If you have a keen interest in the health sciences and computer technology and are looking for a people-oriented career, consider Nuclear Medicine Technology!
Nuclear medicine combines chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer technology, and medicine in using radioactivity to diagnose and treat disease. Though there are many diagnostic techniques currently available, nuclear medicine uniquely provides information about both the structure and function of virtually every major organ system within the body. It is this ability to characterize and quantify physiologic function which separates nuclear medicine from other imaging modalities, such as x-ray. Nuclear medicine procedures are safe, they involve little or no patient discomfort and do not require the use of anesthesia.
The Nuclear Medicine Technologist is a highly specialized healthcare professional who works closely with the nuclear medicine physician. Some of the technologist's primary responsibilities are to:
During an imaging procedure, the technologist works directly with the patient. The technologist:
Nuclear medicine will continue to be a field at the forefront of modern clinical medicine and technological development. The future has never been brighter thanks to:
Nuclear Medicine Technologists work in a wide variety of clinical settings, such as
Salaries in nuclear medicine are very good. Salaries tend to vary with geographic regions and cost of living. For entry-level salary information for your region, contact a Nuclear Medicine Technology training program in your area.
Technologists have a wide variety of alternative career paths available, including:
More than 100 accredited Nuclear Medicine Technology programs currently offer instruction and clinical internship.
General prerequisites depend on the type of program offered, but typically include a background in science and mathematics and an interest in working with patients. Programs available include:
For information about or a complete list of Nuclear Medicine Technology programs, contact:
Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology
2000 W. Danforth Road
Suite 130, #203
Edmond, OK 73003
Tel 405.285.0546
Fax 405.285.0579
Website: www.jrcnmt.org
Email: jrcnmt@coxinet.net
Or contact your guidance counselor or local library for The Allied Health Education Directory (ISBN 0-88970-186-8)
Upon successful completion of a nuclear medicine program, qualified technologists can be certified through examination by one of the national certifying agencies. Many employers and an increasing number of states now require certification or licensure.
Want More Information?
Call your local hospital and ask for the Nuclear Medicine Department. Speak directly with a Nuclear Medicine Technologist and arrange for a visit.
For additional information about the profession, write or call
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technologist Section
1850 Samuel Morse Drive
Reston, Va 20190-5316
Tel 703-708-9000
Email: nwenzel@snmmi.org