A workforce comprising medical radiation technologists, radiologists, nuclear medicine specialists, medical imaging physicists, and other medical staff is essential for the delivery of medical imaging services.
The numbers of staff in each profession in Canada varies widely, ranging from 25,000 medical radiation technologist positions located across all provinces and territories to 45 medical imaging physicist positions located in 6 provinces.
Key Findings From the Report
- The 2022-2023 data suggest that the number of full-time staff has not grown at the same pace as the volume of exams. Sufficient staffing is needed to ensure the sustainable operation and delivery of medical imaging services, supported by investment in the workforce through equitable education and training opportunities.
- According to a CMII report on wait time strategies, staffing shortages may extend wait times and may lead to disruptions in service delivery.
- The adoption of supportive tools and technologies — such as clinical decision support tools, automated order entry, and AI-driven solutions — may assist the workforce by creating efficiencies, improving image quality, and increasing access to medical imaging.