Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Overview
Nuclear medicine technologists work with radioactive materials to help doctors diagnose and treat patients using cutting-edge imaging technology. They prepare special radioactive drugs, administer them safely to patients, and operate sophisticated scanning equipment to create detailed images of organs and tissues. These healthcare professionals follow strict safety protocols to protect everyone from radiation exposure and work closely with medical teams in hospitals and clinics. The job requires strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and typically an associate degree in nuclear medicine technology.
Did you know?
Nuclear medicine technologists in the US typically need an associate degree from an accredited program and must pass a national certification exam through organizations like NMTCB or ARRT.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$97,214.79 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Equipment Maintenance
Key Responsibilities
- Calculate, measure, and record radiation dosage or radiopharmaceuticals received, used, and disposed, using computer and following physician's prescription.
- Produce a computer-generated or film image for interpretation by a physician.
- Train or supervise student or subordinate nuclear medicine technologists.
- Measure glandular activity, blood volume, red cell survival, or radioactivity of patient, using scanners, Geiger counters, scintillometers, or other laboratory equipment.
- Prepare stock radiopharmaceuticals, adhering to safety standards that minimize radiation exposure to workers and patients.
- Gather information on patients' illnesses and medical history to guide the choice of diagnostic procedures for therapy.
- Administer radiopharmaceuticals or radiation intravenously to detect or treat diseases, using radioisotope equipment, under direction of a physician.
- Explain test procedures and safety precautions to patients and provide them with assistance during test procedures.
- Record and process results of procedures.
- Process cardiac function studies, using computer.
- Position radiation fields, radiation beams, and patient to allow for most effective treatment of patient's disease, using computer.
- Dispose of radioactive materials and store radiopharmaceuticals, following radiation safety procedures.
- Detect and map radiopharmaceuticals in patients' bodies, using a camera to produce photographic or computer images.
- Maintain and calibrate radioisotope and laboratory equipment.
- Develop treatment procedures for nuclear medicine treatment programs.
- Add radioactive substances to biological specimens, such as blood, urine, or feces, to determine therapeutic drug or hormone levels.
- Perform quality control checks on laboratory equipment or cameras.
Career Considerations
Education and Certification Requirements
Nuclear medicine technologists in the US typically need an associate degree from an accredited program and must pass a national certification exam through organizations like NMTCB or ARRT.
Radiation Safety and Regulatory Compliance
Professionals must strictly adhere to federal and state radiation safety regulations, requiring ongoing training and compliance with NRC guidelines for handling radioactive materials.
Growing Job Market Demand
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster-than-average job growth for nuclear medicine technologists due to an aging population requiring more diagnostic imaging services.