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.

ABOUT NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGIST CAREERS

Video transcript

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.

SNAPSHOT

Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.

Leadership	HIGH
Critical decision making	HIGH
Level of responsibilities	HIGH
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines	HIGH
Dealing and handling conflict	HIGH

Competition for this position	HIGH
Communication with others	HIGH
Work closely with team members, clients etc.	HIGH
Comfort of the work setting	HIGH
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions	LOW
Exposure to job hazards	LOW
Physical demands	LOW

Daily tasks

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.

MAIN ACTIVITIES

Assisting and Caring for Others	Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
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.

Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

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.

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.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE

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.
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.

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.

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.

Computers and Electronics	Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

TOP SKILLS

Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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.

Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Social Perceptiveness	Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Judgment and Decision Making	Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.