Nuclear medicine technicians are special technicians who use imaging technology to see inside a patient. They use their skills and imaging technology to diagnose diseases, disorders and injuries. To become a nuclear med tech, you must complete a nuclear med tech program, meet state certification requirements and find a job.
Instructions
1. Find a nuclear medicine technician program to enroll in. Hospitals offer certificate programs in nuclear med technology, community colleges offer associate-degree programs and traditional 4-year universities offer bachelor’s degree programs. Some of the schools that offer degree programs in nuclear medicine technology include Keiser University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa; and South College in Knoxville, Tennessee.
2. Complete your degree program. Nuclear med tech programs can last 1 to 4 years. The subjects that will be covered include computer applications, imaging technology, physical science, radiation protection, radiation procedures and the biological effects of radiation.
3. Check with your state’s professional licensing board to see what certification you need. Many states require their nuclear med techs to be certified by either the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (see Resources for links). Certification by both of these agencies involves a comprehensive exam and a fee.
4. Apply for a job at a local hospital or radiology center. These companies post openings on their websites and in local newspapers, and they also work with nuclear med tech programs to scout raw talent. If you want to get a jump on your career, you can gain experience via an ultrasound tech position or some other entry-level imaging tech position.
Tags: imaging technology, nuclear tech, degree programs, nuclear medicine, programs nuclear, tech position
