| Nuclear Medicine Technology |
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An individual who is qualified to perform procedures which require the use of radioactive materials for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes is known as a nuclear medi cine technologist. Nuclear medicine procedures usually involve
imaging of the patient's organs, such as the heart or liver, after the introduction (orally or intravenously) of radioactive materials known as radiopharmaceuticals. Procedures can also be performed on specimens from the patient such as blood or urine. Samples from the patient can be combined with a radiopharmaceutical to measure various elements in the sample.
Job OpportunitiesNuclear medicine technologists can find employment in both large and small hospital settings, outpatient clinics and imaging centers and physician's offices. Job opportunities also exist in industry, research, sales, civil service, and public health. Advances in the use of computers in medicine and the introduction of new radiopharmaceuticals to study the various organ systems provide exciting job responsibilities for individuals in the field of nuclear medicine. Salaries for nuclear medicine technologists entering the profession average from $21.00 to $26.00 per hour or $43,680 to $54,080 annually. |
