Career Overview
Entry Level Education
Associate's degree
Patient Interaction
Very High
Body Fluid Interaction
High
Salary
$58,470
Job Growth
1.50%
Job Description:
Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.
What Nuclear Medicine Technologist Do:
Nuclear medicine technologists prepare radioactive drugs and administer them to patients for imaging or therapeutic purposes.
How to Become One:
Earn a bachelor's degree in nuclear medicine technology. Alternately, complete an associate's or a bachelor's degree program in a related health field, such as radiologic technology or nursing, and then completing a 12-month certificate program in nuclear medicine technology. In West Virginia, licensure must be obtained from the WV Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners.