Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Are you an independent worker, enjoy attention to detail and are interested in learning about technology? Nuclear medicine technologists should be able to work independently as oftentimes they may have minimal supervision. When performing procedures, regulations must be followed, so nuclear medicine technologists need to be detail-oriented and meticulous. Good communication and interpersonal skills are a must as this role requires frequent interaction with patients and their families. Does this sound interesting? Check out the profile on nuclear medicine technologists and see if this may be a career path for you!
Diagnostic imaging includes several procedures that aid in diagnosing illness. The most familiar are the x-ray and magnetic resonance imaging. Another procedure is sonography -- the use of sound waves to generate an image for assessing and diagnosing a variety of medical conditions. In nuclear medicine, radionuclides -- unstable atoms that emit radiation spontaneously -- are used to diagnose and treat disease. Nuclear medicine differs from other diagnostic imaging technologies because it determines the presence of disease based on metabolic changes rather than changes in organ structure.
Nuclear medicine technologists (NMTs) operate cameras that detect and map the radioactive drugs in a patient's body to create diagnostic images. NMTs explain test procedures to patients and after preparing a dose of the radiopharmaceutical, they administer it to the patient and then apply their knowledge of radiation physics to perform in vivo (in the body) and in vitro (in the test tube) diagnostic procedures. The images produced are in turn interpreted by a physician.
First Steps:
Students interested in nuclear medicine technology should take high school courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology.
Earnings:
Listed below are hourly/annual wages for both entry level and experienced nuclear medicine technologists and the annual median hourly/annual wage.**
| Entry Wage |
Median Wage |
Experienced Wage |
| Hourly |
Annual |
Hourly |
Annual |
Hourly |
Annual |
| $27.28 |
$56,740 |
$32.29 |
$67,158 |
$36.02 |
$74,917 |
**Wage Data 2009, State of Illinois Department of Employment Security
Work Environment:
Physical stamina is important as nuclear medicine technologists are on their feet much of the day and may have to lift or turn disabled patients. There is a potential for radiation exposure; however, it is minimized by the use of protective devices and by adherence to strict radiation safety guidelines. NMTs generally work a 40 hour week which may include evening or weekend hours.
Job Outlook:
In Illinois, average growth is expected. It is important to keep in mind hospitals employ only a few nuclear medicine technologists, therefore, turnover and replacement needs may be low.
Education:
Educational/Professional Requirements:
In Illinois, nuclear medicine technologists are not licensed by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation; however, nuclear medicine technologists must be accredited by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Division of Nuclear Safety. Accreditation requirements include:
- Proof of graduation from an approved training program.
- An examination administered by a nationally recognized professional organization.
- $120 accreditation fee payable to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency
Certification or registration is available from the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board and from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Most employers prefer to employ certified or registered technologists.
Professional Organization:
Society of Nuclear Medicine Technologists Section
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