Nuclear medicine
technologists understand the human body and its interaction with radioactive medical procedures.
The nuclear medicine technologist administers cleansed radionuclides, which emit radiation, into a human body. The radionuclides may be swallowed, injected or inhaled, and once introduced into the body, they allow the nuclear medicine technologist to scan for specific diseases or other ailments. Bodily tissues with disease will appear differently under the influence of the radionuclides than does normal, healthy tissue.
Educational Specifics
Nuclear medicine technologists study human anatomy and physiology and key bodily systems.
Course work in nuclear technology includes human anatomy and physiology with emphasis on organ systems, the skeletal system and the central nervous system. There is, of course, great emphasis on understanding all aspects of radiation as it applies to nuclear medicine and the various instruments the technologist uses. Clinical training and interaction with patients consumes at least half of the coursework and, of course, patient care and safety are key elements of the training.
Two-Year Degrees
Many community colleges offer two-year degrees in nuclear medicine technology.
Many community colleges offer nuclear technologist degrees. For example, Macomb Community College in Minnesota offers a 21-month, 78-credit Associate Degree in Applied Science in nuclear medicine technology. Students learn all facets of nuclear medicine including physics, radiation safety and proper handling and administering of radiopharmaceuticals. Students are taught to calibrate and use radiation instruments, work with patients and work in the nuclear medicine laboratory. The Macomb program also includes a 40-week clinical internship.
Certificate Programs
Cartificate programs can be competitive and demanding.
Some schools, such as the University of New Mexico (UNM), offer certificates in nuclear medicine technology. UNM's Nuclear Medicine Imaging Technology Program runs 14 months and is highly selective, admitting no more than eight students annually. The program begins in the summer and includes 15 prerequisite courses. Once students have completed the course, they can take both the certification examinations from Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Specialization
Nuclear medicine technologists can specialize in nuclear cardiology or positron emission tomography.
Nuclear medicine technologists specialize in two areas: nuclear cardiology or positron emission tomography. Nuclear cardiology examines the heart and its functions with noninvasive tools to assess damage following a heart attack or to find clogged arteries or other damages to the heart. Positron emission tomography is frequently used to assess blood flow, organ functions or cancer. A patient is injected with a radioactive chemical, which is captured by a specialized camera that records positively changed particles. A computer then converts the camera's images into pictures.
Certification
Certification carries a great deal of weight with employers.
Although certification is currently voluntary, two organizations certify nuclear medicine technologists: the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Both organizations certify nuclear medicine technologists with a specialized examination and the resulting certificates are recognized by states and employers throughout the country and acknowledge that the holder has met specific educational, ethical and examination standards.
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