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Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Nuclear medicine technology is a branch of medicine concerned with diagnostic, therapeutic and investigative uses of radioactive materials. One of two such diagnostic procedures is organ imaging, where a radioactive material (a radiopharmaceutical) is administered orally or intravenously to a patient. These liquids circulate throughout the body concentrating within organs such as the heart, brain, blood vessels and thyroid. A special radiation-sensitive camera can take photos of the affected areas and then produce the image on a video screen. Often the video screens are connected to a computer which can sort and process large amounts of data.
Some common types of nuclear medicine tests include scans of the bones, liver, lungs and heart. Using prescribed dosages of radiation, nuclear medicine technologists perform nuclear medicine tests for children, adults and the elderly.
The second diagnostic procedure involves radioactive analysis of biological specimens, such as blood or urine collected from a patient. The specimen is mixed with radioactive materials to measure presence and amounts of hormones, drugs, blood constituents and other components.
A third use of radioactive materials in nuclear medicine technology is the therapeutic application to patients in treatment of specific diseased organs or tissues, without exposing normal tissues to radiation. For example, radioactive iodine may be administered to a patient who has a thyroid condition. The thyroid will trap iodine and control the disease without giving excessive radiation to normal tissue.
Under the supervision of a radiologist, the nuclearmedicine technologist assists with the administration and detection of radioactive materials in diagnosis and therapy. The technologist verifies patients' records, prepares and administers the radiopharmaceuticals in prescribed dosages, positions patients for imaging procedures, and operates the nuclear instruments. In therapy, the nuclear medicine technologist administers radioactive materials to treat specific diseases and is responsible for the protection of patients and medical personnel from excessive radiation.
The nuclear medicine technologist is responsible for the technical quality of the image as well as the patient's safety, comfort and emotional well being. He or she keeps inventory of the radiopharmaceuticals and is responsible for their safe storage and use; and for the disposal of radioactive waste.
| Some of the other responsibilities include: |
| • | Reviewing physicians' orders to determine the procedure required |
| • | Reviewing data from patients' records to relate their medical history to the procedure being performed |
| • | Explaining the procedure to the patient |
| • | Performing laboratory tests on body specimens using radioactive substances |
| • | Routing images to the physician for interpretation |
Job Outlook
The outlook for nuclear medicine technologists is good. Employment can also be found in large hospitals, community hospitals, laboratories, clinics, research institutions, public health agencies, doctors' offices and the Armed Forces.
Educational Requirements
Education should be obtained at an accredited nuclear medicine program. There are several avenues to become a nuclear medicine technologist.
One or two year certificate program (prerequisite minimum: graduate of an accredited radiologic, nursing or medical technologist program
Two to three years of postsecondary education)
Two-year associate degree program
Upon completing the accredited program, graduates are eligible for examination for certification.
Students should have an interest in medical science and technical instrumentation. High school courses should include English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, calculus, physiology and physics.
Educational Programs - Chicago Area
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