Nuclear Medical Technology
Overview
Nuclear medical technology programs teach people how to use radioactive atoms to diagnose and treat health problems under the supervision of physicians.Nuclear medical technology programs include topics such as:
- Nuclear physics
- Health physics
- Radiopharmacology
- Radiation biology
- Radionuclide therapy
- Safety regulations
- Patient evaluation and monitoring
- Laboratory procedures
- Recordkeeping
Practicum
Most nuclear medical technology programs require students to complete a practicum at a clinic under the supervision of experienced technologists.
Schools
Several community colleges and two-year schools offer associate degree programs in nuclear medical technology. An associate degree program usually takes two years of full-time study.
Several colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in nuclear medical technology. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Anatomy
- Chemistry
- Health and Medical Physics
- Medical Imaging Technology
- Physics
- Polysomnography
- Radiation Therapy
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Other admission requirements may include:
- American College Testing (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification
- Clinical observation ("shadowing") in a nuclear medical technology setting
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal interview
- Satisfactory physical exam
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Advanced Healthcare Occupations
- Advanced Physics courses
- Algebra
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Community Health
- Computer Technology
- General Computer Applications
- Geometry
- Healthcare Sciences Work Experience
- Physics
- Psychology
- Safety and First Aid
- Sociology
- Trigonometry
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
Nuclear medical technology bachelor's degree programs are typically split into two parts: pre-professional and professional. During the first three years of the program, you usually take general education and basic health science courses. These generally include courses in the following subjects:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- College Algebra
- English Composition
- General Biology
- General Chemistry
- General Physics
- Introduction to Computer Applications
- Medical Ethics and Law
- Medical Terminology
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Speech Communication
- Trigonometry
You take your professional courses during the last year of the program. These courses typically include some combination of the following:
- Applications of Radionuclides
- Clinical Nuclear Medicine
- Introduction to Diagnostic Imaging
- Nuclear Medicine Data Processing and Analysis
- Nuclear Medicine Physics and Instrumentation
- Patient Care
- Radiation and the Human Body
- Radiation Biology
- Radiation Health Safety
- Radiochemistry
- Radioimmunoassay
- Radionuclide Therapy
- Radiopharmacology
All programs include a clinical externship or practicum in their curriculum. Under the supervision of a physician or a registered medical imaging technologist, you can apply your knowledge and skills in real-life clinical settings.
Things to Know
Working with radioactive atoms means exposure to radiation. You learn proper safety procedures for protecting yourself, including wearing a radiation detection badge to monitor your exposure to radiation.
You are expected to pay for your own uniforms, shoes, name badge, and transportation during your clinical training.
Graduating from a nuclear medical technology program qualifies you to take the national certification exam.
Some states require nuclear medical technologists to be licensed.
Schools
King-Snohomish Area
Bellevue College
- Healthcare Management & Leadership--Radiation and Imaging Management Concentration
- Nuclear Medicine Technology
- Radiation & Imaging Sciences--Nuclear Medicine Concentration
Highline College
- Associate of Arts Transfer Programs
Tacoma Area
Tacoma Community College
- Nuclear Medicine Technology
Tri-Cities Area
Columbia Basin College
- Nuclear Medicine Technology