Chapter 7: Imaging and Diagnostics
Brandon Censon MPH, CPH, RRT-NPS, CPFT, CPT
Nuclear medicine technologists perform diagnostic exams by administering small doses of radioactive medication to patients. Once the medication is administered, high-tech medical imaging equipment is then used to capture images of the radioactive medicine in the body. In addition to diagnostics, nuclear medicine technologists can also administer doses of radiation to patients internally to help treat certain medical conditions. Nuclear medicine technologists are generally responsible for preparing and administering the radioactive medications, recording the images of the radioactive medication that can be used to diagnose and treat a patient’s condition, they also evaluate specimens in the lab.
Nuclear medicine technologists work in hospitals, imaging and medical clinics, diagnostic laboratories, and in research centers.
Academic Requirements and Career Pathway
The academic requirements for nuclear medicine technologists include earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in medical imaging, with a specialization in nuclear medicine technology (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023) . Upon successfully completing their nuclear medicine technology degree program, the student can then challenge the nuclear medicine technology certification board exam.
Attributions
- Figure 7.4: Nuclear Medicine Scanner (05810480) by IAEA Imagebank is released under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0