THE WORLD IS CHANGING RAPIDLY, SO ARE HEALTH CARE CAREERS

Home About Us Our Sponsors Careers Education Employers Labor Market Info Important Links Downloads Contact Us		Nuclear Medicine Technologist  (Medical Imaging) DID YOU KNOW?   (click for more) DID YOU KNOW?   (click to hide) Nuclear Medicine Technologist - Did-You-Know: 1. Nuclear Medicine now has state-of-the art technology that integrates a 64-slice multi-detector CT and a dual-head SPECT gamma camera. This new technology allows the medical team to detect heart conditions in a non-invasive manner. 2. Requests for nuclear medicine procedures in the Nashville area have increased by 10% from last year—the field is growing, which means more job opportunities. 3. Nuclear medicine students get hands-on experience, working with technicians, physicians, and real patients in their final year of study. How is technology impacting any of the following areas in the Nuclear Medicine Technology field? 1. With the use of dual-head SPECT gamma cameras, physicians are able to look at organ function without disturbing normal body processes. 2. The CT/gamma camera combo enables medical professionals to split the heart into 64 slices and look at it slice-by-slice, ensuring a proper diagnosis. 3. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a nuclear medicine modality that is being used to research such conditions such as Alzheimer disease, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease. DESCRIPTION OF WORK: In nuclear medicine, radionuclides—unstable atoms that emit radiation spontaneously—are used to diagnose and treat disease. Radionuclides are purified and compounded like other drugs to form radiopharmaceuticals. Nuclear medicine technologists administer these radiopharmaceuticals to patients, and then monitor the characteristics and functions of tissues or organs in which they localize. Abnormal areas show higher or lower concentrations of radioactivity than normal. Nuclear medicine technologists operate cameras that detect and map the radioactive drug in the patient`s body to create an image on photographic film or a computer monitor. Radiologic technologists and technicians also operate diagnostic imaging equipment, but their equipment creates an image by projecting an x-ray through the patient. Nuclear medicine technologists explain test procedures to patients. They prepare a dosage of the radiopharmaceutical and administer it by mouth, injection, or other means. When preparing radiopharmaceuticals, technologists adhere to safety standards that keep the radiation dose to workers and patients as low as possible. Technologists position patients and start a gamma scintillation camera, or "scanner," which creates images of the distribution of a radiopharmaceutical as it localizes in and emits signals from the patient`s body. Technologists produce the images on a computer screen or on film for a physician to interpret. Some nuclear medicine studies, such as cardiac function studies, are processed with the aid of a computer. Nuclear medicine technologists also perform radioimmunoassay studies that assess the behavior of a radioactive substance inside the body. For example, technologists may add radioactive substances to blood or serum to determine levels of hormones or therapeutic drug content. Technologists keep patient records and record the amount and type of radionuclides received, used, and disposed of. Mean annual salary for this position is $54,940. WHERE EMPLOYED: About three-fourths of all jobs were in hospitals. The rest were in physicians` offices and clinics or in medical and diagnostic laboratories, including diagnostic imaging centers. PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Nuclear medicine technologists should be sensitive to patients` physical and psychological needs. They must pay attention to detail, follow instructions, and work as part of a team. In addition, operating complicated equipment requires mechanical ability and manual dexterity. Because technologists are on their feet much of the day, and may lift or turn disabled patients, physical stamina is important. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: A certificate, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree from a hospital, community college, or university is required to work in nuclear medicine technology. Many employers and an increasing number of states require certification and licensure. EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Nuclear medicine technology programs range in length from 1 to 4 years and lead to a certificate, associate`s degree, or bachelor`s degree. Generally, certificate programs are offered in hospitals, associate programs in community colleges, and bachelor`s programs in 4-year colleges and in universities. Courses cover physical sciences, the biological effects of radiation exposure, radiation protection and procedures, the use of radiopharmaceuticals, imaging techniques, and computer applications. One-year certificate programs are for health professionals, especially radiologic technologists and diagnostic medical sonographers, who wish to specialize in nuclear medicine. They also attract medical technologists, registered nurses, and others who wish to change fields or specialize. Others interested in the nuclear medicine technology field have three options: A 2-year certificate program, a 2-year associate program, or a 4-year bachelor`s program. Educational program types for this career. EMPLOYERS: Potential employers for this career. LAST UPDATED: 9/9/2007 - Update Current status - Active
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