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Nuclear medicine technologists operate cameras that detect and map a radioactive drug in a patient’s body to create diagnostic images. Such images help diagnose illnesses and treat disease.
After explaining test procedures to patients, technologists prepare a dosage of the radiopharmaceutical and administer it by mouth, injection, inhalation or other means. They 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. The images are produced on a computer screen or on film for a physician to interpret.
Technologists also keep patient records and document the amount and type of radionuclides that they receive, use and discard.
How long will it take?
Nuclear medicine technology programs range in length from 1 to 4 years and lead to a certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree. At AC, it takes about three years to train.
How much can you earn?
Median annual earnings of nuclear medicine technologists were $62,300 in 2006.
Where can you work?
Most nuclear medicine technologists are employed by hospitals, although not all hospitals have nuclear medicine available to patients. Other technologists work in physicians offices or diagnostic clinics and laboratories.
AC can help you get there!
