Nuclear Medical Technologist
Career Description
Under a physician’s supervision, nuclear medicine technologists
use small amounts of radiopharmaceuticals
to diagnose and treat diseases. Radiopharmaceuticals introduced into
the body through injection, inhalation or ingestion aid in the diagnostic
imaging of organs, such as the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and brain.
These radioactive tracers are useful because they are attracted to
certain internal organs and emit
easily detectable high energy rays. Nuclear medicine technologists
may prepare and administer the materials, operate nuclear instruments,
position patients for diagnostic procedures and prepare information
received from the tests for the doctor’s interpretation.
Academic Requirements
Most nuclear medicine technologists have completed a formal training program ranging from one to four years and have a certificate, associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Some states require licensure, and certified nuclear medicine technologists may be more attractive to certain employers.
Schools
Saint Louis University
800/SLU-FORU
Professional Associations
National
Society of Nuclear Medicine
State
Missouri Valley Chapter of the Society of Nuclear Medicine
