title: Analyzing the glass ceiling effect among radiologic technologists.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The literature has suggested that advancement within politics, academia and the health professions is influenced by gender. Purpose The authors conducted a survey to determine whether advancement was equal by gender in the radiologic science disciplines of nuclear medicine technology, radiation therapy and radiography.
  
  
  METHODS
  The survey was mailed to 900 subjects, 300 from each discipline. The discipline groups were further stratified by initial year of American Registry of Radiologic Technology certification; the authors selected 100 subjects from each discipline who initially were certified in 1978, 100 in 1988 and 100 in 1998.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Approximately 33% of those selected responded. The findings of the study provided no evidence that men are promoted differentially than women. Women perceived that men were paid more for the same work. It appears that gender bias is pervasive outside of promotion decisions and, indeed, that some illegal actions (eg, sexual harassment, inappropriate gender-related interview questions) take place in radiologic science clinical settings.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is hoped that this study will set a baseline for future research on whether there is a glass ceiling effect in radiologic clinical practice and stimulate discussion of the importance of equal opportunity regardless of gender.
authors.affiliation: Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, USA.
authors.forename: Susan B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Belinsky
authors.forename: James D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Blagg
mesh_terms: D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008503:Medical Staff / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011287:Prejudice; D012042:Registries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013679:Technology, Radiologic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States; D014933:Women's Rights / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000078329:Workforce