In light of the growing national shortage of medical imaging technologists in the United States, there is an urgent need for innovative educational programs and strategic partnerships to address this critical issue. A shining example of this effort is the journey of Aisseta Sall, also known as Nènè, who transitioned from Senegal, West Africa, to become a certified nuclear medicine technologist in the U.S. Her personal story is framed within the larger narrative of how programs like the Advanced Medical Imaging Technology (AMIT) at the University of Cincinnati (UC) are playing a pivotal role in mitigating this professional shortfall.
Aisseta first encountered the life-saving potential of medical imaging technology as a child in Senegal when it was used to diagnose a severe health issue, ultimately leading to an emergency surgery that saved her life. This experience left a lasting impression, fueling her interest in the field and driving her to pursue a career in medical imaging after relocating to the United States in 2016. Upon arrival, she dedicated a year to learning English and completing crucial math and science prerequisites before joining UC’s AMIT program in 2020.
The Journey to Becoming a Medical Imaging Technologist
The University of Cincinnati’s AMIT program stands out due to its unique curriculum, which allows students to become credentialed in both nuclear medicine technology and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) while also earning a bachelor’s degree. This dual-modality training distinguishes it from conventional programs that generally offer specialization in a single diagnostic modality through shorter certificate or associate degree programs. Graduates of the AMIT program meet national board eligibility requirements for both nuclear medicine technology and MRI, enabling them to take licensing examinations for both modalities. Additionally, the program offers certificates for those who choose to credential in only one modality.
In August, Aisseta Sall proudly graduated from the AMIT program with a Bachelor of Science in advanced medical imaging technology. She began her career almost immediately in September, taking up the role of a certified nuclear medicine technologist at a Norton Healthcare facility in Louisville, Kentucky. Her accomplishments not only satisfied her personal aspirations but also contributed significantly to alleviating the national shortage of medical imaging technologists. Sall’s success and subsequent employment underscore the significance and effectiveness of UC’s comprehensive educational approach in producing well-rounded and highly skilled professionals.
The Role of Educational Programs in Addressing Shortages
Aisseta Sall has expressed a deep desire to give back to the community by serving as a clinical facilitator for future students. This aspiration reflects the profound impact UC alumni and technologists had on her during her own clinical placements. She empathizes with the apprehension and uncertainties that students frequently experience during their clinical training and aims to offer the reassurance and guidance that was so crucial to her success. Sall’s belief that continuous learning is an integral part of the profession resonates with her commitment to mentoring the next generation of technologists.
The national shortage of nuclear medicine and MRI technologists can be attributed to several factors, including a rising retirement rate among licensed professionals and a limited number of accredited training programs. A substantial decline in such programs has exacerbated this issue, with 26 accredited nuclear medicine programs being discontinued between 2012 and 2022—a reduction of 26.8%. Despite this contraction, demand remains robust, driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and a growing elderly population in the United States. Even though the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 1% decline in nuclear medicine technologist employment from 2023 to 2033, an average of 800 job openings per year remains. Contrastingly, employment for radiologic and MRI technologists is expected to grow by 6% over the same decade, translating to an average of 16,000 job openings annually.
Strategic Partnerships and Clinical Placements
Stephanie Hug, an assistant professor and the program director of UC’s AMIT program, has sounded the alarm on the acute shortage of technologists. This shortage is particularly severe in Kentucky, which lacks a nuclear medicine technology program and has merely one MRI program. Hug is finalizing a clinical agreement with Norton Healthcare to establish a yearlong clinical placement program for AMIT students, scheduled to launch in fall 2025. This partnership is set to create a pipeline of trained technologists for Norton and provide UC students with access to advanced treatments and technologies, such as Pluvicto and Lutathera. Hug emphasizes the necessity of securing clinical sites with experienced technologists to facilitate high-level learning experiences for students, underscoring the value of practical, hands-on training in preparing future professionals.
By facilitating the transfer of knowledge and expertise from seasoned technologists to new students, programs like AMIT aim to sustain and expand the medical imaging profession. Hug, a 2006 UC AMIT graduate herself, brings two decades of experience to her current role. Over the years, the program has undergone various enhancements, including hiring a dedicated clinical site coordinator, forming robust relationships with health systems, and integrating newer technologies into the curriculum. These efforts have fortified the program’s ability to train proficient technologists who can meet the increasing demands of the healthcare industry.
Future Directions and Innovations in Training
Due to a growing national shortage of medical imaging technologists in the United States, there is a pressing need for innovative educational programs and strategic collaborations. One inspiring example is Aisseta Sall, also known as Nènè, who moved from Senegal, West Africa, to become a certified nuclear medicine technologist in the U.S. Her personal journey highlights the significance of programs like the Advanced Medical Imaging Technology (AMIT) at the University of Cincinnati (UC) in addressing this professional shortfall.
Aisseta’s interest in medical imaging technology began in her childhood in Senegal when the technology diagnosed a severe health issue, leading to an emergency surgery that saved her life. This pivotal event ignited her passion for the field. In 2016, she relocated to the United States, dedicating a year to mastering English and completing essential math and science courses. By 2020, she joined UC’s AMIT program, illustrating how dedicated educational initiatives can help bridge the gap in the medical imaging workforce, fulfilling a crucial need in the healthcare industry.
