Developing Future In-House Radiology Service Technologists

Abstract

Lower Mainland Biomedical Engineering (LMBME) Radiology Service group provides in-house service for medical imaging equipment across 28 acute hospital sites. The scarcity of qualified Radiology Service Technologists (RST) poses a risk to long-term sustainability of in-house radiology service. To bridge the gap between a Biomedical Engineering Technologist and a full-scope RST, a unique job description was created for a RST apprentice. The apprentice program has provided a viable path to fill future retirement vacancies and team expansions. This initiative can be shared with other service organizations looking to strategize around recruitment and retention of highly qualified RSTs and build a successful, sustainable in-house service for medical imaging systems.