Nuclear Medicine Technologists
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Also known as:
Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Isotope Technologist, Nuclear Cardiology Technologist, Nuclear Medical Technologist, Radioisotope Technologist, Registered Nuclear Medicine Technologist
See all Health Science Careers.
The work of nuclear medicine technologists revolves around tiny particles of matter called radionuclides. They are transformed into substances that the technologist or doctor gives to a patient by mouth or with an injection. Then the technologist operates equipment that tracks these particles in the body. The resulting image can be used to diagnose the patient's condition and to guide a course of treatment.
Because they are working with radioactive materials, nuclear medicine technologists must follow strict safety procedures, including wearing a device to detect unwanted exposure to radiation. They also explain test procedures to patients, do good oral communication skills are important.
The training and certification to do this work can take place at a hospital, community college, or university. The programs range from 2 to 4 years. One-year certificate programs are sometimes available for health professionals such as radiologic technologists who wish to specialize in nuclear medicine.
Often, these technologists also seek additional training so they can handle other kinds of imaging procedures. In every case, they must combine humanity with technology to help the patient feel comfortable.
Leadership |
HIGH
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Critical decision making |
HIGH
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Level of responsibilities |
HIGH
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Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines |
HIGH
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Dealing and handling conflict |
HIGH
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Competition for this position |
HIGH
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Communication with others |
HIGH
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Work closely with team members, clients etc. |
HIGH
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Comfort of the work setting |
HIGH
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Exposure to extreme environmental conditions |
LOW
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Exposure to job hazards |
LOW
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Physical demands |
LOW
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Train or supervise student or subordinate nuclear medicine technologists.
Measure glandular activity, blood volume, red cell survival, or radioactivity of patient, using scanners, Geiger counters, scintillometers, or other laboratory equipment.
Maintain and calibrate radioisotope and laboratory equipment.
Prepare stock radiopharmaceuticals, adhering to safety standards that minimize radiation exposure to workers and patients.
Record and process results of procedures.
Gather information on patients' illnesses and medical history to guide the choice of diagnostic procedures for therapy.
Detect and map radiopharmaceuticals in patients' bodies, using a camera to produce photographic or computer images.
Dispose of radioactive materials and store radiopharmaceuticals, following radiation safety procedures.
Perform quality control checks on laboratory equipment or cameras.
Explain test procedures and safety precautions to patients and provide them with assistance during test procedures.
Produce a computer-generated or film image for interpretation by a physician.
Assisting and Caring for Others | Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients. |
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Interacting With Computers | Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
Documenting/Recording Information | Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge | Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
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Getting Information | Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
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Performing for or Working Directly with the Public | Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. |
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards | Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships | Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
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Customer and Personal Service | Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. |
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Biology | Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment. |
English Language | Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. |
Physics | Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes. |
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Medicine and Dentistry | Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures. |
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Chemistry | Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods. |
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Computers and Electronics | Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
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Mathematics | Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
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Critical Thinking | Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. |
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Active Listening | Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
Speaking | Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
Writing | Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. |
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Monitoring | Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. |
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Reading Comprehension | Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. |
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Social Perceptiveness | Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. |
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Judgment and Decision Making | Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. |
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