In the evolving landscape of medical imaging, the data speaks volumes. And if you’re listening, it’s clear: the future is advanced imaging, and the time to level up your career is now.
Let’s take a closer look at what the certification trends from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) tell us, and why the GROW! Fellowship through the AHEC Foundation is more important than ever.
All data has been sourced from the ARRT Credential Statistics Census over a period of 9 years. The most current certification data can be found here: https://www.arrt.org/pages/credential-statistics-census
Where We Are and Where We’re Going
Over the past decade, the total number of imaging certificates earned across 15 ARRT modalities has jumped from 501,790 in 2016 to 575,528 in 2025. That’s a nearly 15% growth overall. But inside that growth is a more specific story:
High-tech modalities are surging:
- Computed Tomography (CT): Up 47%
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Up 43%
- Vascular Interventional Radiography: More than doubled
Other areas are stagnating or declining:
- Mammography: Steady decrease over time
- Quality Management: Down 31%
- Cardiovascular Interventional Radiography: Declining due to structural changes in certification
Radiography remains the foundation:
With over 335,000 certified professionals, it’s still the largest modality by far. But the growth opportunities are limited without adding more specialization to your resume.
Why are some areas declining?
The decline in Cardiovascular Interventional Radiography certifications doesn’t reflect a drop in demand or interest. Instead, it’s the result of a structural change within ARRT’s credentialing process. The original Cardiovascular Interventional (CV) certification has been retired and replaced with two distinct pathways: Cardiac Interventional (CI) and Vascular Interventional (VI). Because new CV certifications are no longer being issued, the number of professionals holding that title will naturally continue to decline over time as those individuals retire or transition roles. This shift better reflects the specialized skill sets now required in modern interventional imaging.
The drop in Quality Management (QM) certifications likely stems from a shift in how healthcare facilities approach compliance and quality assurance. In many imaging departments, QM responsibilities have been absorbed by supervisors or moved to broader administrative or compliance teams, reducing the need for individual technologists to hold this certification. On top of that, QM is more administrative than clinical, involving documentation, audits, and policy oversight, which doesn’t appeal to everyone. With no major salary incentives and fewer direct career benefits, many technologists are choosing to pursue certifications in modalities like CT or MRI that offer more hands-on work, flexibility, and professional growth.
A Decline in Mammography, and Why It Should Matter to You
One of the most concerning trends in the data is the drop in certified mammographers. While not dramatic, the consistent downward slide – from 49,970 in 2016 to 48,170 in 2025 – points to a potential shortage on the horizon. That may seem like just a number, but think about what it really means.
When you or your mother, sister, daughter, or best friend goes in for her annual mammogram, she’s trusting that technologist to deliver clear, accurate imaging that could catch breast cancer early and save her life. If the field doesn’t bring in and train the next generation of mammographers, access to timely, high-quality breast care will suffer.
The GROW! Fellowship exists to protect and strengthen mammography by supporting women who want to expand their scope and ensure those critical services are never at risk.
Introducing the GROW! Fellowship
GROW! stands for Growing Radiologic Opportunities for Women. This fellowship, offered through the AHEC Foundation, helps remove financial barriers for technologists ready to pursue advanced training.
Why the AHEC Foundation?
The AHEC Foundation exists to empower the imaging workforce by reducing the financial and accessibility gaps that keep professionals from advancing. Our mission is to invest in people, education, and equitable opportunities within the field of radiologic sciences.
With programs like GROW!, we support the kind of career advancement that responds directly to current industry needs.
What This Means for You
These numbers reflect the shifting demands of healthcare and a rising need for highly trained, cross-certified imaging professionals.
If you’re a radiologic technologist looking to level up your career, this is the time to expand your skill set into high-growth areas like MRI, CT, or Vascular Interventional Radiography. AHEC’s Stackable Education for the Radiologic Technologist allows you to build your expertise one modality at a time, without having to pause your career. Whether you choose to start with MRI, CT, or Interventional Radiography, each program is designed to fully prepare you for your new career. By stacking certifications, you not only increase your professional versatility but also position yourself as an indispensable asset to any imaging department. With expert-led instruction, hands-on simulation, and a strong focus on patient care and safety, our stackable pathway ensures you’re fully prepared for real-world clinical demands while continually opening new doors in your career. View our upcoming courses here.
The Bottom Line
The data is clear. Staying still in today’s imaging field means falling behind. Certifications in advanced modalities are rising sharply, and the demand for cross-trained technologists is not slowing down.
The GROW! Fellowship can help you keep pace with those changes without the financial burden. Our Mammography Initial Training courses are held in Houston, with upcoming dates in October 2025, and January 2026. There is also a webinar option offered.
Take control of your professional future. Join us in training. And be part of the future of imaging.
Ready to GROW?
Visit www.ahecfoundation.org to learn more and apply.
If you’d like to support future technologists, you can donate to the foundation here.
