THE JOB MARKET FOR RADIOLOGY RESIDENTS AND FELLOWS GRADUATING IN 1994

OBJECTIVE. In response to anecdotal reports of grave deterioration in the job market for graduates of radiology training programs, the Ameri can College of Radiology undertook a systematic appraisal of this job market for 1994. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Between mid-April and mid-May 1994, the American College of Radiology surveyed 40 directors of rando mly chosen diagnostic radiology training programs and 20 directors of randomly chosen radiation oncology training programs. We achieved a re sponse rate of 80% or more in both categories. The survey asked, among other questions, the number of graduates, how many had jobs, the numb er of offers received by graduates this year and last, and how difficu lt the job market was relative to recent years. RESULTS. Directors rep orted that 96% of graduating residents and 86% of graduating diagnosti c fellows had commitments for positions. Of those;with commitments, 94 % of residents and 84% of diagnostic fellows were reported to have job s that reasonably matched their training and job goals. Program direct ors estimated that the average graduate received two job offers but, o n average, rated the job market as somewhat more difficult than was ty pical of recent years and reported that 1993 graduates had received mo re job offers. Plans to change size were reported for one fourth of pr ograms, but the job market situation was not an important reason for t hese planned changes. CONCLUSION. Although the overwhelming majority o f 1994 graduates obtained jobs, and these overwhelmingly were jobs of interest, program directors reported that the job market was weakening . Given the changes in the socioeconomic environment-managed care, for example-and the changing job market, training programs should give mo re attention to the job market in planning for changes in size.