Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Nuclear medicine technologists administer radioactive materials to patients in order to help diagnose and treat diseases. Nuclear medicine technologists are required to keep the doses of radioactive drugs as low as possible.

A nuclear medicine technologist must be adept at mastering technology, have adequate strength and stamina to lift or otherwise assist patients, attention to detail, excellent communication skills and a well-developed bedside manner.

Education and Credentials Required
In many states, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board must certify nuclear medicine technologists. The nuclear medicine technologist must meet Federal standards for the operation of radiation detection equipment and the administration of radioactive drugs.

The Joint Review Committee on Education Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology accredits ninety-two programs in nuclear medicine technology. They grant a certificate, an associate degree or a bachelors’ degree. Hospitals typically offer certificate courses for those already working as a health professional.

Future Prospects
Employment opportunities for nuclear medicine technologists are expected to rise faster than average. The ageing of the baby boomers drives the increase in demand, along with the tendency for patients to prefer non-radiologic procedures. While hospitals will continue to be the main type of employer, most new jobs will arise in offices of physicians and diagnostic imaging centers. The occupation is relatively small which in spite of growth will make for relatively few job openings per year.

Salary Range
The median salary, as of 2002, for nuclear medicine technologists was 48,750. Freelance nuclear medicine technologists can expect to earn significantly more per hour than salaried nuclear medicine technologists. Experience, location, skill, reputation, hours worked and other factors impact income. Nuclear medicine technologists rarely pay for their own health benefits and retirement benefits, as they are rarely self-employed. Hospitals typically employ more nuclear medicine technologists than doctors’ offices, but private practices pay around $3,000 a year better, on average.