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Nuclear medicine
technologists (NMTs) are professionals that prepare and administer
radiopharmaceuticals (radioactive materials) in an effort to detect and
treat various diseases. They review patients’ medical records and
physicians’ orders to determine what dosage of medicine and method of
delivery (e.g. oral, inhalation, or intravenous) they should use. They are
also in charge of evaluating the patients’ condition and recognizing
emergency situations if they should arise. Nuclear medicine technologists
use technical laboratory equipment and computers to follow the
distribution of these materials through the body. This requires that
individuals be comfortable with computers and have specialized training
with certain lab equipment. They also use radioactive substances to
perform laboratory tests, so nuclear medicine technologists must have
knowledge of safety regulations to limit radiation exposure. NMTs often
participate in research projects in order to increase the effectiveness of
procedures they perform. They may also work in an administration role by
supervising other NMTs, students, laboratory assistants, and other
personnel. Anyone interested in nuclear medicine technology should work
well with others and be able to understand and analyze complicated visual
material.
Work Environment:
Nuclear medicine technologists are employed
in various facilities including hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers,
research facilities, public health departments, educational facilities,
and physician’s offices. NMTs usually work under the supervision of a
nuclear medicine physician or a supervisor.
High School Preparation:
Students
interested in nuclear medicine technology should take high school courses
in algebra, chemistry, physics, biology, computer science, English, health
occupations/medical professions education, statistics, geometry, and
computer skills.
College Requirements:
Individuals interested in nuclear medicine
technology must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Students may
complete a one or two-year certificate program, a two-year associate
degree program, or a four-year baccalaureate degree program. The Nuclear
Medicine Technology Certification Board and the American Registry of
Radiologic Technologists both offer examinations that allow students to
become certified.
Students interested in nuclear medicine
technology should contact schools for information on admission and course
of study.
For educational institutions in
Mississippi
offering this course of study click here.
Career Outlook:
The career outlook
for nuclear medicine technologists is expected to be very good. There will
be a 20% - 35% increase in the number of jobs that will become available
in this sector through the year 2012. The growing number of middle-aged
and older people will facilitate the increase because they are the primary
users of diagnostic procedures. Advances in technology will also add to
the dramatic increase in employment opportunities. Cost considerations by
hospitals may slow growth, however, because some of the most promising new
technologies in nuclear medicine are extremely expensive. Replacing
current employees will not yield many jobs because this is a small and
competitive field that will not experience a large amount of turnover.
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Salary:
Average Annual
Salary
$50,900
Salary Range
$43,200-$59,100
Professional Organizations:
Nuclear Medicine
Technology Certification Board
2970 Clairmont
Road, NE, Suite 935
Atlanta, GA 30329
Phone: (404)
315-1739
Fax: (404)
315-6502
www.nmtcb.org
Society of Nuclear
Medicine Technologist
1850 Samuel Morse
Drive
Reston, VA
22090-5316
Phone: (703)
708-9000
Fax: (703) 708-9015
www.snm.org
American Registry
of Radiologic Technologists
1255 Northland Drive
St. Paul, MN
55120-1155
Phone: (651) 687-0048
www.arrt.org |
