Job Description - Nuclear Medicine Technologist:
A nuclear medicine technologist prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals, radioactive drugs, to a patient in order to treat or diagnose disease. He or she then uses a camera to create images that will track how the drug metabolizes in the patient's body.
Employment Facts - Nuclear Medicine Technologist:
There were 22,000 nuclear medicine technologists employed in 2008.
Educational Requirements - Nuclear Medicine Technologist:
To work as a nuclear medicine technologist one must complete a nuclear medicine technology program. These programs range in length from one to four years, with one year programs generally being for health professionals who already have associate or bachelor's degrees.
Other Requirements - Nuclear Medicine Technologist:
Half of all states in the U.S. require that nuclear medicine technologists be licensed. Certification is voluntary and is available from two organizations: American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and from the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB)
Advancement Opportunities - Nuclear Medicine Technologist:
With experience, a nuclear medicine technologist may be promoted to a supervisory position. Advanced education can help one become a department administrator or director.
Job Outlook - Nuclear Medicine Technologist:
While employment growth for nuclear medicine technologists is expected to take place at a rate faster than the average for all occupations through 2018, competition for jobs will be keen. There will be an abundance of job openings but more than enough people who are trained to fill them.
Earnings - Nuclear Medicine Technologist:
Nuclear medicine technologists earned a median annual salary of $67,910 in 2009 (U.S.).
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much a nuclear medicine technologist currently earns in your city.
A Day in a Nuclear Medicine Technologist's Life:
On a typical day a nuclear medicine technologist's tasks might include:
- explaining test procedures to patients
- preparing radiopharmaceuticals and administering them to patients, usually by mouth, injection or inhalation
- positioning patients and using a camera to create images
- using safety procedures to limit radiation exposure to workers and patients
- keeping patient records
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Nuclear Medicine Technologists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos104.htm (visited January 24, 2011).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Nuclear Medicine Technologist, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/29-2033.00 (visited January 24, 2011).
