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See Available Nuclear Medicine Technologist Schools
Job Description: Nuclear medicine is a specialization where technologists administer specifically prepared "radiopharmaceuticals," or radiation-emitting pharmaceuticals, to diagnose and treat diseases in patients. Nuclear medicine technologists monitor the functions and behavior of the tissues or organs in which the radiopharmaceuticals localize within the body; abnormal areas show higher-or-lower-than-expected concentrations of radioactivity.
Nuclear medicine technologists both administer and track the progress of radioactive drugs in a patient's body. These drugs, called radiopharmaceuticals, are used to diagnose and treat diseases. Trained technologists use diagnostic equipment such as cameras to detect and map the radioactive drug in a patients' body, creating diagnostic images.
Work Environment: Full-time, 40 hour work weeks are the norm, although there are some opportunities for part-time work. Sometimes the 40 hour week includes evening or weekend hours.
Technologists spend most of the day on their feet. As technologists may be responsible for lifting and/or turning disabled patients in the course of their work, physical stamina is important.
While the potential for exposure to radiation exists in this field, there are many preventative measures in place including shielded syringes, other protective devices such as gloves, and a strict adherence to radiation safety guidelines. Technologists also wear badges that measure radiation levels.
Education and Training Requirements: Varies state by state, and aspiring technologists should check the requirements for the state in which they plan to work. Many employers require certification or licensure for work in this field.
Nuclear medicine technology programs range in length from one to four and lead to a certificate, associate's degree or bachelor's degree. One-year certificate programs are for health professionals -- especially radiological technologists and diagnostic medical sonographers -- who wish to specialize in nuclear medicine. These programs are generally offered in hospitals, and attract health professionals who are looking to change fields or specialize. Aspiring nuclear medicine technologists can also train for the field in a two-year certificate program, a two-year associate's degree program or a four-year bachelor's degree program.
Salary Range: Median annual earnings of nuclear medicine technologists were $48,750 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $41,460 and $57,200. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,870, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $68,710. Median annual earnings of nuclear medicine technologists in 2002 were $48,210 in general medical and surgical hospitals.
Job Outlook: Good. Employment of nuclear medicine technologists is expected to grow faster than the average, due primarily to the aging of the population, as middle-aged and older persons generally receive most diagnostic procedures. However, because this is somewhat of a small field in the health industry, the number of options will be comparably low. Technologists trained in multiple methods (radiology, sonography) will have the best prospects for employment.
Florida Schools
Keiser University
(Kendall/Miami) - Nuclear Medicine Technology
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