Indiana Society of Radiologic Technologists

Education

In order to become a nuclear medicine technologist you must complete an accredited nuclear medicine technology program. Nuclear Medicine programs are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT) or regional accrediting agencies and are offered by hospitals or colleges/universities and can vary in length from a one year hospital program to a four year bachelor degree program. One year programs are usually designed for individuals who hold certification in radiography, medical technology, nursing or a B.S. degree in one of the basic sciences.

The curriculum of a nuclear medicine program is fairly standard from one accredited program to another. Suggested coursework includes:

• Methods of patient care
• Radiation safety and protection
• Nuclear medicine physics and radiation physics
• Nuclear instrumentation
• Statistics
• Radionuclide chemistry and radiopharmacy
• Radiation biology
• Diagnostic nuclear medicine imaging and non-imaging in-vivo and in-vitro procedures
• Radionuclide therapy
• Computer applications for nuclear medicine
• Immunology as related to nuclear medicine
• Quality control and quality assurance

Registration/Certification

National certification examinations in nuclear medicine technology are offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB). Successful completion of one of the certification examinations is a usual job prerequisite for employment as a nuclear medicine technologist. Graduates of accredited programs in nuclear medicine technology are eligible to sit for these examinations. Individuals who successfully complete the ARRT examination earn the right to the title "Registered Technologist in Nuclear Medicine" which is abbreviated R.T.(N). Individuals who successfully complete the NMTCB examination earn the title "Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist" which is abbreviated C.N.M.T. Registered/certified nuclear medicine technologists qualify for active status in the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), the Society of Nuclear Medicine-Technologist Section (SNM-TS) and in the Indiana Society of Radiologic Technologists (ISRT).

Job Opportunities

Nuclear 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 $17.00 to $22.00 per hour or $35,360 to $45,760 annually.

Nuclear Medicine Technology Program Available in Indiana  

Indianapolis

Indiana University
541 Clinical Drive Room 120
Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
Program Director: Judith Kosegi, MS, RT(R)(N), CNMT
Phone: 317-274-7431
Educational Director E mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Program E mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Program website: http://www.indyrad.iupui.edu/radweb select “Radiologic Sciences" then "Program Information" then “Bachelors Degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology”
Bachelor of Science degree awarded
Accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT)
Number of students accepted each year: 7
Application deadline: August 1-November 15