Nuclear Medicine Technologists

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Duties

Typical roles of nuclear medicine technicians include:

• Methods explained and patient questions answered.
• Prevent unnecessary radiation exposure to yourself or the patient.
• Prepare and administer radioactive medications.
• Imaging equipment must be maintained.
• Keep a meticulous log of every step.
• Radiation waste must be disposed of per protocol.

Radiopharmaceuticals are used by nuclear medicine technicians to help doctors and surgeons diagnose patients. Radiopharmaceuticals are injected into the bloodstreams of patients with foot pain to take photos of the bones, which a radiologist can then use to diagnose the problem.

Nuclear medicine technicians also employ radiopharmaceuticals to treat disorders like cancer. Surgery can be used in conjunction with or instead of internal radiation therapy.

Some nuclear medicine technologists may help respond to a radioactive incident or a nuclear disaster. These employees' knowledge and expertise gained from using radiation detection and monitoring equipment may be useful in responding to radioactive material incidents.

Nuclear medicine technicians are classified as follows:

• Nuclear cardiologists employ radioactive medications to take cardiac images. Patients can exercise while the technician takes photos of the heart and blood flow.
• Radioactive isotopes with x-ray imaging can provide two-dimensional or three-dimensional images of the human body's interior.
• PET technicians use scanners that provide 3-D images of certain bodily parts, such as the brain. Radiopharmaceuticals can also track metabolism.
• Nuclear medicine technicians sometimes help researchers create new imaging or therapeutic uses for nuclear medicine.

Education

Several high school classes can benefit students interested in nuclear medical technology.

Nuclear medicine technicians typically hold an associate's degree in the field. Many hold a bachelor's degree. Some nuclear medicine technicians pursue a 12-month certificate program after earning an associate's or bachelor's degree in a relevant health field like radiologic technology or nursing.

These subjects are typically taught in nuclear medical technology programs. Practicing nuclear medicine under the supervision of a nuclear medicine technician and a physician or surgeon is also mentioned.

Accreditation by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology may be required for licensure or by an employer.

Licenses and certifications

Most nuclear medicine technicians are certified. Certification meets most of the state's licensure criteria, but is not required. Permits vary by state. For specific regulations, contact your state's health agency.

Regardless of state laws, some employers require certification. Certification as a nuclear medicine technician sometimes involves a formal education. The NMTCB and the ARRT both provide certification (NMTCB).

Some technicians receive general credentials as well as specialized certificates. PET, nuclear cardiology, and computed tomography technician certifications are available through the NMTCB (CT).

The BLS, ACLS, and CPR certificates may not be enough (CPR).

Important qualities

Skills in using modern technology. Work with computers and other important pieces of technology is a must for nuclear medicine techs to do their duties.

Abilities in mathematics, physics, and other sciences are required to determine the correctness of a dose in nuclear medicine.

Compassion. Nuclear medicine technicians must comfort nervous or agitated patients.

Focused on precision and accuracy nuclear medicine technicians must follow all instructions in order to ensure adequate dose and avoid radiation overexposure.

Interaction skills – Nuclear medicine technicians frequently interact with patients and coworkers. They must be able to communicate with their physician.

Body endurance to carry and transport patients who require assistance and stand for long periods of time is required in nuclear medicine.

Pay

The median annual wage for nuclear medicine technologists was $97,020 in May 2024. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $75,570, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $128,090.

Job Projections

Employment of nuclear medicine technologists is projected to decline 1 percent from 2023 to 2033.