in certification requirements for CT Technologists. The majority of states require licensure to be able to perform radiology procedures. Hospitals widely accept the ARRT certification as the standard throughout the United States. In fact, some states require the ARRT certification before they will grant a state license. In others, there are alternative licensing/certification requirements. Additionally, those CT Technologists relocating to a state other than the one in which they hold a license may need to complete a state certification for their new state before being able to practice there. It is vital to check with your state to determine the requirements that apply to your situation.
Securing Employment Before Completing CT Certification?
Historically, getting hired in a CT Technologist role without certification was near impossible. However, it appears that no longer rings true. Due to the number of vacancies and lack of candidates with the certification, we are starting to see a new trend. Employers are willing to offer positions to RTs before the candidates apply for CT certification. In cases we have seen recently, these employers stipulate that certification must be obtained within a certain period. This is generally within 12 months of hire date.
This is a game-changer for RTs who haven’t been able to go for their CT credential just yet. If this becomes the trend, RTs can gain valuable experience earlier in their career while still working towards their CT certification.
The Tuffest Stuff CT Registry Exam Preparation
Whether you are looking to apply for one of these positions that will require a CT credential within a year or simply wanting to secure that certification to potentially advance your career, The Tuffest Stuff can help.
Our 16-Hour Webinar provides students with online, on-demand lectures as well as a plethora of exam preparation materials. These include interactive worksheets, diagrams, and practice questions – all designed to elevate comprehension of the difficult material.
Also, we designed our Registry Assessment to be just as challenging (if not more) than the CT Registry Exam itself. This ensures you aren’t left with a false sense of confidence and that you indeed have developed the knowledge and skills to pass. The current first-time pass rate on the CT Registry Exam for The Tuffest Stuff alum is 94%. We are incredibly proud of this!
One year of preparation is not a lot when you factor in a full-time job and whatever else life throws your way. We can work with you to set up a plan of action for your exam preparations. This way, you will be sure to obtain that CT credential before that one-year stipulation is up. Enroll today and begin your journey to a CT credential and significant career advancement.
