Nuclear Medicine Technologist
A Nuclear Medicine Technologist is a specialized healthcare professional who prepares and administers radioactive substances, known as radioisotopes, for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in patients. These technologists work under the supervision of radiologists and physicians, calculating dosages and performing tests to monitor patient responses to treatments. Their work typically occurs in medical settings such as hospitals, radiology offices, and imaging centers, where they may engage in a variety of tasks, including operating imaging equipment, ensuring patient safety, and maintaining equipment.
Individuals drawn to this profession often possess strong analytical skills and attention to detail, as well as a calm demeanor for patient interactions. To enter this field, a minimum of an associate's degree and certification are generally required, with coursework in anatomy, physiology, and clinical science being particularly beneficial. The median annual salary for Nuclear Medicine Technologists is approximately $92,500, and the job market is expected to remain stable with little to no change in employment opportunities. This career presents an engaging blend of technical and personal interaction, making it a unique choice within the health science sector.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Health Science
Interests: Nuclear medicine, anatomy, physiology, biology, mathematics, clinical science
Earnings (Yearly Median): $92,500 per year $44.47 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 0% (Little or no change)
Entry-Level Education Associate's degree, certification, licensing
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Nuclear medicine technologists are responsible for preparing and administering radioisotopes, or unstable radioactive atoms, to patients for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Under the supervision of radiologists and physicians, they calculate and measure all radiopharmaceutical doses and perform laboratory tests to monitor the patients receiving the treatment. Technologists use different types of imaging equipment to record patient responses to the radioisotopes and may also be responsible for fulfilling administrative and safety-based tasks.
Work Environment. Nuclear medicine technologists spend their workdays in hospitals, radiology offices, medical imaging and testing centers, and mobile imaging units. They typically work forty-hour weeks, which may include day, evening, weekend, and on-call shifts. Technologists may be at risk for exposure to radiation, so it is essential that safety procedures be followed at all times.
Occupation Interest. Individuals drawn to the profession of nuclear medicine technologist tend to be analytical and detail-oriented. They must be focused, calm, and tactful, especially when interacting with patients. Technologists should be comfortable working in a medical environment and possess the strength, stamina, and hand-eye coordination needed to do so.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Nuclear medicine technologists are responsible for using radioactive material to diagnose or treat patients. They begin by reviewing test requests and prescriptions to discern the type and extent of testing or treatment required. Once they have determined the appropriate course of action, technologists prepare the equipment and radiopharmaceuticals. They administer radiopharmaceuticals by mouth or intravenous injection and move the cameras and scanners into position around the patient. Observing the areas of the body in which the radioactive drugs do or do not concentrate provides valuable diagnostic data that may indicate problems in various organs. To obtain this data, technologists may perform myocardial perfusion imaging to observe the heart and blood flow while patients are exercising, take 3-D images or scans, or use cameras to detect and record the presence and movement of the radiopharmaceuticals. Nuclear medicine technologists ensure patient comfort and safety throughout testing or treatment, guiding patients into the proper positions and monitoring their blood, urine, tissues, and organs.
Nuclear medicine technologists must also follow safety guidelines during testing and treatment to limit exposure to radiation. They must dispose of radioactive medical waste following US Nuclear Regulatory Commission safety regulations, maintain, calibrate, and sterilize radioisotope equipment, and report equipment failures to the appropriate personnel.
Technologists are frequently responsible for assisting in the daily operations of the medical facilities in which they work. They may plan and schedule appointments, greet patients, and explain procedures. In addition, technologists must keep records of the date, time, amount, and types of radiopharmaceutical administered and report all findings to their supervising physicians.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Nuclear medicine technologists work in hospitals, radiology offices, and medical imaging and testing centers, which should be clean, organized, and well-ventilated. Some may travel frequently as part of mobile imaging units.
Human Environment. Nuclear medicine technologists should be comfortable interacting with physicians, laboratory technicians, nurses, scientists, and office staff, as well as patients. Due to the sensitive nature of medical diagnosis and treatment, nuclear medicine technologists should be empathetic, tactful, and mindful of patient confidentiality at all times.
Technological Environment. Nuclear medicine technologists use a wide variety of tools and equipment to complete their work, including computers, scintillation detectors and scanners, spectrometers, radioactive isotopes, radiopharmaceuticals, cameras, electrometers, lead shields, protective aprons and clothing, measuring and dosing equipment, and intravenous pumps.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students interested in pursuing a career in nuclear medicine technology should study anatomy, physiology, biology, and mathematics. They may also benefit from seeking internships or part-time work in medical settings.
Postsecondary. Postsecondary students interested in becoming nuclear medicine technologists should work toward an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nuclear medicine or a related field from a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT). Coursework in anatomy, computer skills, clinical science, and medical ethics may prove particularly useful. Most nuclear medicine technologists will earn a certification and obtain a license.
Related Occupations
− Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Bibliography
"Nuclear Medicine Technologist." ExploreHealthCareers.org. explorehealthcareers.org/career/allied-health-professions/nuclear-medicine-technologist/, 2017. 29 Sept. 2016.
“Nuclear Medicine Technologists.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nuclear-medicine-technologists.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
“Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023: 29-2033 Nuclear Medicine Technologists.” Occupational Employment Statistics. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292033.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Technologist—Careers in Nuclear Medicine." Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. SNMMI, 2016. 29 Sept. 2016.