Employment Longevity of Nuclear Medicine Technologists Based on Educational Level

Objectives: The purpose of this research is to see if there are differences in employment longevity with nuclear medicine technologists (NMTs) who have various levels of education. Methods: In the summer of 2016 an online survey of nuclear medicine technologists was conducted. Technologists were asked fifteen questions regarding their career, degrees earned, and nuclear medicine training. Three different measures of longevity were used: years per employer, years at current employer, and percentage of career employed in nuclear medicine. Participants were divided into groups based on highest level of education and also into groups based upon level of NMT education. Single factor ANOVA statistics were used to compare groups of technologists. Only technologists who graduated prior to 2012 were used in the statistical analysis. Results: Of 2,655 NMTs surveyed, 389 responded to the survey. Years per employer, years at current employer, and percentage of career employed in Nuclear Medicine statistics all displayed two significant associations based upon highest level of education as well as level of NMT training. Associate degree earners, compared to baccalaureate graduates, spend less time per employer, have shorter times at their current employer, and have a reduced percentage of their working career employed in nuclear medicine. Conclusion: There are differences in employment longevity of technologists with dissimilar levels of education.