Nuclear Medical Technologist Jobs

Nuclear medicine technologists use radiation to help doctors diagnose certain diseases. Nuclear medicine technology is a diagnostic procedure that involves using unstable atoms, called "radionucleotides," to identify disease in a patient. These radionucleotides, which release radiation spontaneously, are mixed to create radiopharmaceuticals.
 
Nuclear medicine technologists give the radiopharmaceuticals to patients so they can monitor the radioactive reaction on tissues and organs. Concentrations of radioactivity that are higher or lower than expected may indicate disease.

Job Description

Nuclear medical technologists explain test procedures to patients before preparing and administering radiopharmaceuticals. They then operate cameras and scanners to follow the activity of the radioactive drug once it's inside the patient's body. They capture this info on film so that a doctor can make a proper diagnosis. Technologists also document their use of nucleotides and maintain patient records.
 
Nuclear medical technologists be comfortable spending long hours on their feet and working with complex medical equipment. Good interpersonal skills are also necessary, as the job requires frequent interaction with both patients and doctors. Exposure to radiation is a risk in this job, but protective measures help reduce the danger.

Salary Guide

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median nuclear medicine salary is $66,660 per year. Most nuclear medicine technologists in the US earn between $57,270 and $78,240 annually. A technologist just starting out may begin as low as $48,450. The highest 10 percent of technologists earn $87,770 or more.

Education, Training and Work Experience

A nuclear medicine job requires either a certificate in nuclear medical technology or a degree. Certificate programs are available in many hospitals and include coursework in:
  • Biological effects of radiation exposure
  • Computer applications
  • Imaging techniques
  • Physical science
  • Radiation procedures
  • Radiopharmaceuticals.
 
If you already have an Associate�s degree in medical technology or a similar field, you can be certified to be a nuclear medical technologist in just one year. Certification from a nuclear medicine school is not mandatory, but it can lead to more attractive job prospects. In addition, 25 states require licensing for nuclear medicine jobs.

Career Advancement

Nuclear medical technologists may advance to supervisory positions, such as that of chief technologist. If they pursue additional education, a position as department administrator or director may be possible. Some technologists choose to move into specialized departments, like nuclear cardiology. Others return to school to teach certification or college courses in radiology. And some move into sales or product development for radiological equipment.

Related Associations and Groups

Many associations and groups exist for nuclear medical technologists. They include:
  • American Society of Nuclear Cardiology
  • Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board
  • Society of Nuclear Medicine.
 
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