In modern Spanish medicine, it’s nearly impossible to imagine diagnostics or treatment without the involvement of medical imaging specialists. However, despite their key role in the healthcare system, their training remains limited to vocational programs, while in most European countries this profession requires a university degree.
Since 2021, the association of medical imaging and radiotherapy specialists has been actively pursuing recognition of their profession at the level of higher education. Their demands are supported by leading scientific societies, public universities, and research centers. This year, the issue has returned to the spotlight: representatives of the platform are preparing to address the Senate to convince lawmakers of the need for change.
European standards
In EU countries, there is a directive that requires specialists working with ionizing radiation to have a high level of training. The European Qualifications Framework (EQF) calls for level six—which corresponds to a university degree. In Spain, however, radiology and radiotherapy specialists receive level five, which restricts their opportunities both nationally and abroad.
Two-year vocational training programs are not only shorter in duration but also do not allow graduates to continue their studies at the master’s or doctoral level. This becomes a serious obstacle to employment in other EU countries, where such specialists are in short supply, but Spanish diplomas are not recognized.
Many graduates face the need to complete additional internships or compensatory training abroad, which effectively limits their right to free movement and employment in Europe.
Training challenges
The limited scope of educational programs also affects the quality of training. Curricula do not always keep pace with the rapid development of technology and scientific breakthroughs. As a result, many important subjects are taught by professionals without relevant qualifications—such as biologists or pharmacists—which raises questions about the quality of instruction.
Technicians point out that sometimes students enter a laboratory for the first time only during their hospital internship. This is due to the high number of students and the lack of training facilities, which means not everyone can gain sufficient practical experience.
Growing number of schools
In recent years, Spain has seen a real boom in private educational institutions offering programs in radiodiagnosis and radiotherapy. According to experts, 85% of students study at private centers, and increasingly do so remotely. This approach is not found in any other European country.
There are more than 440 educational institutions in the country offering these specialties, while, for example, there are only 57 in France. Most of these schools are located in Andalusia, whereas in some regions, such as Navarra or La Rioja, there are only two each. This leads to an uneven distribution of educational opportunities across the country.
The number of students enrolling in these programs has nearly doubled over the past five years. However, the job market is unable to absorb so many graduates: each year, 14 times more specialists earn diplomas than the healthcare system actually needs.
Quality and oversight
Experts point to a lack of effective oversight of the quality of education and training. Due to the large influx of students and a shortage of internship placements, many future technicians do not acquire the necessary skills before entering the workforce.
The problem is exacerbated by the fact that many private schools focus on distance learning, which does not allow students to fully develop practical skills. As a result, graduates enter the job market unprepared for real work in clinics and hospitals.
Interests and obstacles
According to experts in the field, one reason for the delay in reform is the commercial interests of private educational institutions, as well as pressure from other medical professions. Over the twenty years of advocating for university status, technicians have faced various arguments from the authorities, including claims that higher education is supposedly unnecessary for this profession.
However, in recent years, supporters of the reform have gained ground. Leading medical associations have joined them, and new studies have emerged confirming the need to raise the level of training for radiology and radiotherapy specialists in Spain.
