The American Society of Radiologic Technologists said the United States faces a significant radiologic technologist workforce shortage.
Vacancy rates across medical imaging specialties remain at or near historic highs, ranging from roughly 11% to 19% depending on the specialty.
ThedaCare School of Radiologic Technology is helping to fill the pipeline. The accredited, 21-month, hospital-based certificate program prepares students to become certified registered radiologic technologists. Technologists complete rotations in radiology, interventional radiology, MRI, CT, mammography and surgery, said Troy Albrecht, program director of the ThedaCare School of Radiologic Technology.
Skylee Manecke is a June 2026 graduate and a X-ray and CT technologist at ThedaCare Medical Center-Waupaca.
Her journey toward a career in healthcare began long before setting foot in the classroom.
She survived a stroke at age13 and grew up determined to care for others just as she was cared for by her nurses, CT and MRI techs, doctors and neurologists.
“They changed my life for the better,” she said. “It made me want to do nothing more than the same for someone else.”
The ThedaCare School of Radiologic Technology program helped turn that goal into reality. During the program, Manecke completed clinical rotations in X-ray, fluoroscopy, surgery and CT, gaining the skills and confidence needed to begin her career.
“It’s just hands on, all day long and staying confident while learning,” she said. “In the end, the confidence it gives you after graduation is unbelievable.”
Creating that sense of connection is intentional, Albrecht said.
“We tell the students that this isn’t just a program. It’s about family,” he said. “We want you to work within ThedaCare. We build that relationship with students where they have the trust that we’re going to be there for them.”
“I’m especially proud that so many of our graduates, like Skylee, remain in Wisconsin and become part of the workforce caring for our own communities,” Albrecht added. “Over the years, we’ve built what I like to call our ‘radiology family,’ with graduates working throughout the region and continuing to support our students and one another.”
