Nuclear Medicine Technology

Job Description

Diagnostics are the cornerstone of the healthcare industry, and x-rays are near the top of list of needed diagnostic procedures. Nuclear medicine technologists are healthcare professionals who utilize radionuclides – unstable atoms emitting spontaneous radiation – to help diagnose and treat diseases. With such a sensitive medium for operating cameras and laying out diagnostic maps, specialists in nuclear medicine have become absolutely essential to the continued safety and success of the diagnostic process.

Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary

Nuclear medicine technologists earned a median of $67,000 in 2008. The lower end earned under $48,000 and the upper end earned $88,000 and more. Their salaries are relatively higher than most other jobs with similar educational and training requirements, due to the sensitive nature of working with precision equipment.

Education

Nuclear medicine degree programs range from 1 to 4 years in length, depending on which level of degree the aspiring technologist decides to pursue. Certificates are the fastest programs, with associate’s and bachelor’s degrees taking longer to complete, but providing additional training and skills.

Most nuclear medicine technologist certification programs are found in hospitals, though there are a number of vocational schools, including specific nuclear medicine technologist schools that now offer certificate programs of their own. Associate degrees are offered at private and community colleges, and bachelor degree programs are offered at the 4-year college and university level. Depending on the thoroughness of the student’s education, they may study radiopharmaceuticals, imaging techniques, computer applications, and other relevant skill sets.

Training and Qualifications

Most employers require licensure for nuclear medicine, and some States have licensure laws in practice. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) both offer certification with different eligibility requirements. Check with your State board for the requirements in your area.

Job Outlook

While nuclear medicine technicians are expected to experience a 16 percent growth in the 2008-2018 decade, the Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports keen competition for a large body of aspiring students entering the job market. Those seeking a nuclear medicine technologist career are more likely to find employment opportunities if they have trained in multiple diagnostic methods, such as radiologic technologists and cardiovascular technologists.

Advancement

Nuclear medicine technologists may advance to chief technologist or supervisory positions once they’ve completed several years of work experience. Many technicians also achieve upward mobility in their nuclear medicine technologist jobs by further enhancing their skill-sets and knowledge through pursuing more advanced education.

Learn More

To learn more about nuclear medicine degree programs or a nuclear medicine school, please submit your information through our school finder widget at the top left hand side of of the page. Or if you’re looking for other potential careers and degree programs within the medical technician fields, check out our pages on surgical technology careers, radiation therapy, or medical laboratory technician programs.