The nuclear medicine technologist is the person who performs the procedures and tests that help in diagnosing and treating diseases. They work with radioactive materials, radioisotopes, to create images of organs, bones, and other body parts. They also use radiopharmaceuticals to treat cancer patients.
To become a nuclear medicine technologist, you must first get an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in nuclear medicine technology. While an associate degree takes two years to complete, a bachelor’s degree takes four years. After completing your education program, you must then pass the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Commission exam before you can start working as a nuclear medicine technologist.
Nuclear medicine technologists work in hospitals, clinics, private practices and research facilities such as universities or medical schools. They may also provide services at homes for patients unable to travel due to their illnesses or disabilities.
How To Become Nuclear Medicine Technologist
If you’re interested in working in healthcare, consider becoming a nuclear medicine technologist. Not only does this job get you into the medical field, but you also get to choose from many pathways to obtain employment in this profession.
Knowing the role of a nuclear medicine technologist and its requirements can help you determine whether to pursue this career. In this article, we define the role of a nuclear medicine technologist, explain the requirements for this career, list the steps for pursuing this profession, outline the career outlook and the average salary for this profession and describe the work setting.
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What is a nuclear medicine technologist?
A nuclear medicine technologist refers to a highly skilled professional who performs nuclear imaging tests under the supervision of a trained physician. Under the supervision of a trained physician, nuclear medicine technologists work with patients and use imaging equipment to determine how radioactive elements respond and interact with a patient’s organs and tissues. Here are some of their common duties:
- Diagnosing medical conditions and diseases such as cancer using imaging tests
- Explaining test results and medical procedures to patients and answer related questions
- Working alongside doctors to analyze image testing results to come to an official diagnosis
- Following medical safety procedures to ensure the safety of themselves and their patients when it comes to radiation exposure
- Preparing radioactive drugs and administer these drugs to various patients
- Monitoring patients for unusual reactions to radioactive drugs
- Operating imaging equipment and prepare it for imaging tests
- Maintaining detailed records of medical procedures
Related: Learn About Being a Medical Technologist
What are the requirements to become a nuclear medicine technologist?
Before you pursue a career as a nuclear medicine technologist, you need to know the requirements you need to meet. The better you meet these requirements, the greater chance you have of gaining employment as a nuclear medicine technologist. Here are the main requirements you need to become a nuclear medicine technologist:
Education
Nuclear medicine technologists often need an Associate Degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology. While it’s not always required, you can also opt for a bachelor’s degree in this field. No matter the path you choose, you need to obtain the degree from an accredited program. Having a formal education in this field helps give you the knowledge to succeed in this field and can help increase your marketability.
Certifications and licensure
Licensure and certification requirements vary by state and employer. Not only do states determine whether you need a certificate or license in this profession, but so do some employers.
While nuclear medicine technologists don’t necessarily need to get certified, most professionals in this field are. As with a formal degree, getting certified makes you more marketable in this field and essentially makes it easier for you to compete against other applicants.
It’s also worth noting that even though you don’t need to get certified for your license, a certification fulfills most of the licensure requirements. Like certificate programs, licensure requirements vary by state.
If you get certified, it’s important to maintain your certification due to the continually changing technologies in this field. Maintaining your certification typically involves the completion of continuing education hours.
Skills
Nuclear medicine technologists need a variety of hard and soft skills to help them perform their job duties successfully. Here are some common skills required for nuclear medicine technologists:
Attention to detail
Nuclear medicine technologists use their attention to detail to analyze images to detect patient diseases and medical conditions. Also, you need a good attention to detail to follow exact instructions when it comes to dosages and to ensure you don’t overexpose a patient to radiation.
Technology skills
Nuclear medicine technologists use their technology skills to operate computers and a variety of technological equipment throughout their shift.
Compassion
As a nuclear medicine technologist, you need to have empathy and compassion when working with patients. Not only do you need to reassure them, but you also need to help calm and relax them when they’re under emotional and physical stress.
Interpersonal skills
Nuclear medicine technologists need to have strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with patients, their team and a supervising physician. The better you interact and communicate, the better level of care you provide.
Math and science skills
Nuclear medicine technologists need strong math and science skills that help them solve problems and come to the right conclusion.
Physical stamina
Nuclear medicine technologists need to be physically fit to stand for long periods of time. Also, they need enough strength and stamina to lift and move patients as needed.
How to become a nuclear medicine technologist
If you’re interested in becoming a nuclear medicine technologist, you have many pathways to choose from. While some prospective nuclear medicine technologists opt for the minimum requirements in this field, others seek a more advanced education to help improve their chance of employment and to help them advance in their careers more easily. Here’s one of the pathways you can use to become a nuclear medicine technologist:
1. Graduate from high school
To become a nuclear medicine technologist, you need a high school diploma. While in high school, consider taking courses like pre-calculus, chemistry, biology, physics and anatomy as they’re available. You can also spend your high school years getting experience in a hospital setting as a volunteer or intern.
2. Complete an accredited college program
Enroll and complete an accredited nuclear medicine technology program, whether it’s for an associate degree or bachelor’s degree. Many nuclear medicine technologists have an associate degree or higher. Make sure you meet all requirements and that you have a competitive GPA that most nuclear medicine technology programs require.
Coursework for these programs typically include subject areas such as nuclear physics, biochemistry, radiation biology, immunology, statistics and anatomy. These programs give you the knowledge you need to succeed in this field.
Related: Applying To Medical School: Tips and Requirements
3. Get certified or licensed
Check with your state’s health board regarding certification and licensure requirements. Whether or not your state requires it, consider getting certified or licensed as it can improve your chances of employment. Not only does it show hiring managers you’re skilled in this profession, but it also shows your dedication to your career.
While you can receive a general certification, you can also opt for a specialty certification that shows your expertise with a specific procedure or equipment. For example, you can get certified in nuclear cardiology or positron emission tomography.
Along with states, some employers also have their own requirements when it comes to nuclear medicine technology certification and licensure. Make sure to review the job postings you’re interested in so you can determine whether you need a certification or license for the job you want to apply for.
Related: How To Become a Medical Technologist
Average salary
Nuclear medicine technologists make a national average salary of $81,827 per year. By comparison, senior nuclear medicine technologists make a national average salary of $88,593 per year. Keep in mind that your salary depends on your experience and expertise, your geographic location and your employer.
Career outlook for nuclear medicine technologists
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a projected employment growth of 5% for nuclear medicine technologists from 2019 to 2029. As the U.S. population ages, more patients depend on nuclear medicine technologists who can provide them with imaging for their various medical conditions.
Where do nuclear medicine technologists work?
The majority of nuclear medicine technologists work in hospitals. Other nuclear medicine technologists work in physicians’ offices, diagnostic laboratories, outpatient care centers and clinics.
What is a shift like for a nuclear medicine technologist?
Nuclear medicine technologists often work a standard 40-hour workweek. In some cases, particularly if they work in a hospital, they may be on call when they’re supposed to be off shift. Some nuclear medicine technologists work evening hours, over the weekend and during the night.
