Nuclear Medicine Technologist
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As a Nuclear Medicine Technologist, you will not only seek out diseases, but also play an integral role in defeating them. From heart disease to cancer, you will be on the front lines in the fight against life threatening illnesses. Nuclear Medicine Technologists are able to peer into the cellular function and physiology of a patient, rather than just viewing images of the anatomy.
Radioactive isotopes, known as radionuclides are combined with various pharmaceuticals, which are administered to the patient. The way these substances react will help the physician find problems. As a nuclear medicine tech, you will be using cutting edge technology combined with the knowledge you gain about chemical and anatomical interactions. Read more about this interesting career and request free information from schools offering nuclear medicine programs.
Find Nuclear Medicine Technologist Schools
Browse our nuclear medicine technologist schools offering nuclear medicine, medical laboratory, and special pharaceutical science programs. You can request information directly from schools in order to understand the specifics of each program including curriculum, course schedules, online course availability, prerequisites, and career options upon graduation of their programs.
How To Become a Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Becoming a nuclear medicine technologist begins with completing a certificate, associates, or bachelor's degree through an accredited radiology school offering nuclear medicine programs. While in school you will acquire knowledge about nuclear drug administration, equipment operation, as well as general radiology curriculum.
Nuclear medicine certification requirements vary from state to state, so it is important to find out what your state requirements are. Certification is available from the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) and the NMTCB (Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board). You future in medicine begins with finding the school that fits your needs. Use our directory of radiology schools offering nuclear medicine programs to kickstart your career now.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Careers - A Closer Look
There are nearly 18 million nuclear medicine procedures performed every year in the US
You're probably wondering how many nuclear procedures are performed in the US alone. Well the answer is there are approximately 5,000 nuclear centers in the US. They perform nearly 18 million procedures every year. Additionaly there are nearly that many procedures performed in the rest of the world and the number is increasing. Nuclear medicine is older than CT,MRI and ultrasound. Over 60 years ago it was used in patients for the first time. Now it is a medical specialty practiced in all major countries in the world every day. Now a days the procedure has been performed in the US alone more than 333million times. That is more than every individual living in the United States. New advances are made everyday.
Who Performs Nuclear Medicine Tests : About Nuclear Medicine Technologist Careers
The National Institute of Health (NIH) promotes research and new advaces in nuclear medicine every day. The nuclear medicine equipment and procedures and the development of new radiopharmaceuticals are under constant refinement to serve patients for generations to come. The physicians who supervise the procedure and interprets the results are a specially trained and certified physician. The Nulcear Medicine Technologists performs the scans and procedures and are also specially trained and certified, usually through the NMTCB (The Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board). The usual route to becoming a Nuclear Medicine Tech is a two year associates program.
How is Nuclear Medicine Technology Used?
Nuclear Medicine can diagnose an array of dieases such as:
- To identify abnormal lesions deep in the body without exporatory surgery.
- Nuclear medicine can determine whether or not certain organs are functioning normally like if the heart is pumping blood adequately for the brain to receive an adequate blood supply and if the brain cells are functioning properly or not.
- It can determine whether or not the kidneys are functioning normally and whether the somach is emptying properly.
- It can determine a patients blood volume, lung function, vitamine absorption and bone density. Nuclear medicine can even detect the smallest bone fracture before it can be seen on x-ray.
- It can find cancers, determine if they are responding to treatment, and determine if infected bones will heal.
- It also identifies sites of seizure (eplilepsy), Parkinsons diease, and Alzheimer's diease.
- After a heart attack, nuclear medicine procedures can asess the damage to the heart and tell physicians how well newly transplanted organs are functioning.
Nuclear medicine is different from an x-ray, a CT scan and ultrasound and MRI. Nuclear medicine can detect the radiation coming from inside a patients body. All the other procedures expose the patient to radiation from the outside of the body. No other imaging method has the ability to use our body's own funtions to determine disease status.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Job Description
- Patient communication and preparation for the procedure.
- Administer radioactive pharmaceuticals to the patient orally or intravenously.
- Monitor "gamma cameras", which capture and form images from radiation given off by the pharmaceuticals. Seek out reactions in the body, known as tracers, where the radionuclide chemically binds to the materials in a characteristic manner, which indicates the presence of certain diseases or abnormalities.
- In some cases, you may work in conjunction with CT or MRI techs to highlight an area of interest in greater depth.
- Using strict guidelines for safe dosages and adhering to protocols and set guidelines for each procedure in order to minimize any possible negative side effects.
Radiology Programs:
Concorde
Campus Locations:
MemphisGet your career started with Concorde Career College. Our training programs are short, affordable, and hands-on. We offer training programs in medical assisting, dental assisting, insurance coding, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, vocational/practical nursing, patient care, and more.
Sanford-Brown College
Campus Locations:
FentonGet the skills you need in Tech, Business, or Healthcare in as little as 9 months from Sanford-Brown College. Choose from convenient day, evening, and weekend classes. Learn more today.
Programs offered:
Lincoln Technical Institute
Campus Locations:
CasselberryLincoln Technical Institute provides career-focused, hands-on training programs with industry experienced instructors. Get the skills for a rewarding in-demand career.
For more student consumer information, please visit www.lincolnedu.com/lincolnconsumerinfo
Programs offered:
Kaplan College - KHE
Campus Locations:
VistaDon't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.
Programs offered:
Keiser University Campus
Campus Locations:
SarasotaKeiser University offers accredited degree programs in today's high-demand careers: Healthcare, Technology, Paralegal, Business, Nursing and Legal Studies.
Programs offered:
Fortis Institute
Campus Locations:
Windsor MillLooking to prepare for your dream career? Fortis Institute can give you the skills and training you need to succeed in the fast-growing and high-demand healthcare field. * Programs vary by location * Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information * Fortis Institute - Indianapolis advertising code is AC-0163.
Programs offered:
St. Joseph's College of Maine
Campus Locations:
StandishMany adult learners are enrolled in courses worldwide and are active in distance learning courses at Saint Joseph's College and are in enrolled in programs such as business, education, health care administration, general studies, nursing, and theology.
Programs offered:
Anthem College
Campus Locations:
MinneapolisGet the hands-on training you need to enter the exciting health care or criminal justice fields at Anthem College. Learn from our outstanding professional faculty in a hands-on, real-world environment. We offer financial aid for those who qualify, outstanding student services, placement assistance for graduates, and more.
California College San Diego
Campus Locations:
San MarcosCalifornia College San Diego (CCSD) offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.
Carrington College
Campus Locations:
SpokaneCarrington College has helped over 45,000 graduates realize their dream of a career in healthcare. Now it's your turn. Choose from eleven conveniently located campuses.
Programs offered:
MedVance Institute
Campus Locations:
Lake WorthAdvance your health care career with MedVance Institute. We offer programs in various areas of the health care field and students can graduate in as little as a year.
"For consumer information: http://www.medvanceedu.info/"
Programs offered:
Argosy University
Campus Locations:
Saint PaulAt Argosy University we prepare individuals for careers that make a difference, whether in business, education, or psychology. Learn how you can make a difference in your life, and the lives of others.
Programs offered:
American Institute - Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Campus Locations:
West HartfordAdvance your career with American Institute - Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Our program can be completed in as little as 16 months. We offer program specializations in general or cardiac sonography, both of which include vascular ultrasound training.
Programs offered:
Sanford-Brown Institute
Campus Locations:
HyattsvilleGet everything you need for the medical career you want. Sanford-Brown Institute's advanced programs allow you to complete your certificate or degree program in as little as 9 months. Learn more today.
Programs offered:
University of Phoenix
Campus Locations:
Los AngelesAs the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.
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