Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Career summary

Nuclear medicine technologists use cameras that detect radioactive drugs as they move through patients' bodies.

Before they give patients the radioactive drugs, technologists review the patient's medical history and explain the procedure. They prepare the proper dosage and give it to the patient by mouth, injection, or other means.

To track the movement of drugs, technologists arrange patients and the equipment in the proper position. They follow safety procedures to protect the patient from overexposure to radiation.

As the scanner monitors the path of the radioactive drug in the body, the path appears as images on a computer screen or on film. Technologists print out the pictures for doctors to interpret. They also monitor patients during procedures and enter test results into patients' records.

Similar to radiation therapists, some technologists give radiation treatment to patients in order to treat cancer and other diseases.

Technologists maintain and adjust laboratory equipment. Following safety procedures, they dispose of and store radioactive materials. They keep track of the amount and type of radiation disposed of and used. They may also purchase materials.

In addition, they may train and supervise other technologists and those studying in nuclear medicine programs.

Related careers

This career is part of the Health Science cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Anesthesiologists
• Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
• Dental Hygienists
• Medical Laboratory Technologists
• Medical Sonographers
• MRI Technologists
• Optometrists
• Physician Assistants
• Radiation Therapists
• Radiologic Technologists

Military careers

• Radiologic (X-ray) Technicians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to nuclear medicine technologists.

• Explain test procedures to patients.
• Review patients' medical history to help determine a treatment plan.
• Measure, prepare, and record the proper dosage of radiation or radioactive drugs.
• Give patients radioactive drugs or radiation treatment. Assist them during the procedure, if necessary.
• Position patients and radiation equipment.
• Monitor patients using scanners and other laboratory equipment.
• Operate cameras that monitor the path of the radioactive drug in the body.
• Produce images on a computer screen or on photographic film.
• Keep track of the amount and type of radiation used and disposed of.
• Record the results of procedures.
• Store and dispose of radioactive materials. Follow safety procedures.
• Maintain and adjust laboratory equipment.
• May train and supervise other technologists and nuclear medicine students.
• Perform studies to assess the behavior of a radioactive substance inside the body.
• Develop procedures for treatment programs.

Common work activities

Nuclear medicine technologists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Assist and care for others
• Use computers
• Document and record information
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Get information needed to do the job
• Perform for or work with the public
• Evaluate information against standards
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Control machines and processes
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Process information
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Handle and move objects
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Teach others
• Schedule work and activities
• Develop and build teams
• Perform administrative tasks
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, nuclear medicine technologists:

Interpersonal relationships

• Are responsible for the health and safety of patients.
• Have a high level of social contact. They constantly talk to patients and doctors.
• Communicate by telephone and in person on a daily basis. They also write e-mail, letters, and memos, but less often.
• Are sometimes placed in conflict situations where people might become rude or angry. Patients and family members may become upset by test results.
• Regularly work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Almost always work indoors.
• Are often exposed to radiation.
• Are sometimes exposed to disease and infections from their contact with patients.
• Regularly wear special safety attire, such as shielded gloves and badges that measure radiation levels.
• Often use special devices to protect them from radiation.
• Work very near others. They are in close physical contact with patients.

Work performance

• Must be very exact in their work. Errors could seriously injure patients, themselves, or coworkers.
• Make decisions that strongly impact their employer, patients, and coworkers on a regular basis. They rarely consult a supervisor before deciding a course of action.
• Set most of their daily tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor first.
• Abide by strict weekly deadlines. This may make the work atmosphere somewhat competitive.
• Repeat the same physical or mental activities.
• Must keep up with the speed of machines.

Hours/travel

• May work part time or full time. Most work full time.
• May work days, evenings, or weekends.
• Generally work a set schedule.

Physical demands

Nuclear medicine technologists frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.

It is important for nuclear medicine technologists to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for nuclear medicine technologists to be able to:

• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.

Skills and abilities

Nuclear medicine technologists need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.

Use math and science

• Use scientific methods to solve problems.
• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Operate and control equipment.

Perceive and visualize

• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Nuclear Medical Technology

Other programs of study to consider

• Health and Medical Physics
• Medical Imaging Technology
• Radiation Therapy

Training

To work as a nuclear medicine technologist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have an associate degree.

Education after high school

Nuclear medicine technology programs range in length from one to four years. One-year programs grant a certificate. These programs are for health care professionals, such as nurses or radiation therapists, who wish to specialize in nuclear medicine. Hospitals usually offer certificate programs. Two-year programs in nuclear medicine grant a certificate or associate degree. Associate degrees are the most common training for this occupation. Four-year programs award a bachelor's degree.

During training, you learn about the biological effects of radiation. You also learn how to handle radiation and protect yourself and others from it. In addition, you take courses in imaging techniques and computer operation. You take additional science and humanities courses in four-year programs.

On-the-job training

Many employers offer additional hands-on training after you are hired. Training may last up to a year.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be radiologic (x-ray) technicians. This military occupation includes nuclear medicine technologists. Training lasts 12 to 19 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements. Be sure to take as many Chemistry classes as you can to prepare for this occupation.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Computer Applications
• Health Education
• Introduction to Health Care

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers prefer to hire technologists who are certified or registered. They prefer workers who have good clinical and testing skills. Employers also look for technologists who have good communication skills.

Tips

Working as an employee or volunteer in a health care setting can help you learn more about this career. Research job prospects thoroughly and be able to adapt to different work situations.

Costs to workers

Workers may need to pay for uniforms, reference books, and professional association dues.

Licensing/certification

Nuclear medicine technologists must be certified with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or certified with The Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board, to be certified by the State. Contact information for both of these organizations can be found in the Other Resources section of this description.

State requirements include:

• completion of an approved two-year training program or alternative training equivalent to formal programs;
• passing a national exam;
• answering personal data questions;
• a good moral character; and
• completion of seven hours of HIV/AIDS training.

For more information, contact:

Washington State Department of Health
Radiologic Technologists Program 
PO Box 47877
Olympia, WA 98504-7865
360.236.4700

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Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Nuclear Medicine Technologists 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The technologist's level of education, experience, and responsibility also affect wages.

Nuclear medicine technologists who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About three of every five nuclear medicine technologists work at a hospital.

Major employers:

• Hospitals
• Doctors' offices
• Medical laboratories

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is growing about as fast as average. An increase in the aging population will spur growth. In addition, new federal laws have made health care available to more people. This will increase the procedures, including nuclear medical technology, that are available to people. However, the push for less expensive and invasive procedures, such as ultrasound, will slow growth.

Job prospects are best for those with nuclear medicine certifications. This is a very small occupation, not many new jobs will be created.

Other resources

American Society for Radiology Oncology 
251 - 18th Street South, 8th Floor
Arlington, VA 22202
703.502.1550

Explore Health Careers: Nuclear Medicine Technologist 

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology 
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606
312.704.5300

Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medical Technology (JRCNMT) 
820 W Danforth Rd, #B1
Edmond, OK 73003

Nuclear Medicine Physicists 

Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board 
3558 Habersham, Building I
Tucker, GA 30084
404.315.1739

Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 
1850 Samuel Morse Drive
Reston, Virginia 20190

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists 
1255 Northland Drive
Saint Paul, MN 55120-1155
651.687.0048

References

Career cluster

• Health Science

Career path

• Investigative (Science)

O*Net  occupation

• Nuclear Medicine Technologists (29-2033.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Chief Technologist, Nuclear Medicine (078.131-010) 
• Medical Radiation Dosimetrist (078.261-034) 
• Nuclear Medicine Technologist (078.361-018) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Medical Technologist

Holland occupational cluster

• Investigative/Realistic/Social

COPSystem

• Science Skilled