Colorado is the eighth-largest state in the country. It is known for its mountains and rivers, but also for its proximity to other Western states such as Utah, Arizona and New Mexico.
Nuclear medicine technologists are in high demand in Colorado. The state has one university that offers a graduate program in nuclear medicine technology, which is Regis University in Denver. The program is offered through the school’s College of Medical and Health Sciences.
The program consists of two years of classroom instruction followed by a year of clinical rotations at local hospitals and medical centers. The curriculum includes courses on basic physics, radiation safety, radiation biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry and pharmacology, diagnostic imaging (x-rays and CT scans), nuclear medicine procedures (including PET scans) and medical terminology.
After completing the program successfully, graduates can start working immediately as nuclear medicine technologists at hospitals or clinics throughout Colorado or other parts of the country
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Schools Colorado
Nuclear Medicine Technologist schools and colleges in Colorado. Nuclear medicine technologists prepare radioactive drugs and administer them to patients for the purpose of making a diagnosis. They also operate diagnostic equipment, such as cameras, to produce images of internal body structures.
Nuclear medicine technologists need at least an associate’s degree in nuclear medicine technology. Classes include anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, radiopharmaceuticals and radiation safety. To become certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), candidates must pass two exams: one on general physics and one on nuclear medicine technology. They must also complete at least 50 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their certification.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Schools Colorado
Nuclear medicine technologists work in a variety of medical settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics and private practice offices. They are responsible for conducting diagnostic tests using radioactive material. The most common types of nuclear medicine tests include SPECT scanning, PET scanning and bone scans.
Job Duties
Nuclear medicine technologists perform a variety of tasks:
Prepare patients for procedures by explaining the procedure, preparing them with sedatives or anesthesia if necessary, inserting catheters and other devices in the body as needed and monitoring their vital signs during the test
Analyze images produced by diagnostic tests to detect abnormalities or disease
Document test results in patient records
Maintain radiation sources by checking them regularly to ensure they are functioning properly
Train new employees on proper usage of equipment
