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As a nuclear medicine technologist (NMT), you'll perform diagnostic tests on patients using imaging equipment such as gamma cameras. Nuclear Medicine Technologist Job Description Working directly with patients and under the supervision of a physician, your typical duties as a nuclear medicine technologist will include the following: - Explaining procedures to patients
- Administering radioactive substances to patients
- Producing the images on a computer screen or on film for a physician to interpret
- Taking precautions to limit radiation exposure to the patient and yourself
You might also document laboratory operations and participate in scheduling patient examinations.  Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary According to the American Medical Association, the average salary for nuclear medicine technologists was $69,083 per year in 2007, but more experienced technologists can earn up to $95,906. Nuclear Medicine Technologist Work Environment Nuclear medicine technologists work in hospitals, physician's offices and clinics. Nuclear Medicine Technologist Education In addition to having your GED or high school diploma, you'll need to complete an accredited NMT program, either a two-year associate program or a four-year bachelor's program. Certificate programs are offered for experienced technologists who wish to specialize in nuclear medicine. In the training programs, students receive a combination of classroom and clinical instruction. Coursework generally includes the following: - Nuclear physics
- Statistics
- Health physics
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Radiopharmacology
- Radiation biology
- Clinical nuclear medicine
- Radionuclide therapy
- Immunology
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Licensure Regulations vary from state to state, but certification is highly recommended because most employers require it. Upon completion of an accredited program, you can receive your NMT certification by both the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board. |
