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Nuclear Medicine Technologist |
Career OverviewModern medical practice utilizes a range of diagnostic techniques to uncover the cause of disease. One especially useful approach, favored by physicians, involves the administering of radioactive compounds into a patient’s bloodstream.
The radioactive compounds contain unstable atoms that spontaneously emit radiation and, upon being taken up by the organs and tissues within the host body, can be used to determine whether any part of the body is functioning abnormally.
Under a doctor’s supervision, a nuclear medicine technologist carries out the procedures that provide the data necessary to form a diagnosis of possible structural or functional abnormalities in a patient’s system. Most often, nuclear medicine is the preferred method for detecting diseases of the brain, heart, liver, and thyroid.
Nuclear medicine technologists are typically responsible for explaining the procedure to patients, positioning patients before they undergo the procedure, and calculating the required dosage of radioactive materials to complete the scan.
They administer the drugs required for the test under the supervision of a physician, and then operate the gamma ray-detecting equipment to collect the data. They are required to check the image quality, arrange to record the data properly, and develop the film so that the physician can review the findings.
Nuclear medicine technologists also perform a laboratory procedure known as radio assay, which involves adding radioactive materials to specimens such as blood serum, to detect levels of various natural bodily elements, such as hormones.
As part of their administrative duties, nuclear medicine technologists are responsible for ordering, handling, and disposing of radioactive drugs. They also maintain records of radionuclides and patient data.
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Career RequirementsThree kinds of training programs exist for nuclear medical technologists: certificate programs, associate degree programs, and bachelor degree programs. Certificate degree programs typically last one year and are designed primarily for health care professionals seeking to change the direction of their career. They are offered generally by hospitals and medical centers rather than universities or colleges.
Associate degree programs generally last two years and are offered by community colleges and some vocational or technical schools. Bachelor degree programs are offered by colleges and universities and generally last four years.
In the two formal programs leading to degrees, required courses include statistics, instrumentation, biochemistry, immunology, radionuclide chemistry and therapy, radiopharmacy administration, radiology, clinical nuclear medicine, and computer application and operation.
Most formal programs, including certificate programs, are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board.
At present, about half of all states require nuclear medicine technologists to hold licenses. Most employers also prefer that nuclear medicine technologists are either certified or registered.
Certification is offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board.
For more information about certification, registration, licensing, and accredited education programs, contact the following organizations:
American Society of Radiologic Technologists
15000 Central Ave. SE.
Albuquerque, NM 87123
www.asrt.org
Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board
2970 Clairmont Rd., Ste 935,
Atlanta, GA 3032
www.nmtcb.org
Society of Nuclear Medicine
1850 Samuel Morse Dr.,
Reston, VA 20190
http://interactive.snm.org
Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology
PMB 418
1 Second Ave. E., Ste C,
Polson, MT 59860
www.jrcnmt.org
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Job OutlookThe demand for nuclear medicine technologists is expected to be in accordance with the average demand for professionals in the coming years; job growth will be steady and not dramatic, and there may be a limited number of openings at any given time.
As the US population ages, the need for nuclear medicine as a diagnostic technique will increase, however the use of less invasive procedures, being preferable, may negatively impact the demand for procedures that rely on nuclear medicine.
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Career TrackMost nuclear medicine technologists work in hospitals, but some are employed to work in the offices of radiologists, at public health facilities, and at research and teaching institutions.
With experience and education, nuclear medicine technologists can advance to supervisor positions, chief nuclear medicine technologist, department administrator, or lab director.
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CompensationStandard compensation for nuclear medicine technologists ranges between $34,000 and $62,000 per year depending upon experience and the precise nature of the job. Additional benefits may include paid vacations, medical and dental insurance, and disability insurance. Commitment to any position is generally fulltime.
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