RadNet, WIN-NextGen Partner to Build Future Medical Imaging Workforce

RadNet has announced a collaboration with workforce innovation network, WIN-NextGen, to introduce middle school, high school, and young adult learners to careers in medical imaging, with an emphasis on mentorship, career exploration, and hands-on learning.

The initiative comes as the medical imaging field faces workforce shortages amid growing demand for diagnostic imaging and a limited pipeline of future radiologists and radiologic technologists.

Through the collaboration, students ages 12 to 17 in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and parts of Virginia, as well as young adults ages 18 to 24, will have access to WIN-NextGen’s digital workforce platform. The program will offer age-appropriate learning modules, interactive career experiences, mentorship opportunities, and imaging center shadowing experiences.

“Our collaboration with WIN-NextGen is an investment in the future of radiology and the patients who depend on it,” said Steve Forthuber, president and CEO of RadNet Eastern Operations. “By increasing awareness, expanding access to mentorship and creating meaningful learning experiences, we hope to inspire more young people to enter this rewarding profession and help strengthen the imaging workforce for years to come.”

Elisa Basnight Layne, founder and CEO of WIN-NextGen, said the partnership is designed to establish a sustainable pipeline of future healthcare professionals.

“The future of healthcare depends on organizations willing to invest in talent before workforce shortages become workforce crises,” Layne said.

Cliffondra Brown, vice president of customer relations and training and development at RadNet, said the initiative is intended to make radiology careers accessible to students regardless of where they live.

“Our objective is to remove barriers, provide a roadmap and align the unique talents of students and young adults with purposeful work through nontraditional career pathways that are both meaningful and engaging,” Brown said.

The collaboration is expected to eventually include internship and scholarship opportunities. During the initial phase, participants can complete learning modules to earn rewards including iPads, invitations to select RadNet events and mentorship sessions with experienced radiologic technologists.

RadNet and WIN-NextGen will officially launch the program on October 24 at RadNet’s Advanced Radiology Timonium Crossings Imaging Center in Maryland. Students and their families will tour the facility, view imaging demonstrations, and participate in educational activities.