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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, reaffirmed what classes I need to take. You may be required at times to work independently without much direct supervision. Some choose to attend an accredited associate degree program, while others may seek a more advanced four-year bachelor’s program prior to becoming professionally certified. How To Become a Nuclear Medicine Technologist Nuclear medicine technologists typically need an associate’s degree from an accredited nuclear medicine technology program. Typically requires certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) and a state license to practice. Some people become a nuclear medicine technologist by first attaining a degree in a related health field (such as nursing or radiologic technology) and then they complete a 12 … If you already possess an Associate's or Bachelor's Degree, you may only need to enroll in and successfully complete the certification program of the hospital in which you are employed. Nuclear Medicine Technologist Skills & Competencies. Some people become a nuclear medicine technologist by first attaining a degree in a related health field (such as nursing or radiologic technology) and then they complete a 12 month certification program. I am CNA and would like to take more classes to become a nuclear medicine tech. Certification is not a necessity; however, it is an industry standard for nuclear medicine technologists and those that employ such. Your prior medical training and experience are a definite plus. The first step to becoming a nuclear medicine technologist is getting a high school diploma with a focus on science and math classes. Interest and aptitude in science. Basic level technologists have several positions available to them including a technologist whose specialty is nuclear cardiology or PET scanning as well as positions as instructors to others trying to obtain their technologist certificate. Go to source Still other technologists may not work for hospitals but in the sale of medical equipment or for radiopharmaceutical manufacturing firms. % of people told us that this article helped them. How to become a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. Responsible and patient nature. In this vast landscape, you have plenty of room to live on a sprawling ranch, or if you prefer, a townhouse in the city for a more urban way of life. These are advanced professionals who can diagnose patients. A career as a nuclear medicine technologist is an excellent choice for individuals with a strong interest in nuclear medicine. Salary: The median annual wage for nuclear medicine technologists is $77,950. Here are some tips to become a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. This may include evening or weekend hours in departments that operate on an extended schedule. West Georgia Tech has a 7 year cut-off for allowing previous course credits. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Nuclear medicine technologists generally work a 40-hour week. I would like to become a Nuclear Medicine Technician. US Bureau of Labor Statistics Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Bachelor’s degrees are also common. Able to work independently or as part of a team. A Quick Note on How to Become a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. Unstable radiation emitting atoms, also known as radionuclides, are used to diagnose and remedy diseases. While this career only requires an associate's degree, roughly 50% of all states do have licensure requirements for nuclear medicine techs. Follows radiation safety guidelines and documents radiopharmaceutical usage for regulatory compliance. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Nuclear medicine technologists need an associate’s degree from an accredited medicine technology program. Typically reports to a chief technologist or manager. Job Outlook: Employment of nuclear medicine technologists is projected to grow 5 percent over the next ten years, faster than the average for all occupations. Being a Nuclear Medicine Technologist collects biologic specimens and prepares data for interpretation by physicians. You could as well choose from the alternative career paths that can be in plain sights such as becoming a research technologist, a team leader or a team supervisor. To become a nuclear medicine technologist, you need a high school diploma. Unlike sonographers, there are licensing requirements for technologists working in nuclear medicine in some states. Advancement is possible through significant work experience. Laboratory Supply and Inventory Management, Medical Equipment Management (MEM), Radiation Safety, Radiologic Care, Radiology Operation Management, Physician Support, Patient Safety, Medical Specialty: Nuclear Medicine. As with most professions in the medical industry, each state has its own set of requirements. A nuclear medicine technologist administers radiopharmaceuticals, or radioactive drugs, to patients, then uses diagnostic imaging machines to aid physicians in diagnosing conditions relating to disease. Yes, but you may have to upgrade your education to include chemistry and physics, and a higher level of anatomy and physiology. The ability to succeed in this role depends upon the possession of the following skills:
"This article helped me. This article has been viewed 79,059 times. Here is a list of steps and some resources to get you started. These programs include courses on radioactive tracers, physics, chemistry, computer science, anatomy, clinical experience and more. PROS ; Suitable for people who likes to solve problems mentally: Suitable for people who values relationships between co-workers and customers and wants to work in … Nuclear medicine technologists must operate the equipment that creates the images of the targeted areas of the patient’s body. Working alongside radiologic technologists are experts called nuclear medicine technologists. Laboratory Supply and Inventory Management, Medical Equipment Management (MEM), Radiation Safety, Radiologic Care, Radiology Operation Management, Physician Support, Patient Safety, Medical Specialty: Nuclear Medicine. I have a Bachelor's in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry. [1] How can I become a nuclear medicine tech in the US? The average salary range for a Nuclear Medicine Technologist is from $75,474 to $91,876. This. Becoming trained in multiple diagnostic methods will increase your chances of advancement in the field. While in high school, consider taking courses like pre-calculus, chemistry, biology, physics and anatomy as they're available. Pros and Cons . Can I still be a nuclear medicine tech even if I took CMAA and MA courses? Though some states may have similar ones, it’s best to learn the ones specific to the state you reside in or plan to practice in. To create this article, 9 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Nuclear medicine techs are mainly employed in hospitals, while some can be found working in diagnostic laboratories, physicians’ offices, or imaging clinics on a full-time basis. Last Updated: August 5, 2019 Additionally, Nuclear Medicine Technologist may require a bachelor's degree in a related area. Trustworthy Source Age has nothing to do with it. The Nuclear Medicine Technology (NMT) program is a two-year, full-time program where students are trained as nuclear medicine technologists, ready to work with patients and medical staff in clinical nuclear medicine settings. Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Nuclear Medicine Technologist positions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights a few key points on becoming a nuclear medicine technologist. You can also spend your high school years getting experience in a hospital setting as … Some states our work with a variety of patients and families during potentially situations. Looking into a role like this one, you must pursue either a two-year associate or! May pursue is NCT ( nuclear Cardiology technology ) which is available how to become a nuclear medicine technologist the NMTCB obtain an 's... Knowledge for the job at an associate degree or four-year bachelor 's degree CNA! 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