What will I do in this job?

If you choose to be a Nuclear medicine technologist (NMTs), you will apply your knowledge of radiation physics to perform “in vivo” (in the body) and “in vitro” (in the tube) diagnostic procedures. Nuclear medicine is the medical specialty that uses the nuclear properties of radioactive and stable nuclides to make diagnostic evaluations of the anatomic of physiologic conditions of the body and to provide therapy with radioactive source.

NMTs perform many tasks which include:

• instructing patients before and during procedures
• evaluating the preparation of the patient before a procedure has begun
• recognizing emergency patient conditions
• participating in procuring supplies and equipment, scheduling, documenting laboratory work at hospitals, clinics, and research institutions

Will I need a special license?

Certification or registration is available from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and from the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board. Most employers prefer to hire certified or registered technologist.

What type of education do I need?

Nuclear medicine technology programs range in length from 1 to 4 years and lead to a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree. Generally, certificate programs are offered in hospitals, associate degree programs in community colleges, and bachelor’s degree programs in 4-year colleges and universities. Courses cover the physical sciences, biological effects of radiation exposure, radiation protection and procedures, the use of radiopharmaceuticals, imaging techniques, and computer applications.

Will I find a job?

Employment of nuclear medicine technologists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2012. However, the number of openings each year will be relatively low because the occupation is small.

How much will I make?

Median Salary: $48,750 (Ranges from $35,500-$68,500)
(2003-2004)