The increasing demand for radiology services is colliding with a constrained supply of radiologists, creating a growing imbalance. Imaging volumes are projected to rise by 3-4% annually, while workforce growth remains limited due to retirements and training bottlenecks. These trends highlight the need for strategic staffing strategies to support radiology programs and maintain access to essential diagnostic services.
Why is There a Shortage of Radiologists?
A Growing & Aging Population
One primary driver of increased imaging volume is population growth. According to the American College of Radiology, the U.S. population is expanding at a faster rate than the number of radiologists entering the workforce each year. This trend is expected to continue, placing sustained pressure on radiology services.
Projections published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology estimate that imaging utilization may rise between 16.9% to 26.9% by 2055 if current usage rates persist. Within that range, 73% to 88% of the increase is attributed to population growth, while 12% to 2% is linked to population aging.
The aging population also contributes to the growing demand through increased per capita utilization. The Radiological Society of North America reports that individuals aged 65 and older account for approximately 30% of all annual imaging. The U.S. Census Bureau projects this age group will reach 77 million by 2034, suggesting that the volume and complexity of imaging needs will continue to rise in parallel.
Limited Radiology Residency Positions
At the same time, workforce expansion remains constrained by the number of residency positions available. Radiology remains a highly competitive specialty. In the 2025 National Resident Matching Program, 97.4% of diagnostic radiology and 100% of interventional radiology positions were filled. However, the number of applicants far exceeded available slots. Approximately 87% of diagnostic radiology applicants and 83% of interventional radiology applicants were not matched into PGY-1 positions.
Since 2021, a limited number of new radiology training positions have been added nationwide, with 29 positions added in diagnostic radiology and 11 in interventional radiology. Despite strong interest in the field, limited growth in residency capacity has constrained the pipeline of new radiologists entering the profession.
To explore additional factors contributing to the radiologist shortage, click here.
Strategies for Overcoming the Radiologist Shortage
As healthcare leaders work to address the radiology workforce shortage, several strategies are proving effective. One approach is to leverage locum tenens radiologists to bridge gaps in coverage, manage periods of increased patient volumes, and alleviate strain on permanent staff. For longer-term needs, project-based interim healthcare staffing solutions, such as the Medicus Transition Program, offer a structured approach to stabilizing clinical workforces while maintaining continuity of care.
Technology also plays a key role in mitigating the radiologist shortage. Teleradiology enables hospitals in underserved or remote areas to secure radiology coverage regardless of location, ensuring timely diagnoses and treatment. Additionally, AI is reshaping the field by augmenting radiologists' capabilities. As imaging volumes rise and case complexity grows, AI offers a scalable way to support clinical performance, streamline workflows by automating repetitive tasks, improve efficiency, and enable radiologists to devote more time to diagnostics.
Together, these solutions provide health systems with the flexibility and tools needed to help navigate the radiologist shortage and ensure uninterrupted care for patients.
Learn More About the Radiologist Shortage
The radiologist shortage presents complex challenges for healthcare systems, necessitating innovative solutions and proactive strategies to ensure consistent radiology coverage. Our report, "Navigating the Radiologist Shortage: Strategies for Meeting the Rising Demands in Healthcare," provides healthcare leaders with a comprehensive analysis of the supply-demand gap, workforce trends, and practical approaches to stabilize radiology programs.
Learn More about the Radiologist Shortage
Learn More about the Radiologist Shortage
