Nuclear Medicine Technology, AAS

Major Code: 3310

Admission

The Nuclear Medicine Program is a selected admission program. Candidates must meet the admissions requirements listed below:

All candidates for the Associate in Applied Science degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology must be selected by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Screening Committee before entering the second  year of the Nuclear Medicine Program. Application to the program can be made between December 1st and February 28th, if the student will be able to complete all of the first year courses prior to the end of the spring semester with a minimum GPA of 2.50. During this first year, the student should be establishing contact with the program director for advising and additional guidance. An informational meeting is held in March, once all applications are received. Two 4 hour observations at affiliated hospitals and a general portfolio are required prior to May interviews.

The following items shall be considered in the screening evaluation. The items are ranked and weighted in order of consideration.

Criteria

• Overall Nuclear Medicine (year one) GPA (2.50 minimum)
• Personal Interview by Screening Committee
• Observation/Shadowing
• Overall College Grade Point Average 2.0

Program Description

The Nuclear Medicine Technology Program prepares the students for an entry-level position as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist as well as understanding the daily operations of a hospital, clinic, and Nuclear Pharmacy. This program is designed to provide specialized clinical and didactic training in Nuclear Medicine theory and practice with emphasis on Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine Instrumentation, Radiation Physics for Medical Imaging, Radiopharmacy/Radiochemistry, and Nuclear Medicine Procedures.

Program Goals and Objectives

Upon completion of the program, graduates will:

• Be prepared to obtain appropriate entry level employment in the field of Nuclear Medicine Technology.
• Have the necessary skills and knowledge for successful passage of the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board Exam or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, Nuclear Medicine Exam.
• Be prepared to perform patient-care tasks, prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals, conduct quality control procedures, perform imaging and non-imaging procedures, apply radiation physics and safety regulations to limit radiation exposure and be familiar with PET and PET/CT imaging.
• Effectively use human relationship skills to work in a diverse society.
• Effectively use their skills and knowledge learned in the clinical and didactic portion of the program to positively impact the patient, employer, and community.

Program Assessment

Program outcomes are assessed by capstone courses, employee surveys, employer surveys and program specific exit exams, which may include the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certified Board (NMTCB) and/or The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in Nuclear Medicine (ARRT-N). The general education outcomes are assessed by a general education portfolio.

Careers

The Nuclear Medicine Program prepares graduates for employment in a wide range of clinical settings, such as community hospitals, university hospitals, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers, and research centers as an entry-level Nuclear Medicine Technologist working in a:

• PET/CT Department
• Radiopharmacy

Career Paths

• Staff Technologists
• Departmental Supervisors
• Sales representatives
• Technical/Development Specialists
• Program Educators.

The Nuclear Medicine Technology program is a limited enrollment, selective admission program. Students must complete the first two semesters of general education requirements to be considered for acceptance into the program.