Nuclear Medicine Technologist Career
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Health Care Jobs.
What
Nuclear Medicine Technologists do:
Nuclear Medicine is a diagnostic technique that
provides information about the structure and
function of every organ within the human body.
It is more efficient than an x-ray, as it has
the ability to provide more important medical
information. Nuclear medicine procedures do not
require the use of anesthesia, involve little or
no patient discomfort and are safe.
A Nuclear Medicine Technologist is a highly
specialized allied healthcare professional, who
works closely with the Nuclear Medicine
Physician.
The main duties of a Nuclear Medicine
Technologist include:
- Preparing and administering
radiopharmaceuticals (radioactive chemicals)
- Operating radiation detecting medical
equipment
- Performing patient imaging procedures
- Enhancing images
- Analyzing specimens
- Providing patient information, images and data
analysis to the physician for diagnosis
- Informing the patient on the procedure
- Monitoring the patient during the procedure
Education & Qualifications:
Nuclear Medicine Technologist programs vary in
length from 1 to 4 years. Programs can lead to a
certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s
degree. Certificate Programs are generally run
by hospitals, and are aimed at existing
healthcare professionals who whish to cross
train. Degree Programs are held by community
colleges and universities. Many employers in an
increasing number of States require
certification or licensure to practice.
Certification is available from the American
Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and
from the Nuclear Medicine Technology
Certification Board (NMTCB). You should check
the requirements of the state in which you wish
to work, before enrolling in a program.
Typical
subjects covered in a Nuclear Medicine Program
include:
- Physical Science, Radiation Protection and
Procedures, Biological Effects of Radiation
Exposure, the use of Radiopharmaceuticals,
Computer Applications and Imaging Techniques.
Salary & Job Prospects:
Salaries for Nuclear Medicine Technologists are
in the range of $60,000 – $80,000 depending on
location, qualifications and experience. Job
prospects are excellent, particularly for
certified and experienced technologists. This is
mainly due to improvements in nuclear medical
imaging technologies such as positron emission
tomography (PET).
Find an Allied Health School:
Use the red search box above, to find Allied
Health schools and colleges in your area that
offer Nuclear Medicine Technology programs.
Below is a list of some of the various types of
allied health careers / professions: |
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