NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGIST
Nuclear medicine technologists treat disease by giving patients radioactive substances by mouth or by injection in the veins. Once the substances are given to the patient, the nuclear medicine technologist uses monitoring equipment to trace the movement and concentration of the radioactive materials in the body. Physicians, called radiologists, study the results of the examinations. Other duties of the nuclear medicine technologist include maintaining patient records as well as exercising safe preparation and disposal of radioactive materials used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
HOW DO I BECOME A NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGIST?
While in high school you should take courses in chemistry, mathematics, English, biology, and physics to prepare for a radiologic technologist program after graduation.
A high school diploma or its equivalency (GED) is required, plus at least two years of college is necessary to be accepted for nuclear medicine technology training. One-year hospital-based training programs are available for those who have completed the 60 hours of prerequisite college education or have graduated from an approved radiologic technologist program. Some programs may require 2 years of college. Graduates may test for certification or licensure following completion of their training program.
Requirements vary by state but in Louisiana, you must be have a NMTCB certification. This can be obtained by passing a national examination which is administered to graduates through the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians (ARRT) and the Nuclear Medicine Technologists Certification Board of the Society of Nuclear Medicine.
WHAT WILL I LEARN IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY SCHOOL?
Your medical technology curriculum should include a structured laboratory program, including instruction pertaining to theory and practice in hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, immunology, immunohematology, and computer science. Students will also learn about the theory and application of nuclear medicine technology, administrative issues of radiology, equipment use and maintenance, patient methods (such as how to position the patient and counseling techniques), and radiation biology and protection
LIFE AFTER GRADUATION
The need for nuclear medicine technologists is expected to increase 19% through the next decade according to the American Hospital Association. The profession is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations. Most nuclear radiologic technologists work in major medical centers or hospitals. They are supervised by the nuclear medicine technology supervisor or by the nuclear medicine physician.
PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION SOURCES:
Society of Nuclear Medicine
1850 Samuel Morse Dr.
Reston, VA 20190
(703) 708- 9000
www.snm.org