What Does a Nuclear Medicine Technologist Do?

Nuclear medicine technologists work in hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. They prepare and administer radioactive drugs to patients. The drugs are used to diagnose and treat medical conditions. Nuclear medicine technologists also operate equipment that creates images of the human body.

Administer radioactive drugs

Nuclear medicine technologists administer radioactive drugs to patients. The drugs are usually given by injection or orally. They work closely with nuclear pharmacists, who prepare the drugs. Technologists also may prepare patients for procedures, Position patients and equipment, monitor patients during procedures, and provide patient care.

Perform diagnostic imaging procedures

A nuclear medicine technologist is a health care professional who performs diagnostic imaging procedures using radiopharmaceuticals. The technologist also administers radiopharmaceuticals to patients for therapeutic purposes.

Nuclear medicine is a branch of medicine that uses radioactive isotopes to diagnosis, stage and treat disease. Nuclear medicine imaging procedurals provide unique information that often cannot be obtained using other imaging modalities such as X-ray, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Nuclear medicine technologists work in hospitals, clinics and private practices. They may also work in research laboratories or in the pharmaceutical industry.

Operate nuclear medicine equipment

A nuclear medicine technologist is a medical professional who specializes in the use of radioactive materials to diagnose and treat disease. Technologists work with nuclear pharmacies to compound and dispense radiopharmaceuticals, and they operate nuclear medicine equipment to administer these drugs to patients. They also use imaging equipment to produce images of the body that can be used to diagnose or monitor the progress of disease.

What are the Educational Requirements to Become a Nuclear Medicine Technologist?

Nuclear medicine technologists typically need at least an associate’s degree in nuclear medicine technology. Programs typically take 2 to 4 years to complete and include coursework in anatomy, physiology, physics, and mathematics, as well as technical coursework in nuclear medicine technology. Some technologists choose to earn a bachelor’s degree in nuclear medicine technology, which can lead to career advancement and higher salaries.

Associate’s degree

Most nuclear medicine technologists have at least an associate’s degree from an accredited allied health program, although a bachelor’s degree may be preferred by some employers. Coursework generally includes math, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics, and medical imaging. Many programs include clinical experience. After completing an educational program, nuclear medicine technologists must obtain certification and complete a period of on-the-job training.

Bachelor’s degree

A bachelor’s degree in nuclear medicine technology is the most common educational requirement to become a nuclear medicine technologist. Although not required, some technologists may choose to pursue certification through professional organizations such as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Certification

To be eligible for the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) certification examination, candidates must graduate from an accredited nuclear medicine technology program and complete a minimum of 12 months full-time clinical training in nuclear medicine technology. For more information on NMTCB, visit www.nmtcb.org.

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) also offers certification in nuclear medicine technology. Candidates must have completed an accredited nuclear medicine program and clinical training, as well as successfully completed the ARRT exam. For more information on ARRT, visit www.arrt.org.

What are the Job Prospects for Nuclear Medicine Technologists?

A nuclear medicine technologist is responsible for administering radiopharmaceuticals to patients and performing diagnostic imaging procedures. They also play a vital role in educating patients about their condition and how the nuclear medicine procedure will help diagnose or treat their condition. Nuclear medicine technologists must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills as they will be working closely with patients who may be anxious about their procedures.

Employment outlook

Nuclear medicine technologists work in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and nuclear medicine facilities. They typically work full time, but some may work evenings or weekends to accommodate patients’ schedules. The job outlook for nuclear medicine technologists is good. Employment is projected to grow 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Job opportunities should be best for those who have completed a four-year program in nuclear medicine technology.

Salary

In nuclear medicine, technologists prepare and administer radioactive drugs to patients for diagnostic testing and for therapy. They work closely with nuclear medicine physicians, who prescribe the type of imaging or therapy needed. Technologists also maintain and operate the equipment used in these procedures.

The median annual wage for nuclear medicine technologists was $77,560 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $56,180, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $104,610.

Conclusion

Nuclear medicine is a growing field that offers many opportunities for technologists. These professionals play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. If you are interested in a career in nuclear medicine, be sure to research the different types of positions available and the training requirements. With the right education and experience, you can launch a fulfilling career as a nuclear medicine technologist.

What Does a Nuclear Medicine Technologist Do?

Introduction