Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Radiation has the reputation of being a dangerous substance that can cause sickness and even death. However, used appropriately, radiation can be a useful medical diagnostic tool. Radiologic technicians use radiation externally on patients at low levels in x-rays and CT scans, whereas nuclear medicine technologists use it internally through the use of radiopharmaceuticals. 

Using radiation for clinical purposes requires specialized education and training. Nuclear medicine technologists must complete an associate’s degree higher in nuclear medicine technology. Certification in this field is optional, although it is an industry standard and required by most employers. Nuclear medicine technologists must be licensed in at least 30 states.

While most nuclear medicine technologists work in hospitals, some are employed in physicians’ offices, outpatient clinics, and medical imaging centers. Day-to-day duties include preparing patients for diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures, administering radiopharmaceuticals, running diagnostic equipment, and writing reports on the findings. This is a growing field, with an anticipated 2 percent increase in positions nationally between 2021 and 2031 (Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022). This increase is due to an aging population with an increased demand for diagnostic procedures. 

Continue reading to learn how to start a career as a nuclear medicine technologist. 

Nuclear medicine technologists must earn an associate’s degree or higher in nuclear medicine technology or a related field. If a professional holds an associate’s degree or higher in a healthcare-related field, they need only to complete a certificate program to work in this field. 
Nuclear technologists can earn three specialty certifications through the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB). They are positron emission tomography (PET), nuclear cardiology (NCT), and computed tomography (CT).

Admission requirements for nuclear medicine technologist programs vary based on the program.

• Associate’s degree programs can be quite competitive and may require prerequisite coursework, a minimum GPA, and hospital observations where students shadow professionals in this field. 
• Bachelor’s degree program admission requirements can be very similar but include additional prerequisite coursework, SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and sometimes even an in-person interview.
• Certificate programs require applicants to already have a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in addition to prerequisite coursework, hospital observations,  letters of recommendation, and a completed application. 

The Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT) is the primary accrediting body for nuclear medicine technologist program accreditation. Students should ensure the program is accredited as it guarantees a minimum level of quality in curriculum, faculty, and facilities. Attending an accredited program also ensures that a student is eligible to sit for certification exams upon graduation. 

In the absence of attending an accredited program, students should ensure the program is, at a minimum, recognized by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). While this is not accreditation, students who complete a recognized program will still be eligible to sit for a certification exam. 

Advent Health University

Advent Health University offers a bachelor’s of science in nuclear medicine technology. This program only accepts 15 students annually and boasts a better than 90 percent pass rate on the NMTCB or ARRT exam. Classes are taught in both the classroom and Advent’s state-of-the-art nuclear medicine lab. 

Applicants to this program must first complete two years of general undergraduate studies. During their third year of undergraduate and first in the program, students will attend professional classes. The fourth year is a combination of didactic courses and clinical internships. Admission to this program is very competitive, so students should strive to have high GPAs, strong recommendations, and good SAT/ACT scores. 

• Location: Orlando, FL
• Duration: Four years
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT)
• Tuition: $7,875 per trimester

The University of New Mexico School of Medicine

Students can pursue a bachelor’s of science in radiologic science with an emphasis in nuclear medicine imaging at the University of New Mexico’s School of Medicine. This two-year program is for students who have already completed two years of general undergraduate studies. Graduates will have the training and skills to perform complex diagnostic procedures using radiopharmaceuticals. 

Required coursework students must complete to graduate includes clinical nuclear technology, imaging instrumentation, and clinical radiopharmacy. Students will also complete extensive in-person clinical rotations to gain hands-on skills, performing diagnostic procedures and monitoring patients. 

• Location: Albuquerque, NM
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT)
• Tuition: $11,452.08 per semester

Bellevue College

Students can earn their associate of arts (AA) in nuclear medicine technology in just 18 months of full-time study at Bellevue College. This program is offered in cooperation between Bellevue College and several local Hospitals and Clinics. Graduates of this program are eligible to be certified through the NMTCB and the ARRT. The first six months of this program are spent in the classroom, while the final 12 months of this degree are spent at clinical sites working alongside certified nuclear medicine technologists.

Approximately 30 students apply for the 8 to 10 spot footer available each year. This is a full-time program, so students should not try to work while earning this degree. Requirements to apply for this program include extensive prerequisite coursework and a minimum of two hospital observations in nuclear medicine technology.

• Location: Bellevue, WA
• Duration: 18 months
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT)
• Tuition: $299.12 per credit

Johns Hopkins University – School of Medical Imaging

The 18-month nuclear medicine technology and computed tomography program at Johns Hopkins School of Medical Imaging prepares students for certification.  

During this full-time intensive program, students will obtain first-hand clinical experience in nuclear medicine technology procedures. Skills students will learn in the classroom include routine diagnostic examinations, radio Pharmacy, therapeutic and theranostic applications, and in vitro procedures. All of these occur at one of the top diagnostic laboratories in the country. Clinical experiences take place at facilities throughout the Baltimore Metropolitan region. 

As with most nuclear medicine technology programs, admissions to this program are competitive. Applicants must complete prerequisite course work in human anatomy and physiology, algebra, physics, medical terminology, communication, and chemistry. Also, students must have completed a two-year associate’s degree with a 2.5 GPA or higher or have graduated from a two-year clinically related allied health program such as nursing or respiratory therapy. 

• Location: Baltimore, MD
• Duration: 18 months
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT)
• Tuition: $12,000 total

Mayo Clinic – College of Medicine and Science

The Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science offers a one-year nuclear medicine technology program at their Rochester, MN campus. With more than 30,000 procedures performed at this hospital each year, students will have ample opportunity to gain hands-on experience. 

Twenty-five percent of this program is spent in the classroom, while the remaining 75 percent is spent working directly with patients. A highlight of this program is high-quality externships that put students in a variety of practice settings, clinical environments, and patient populations.

For the past 25 years, 100 percent of students in this program have passed their certification exam on the first try. Only eight to 10 students are admitted to this program each year. Candidates for this program must have already completed a bachelor’s in science or science-related field from an accredited college or university

• Location: Rochester, MN
• Duration: One year
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT)
• Tuition: $538 per credit

Due to the hands-on nature of nuclear medicine technologists programs, there are no completely online programs. However, there are certificate programs and degree-completion options for medical professionals with at least an associate’s degree. Here are five programs:

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences School of Medical Imaging and Therapeutics

The one-year advanced certificate in nuclear medicine technology certificate at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences School of Medical Imaging and Therapeutics is designed for professionals who are already working in the medical field and hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. 

This program is offered online with synchronous classes. This allows students to interact with staff and other students in real-time regularly. Students then complete clinical experiences at designated locations across the country. 

• Location: Boston, MA
• Duration: 12 months
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT)
• Tuition: $1,325 per credit 

Chattanooga State Community College 

Chattanooga State Community College offers a one-year nuclear medicine technology certificate for medical professionals with an associate’s degree or higher. Courses are offered primarily online, although students must travel to campus every four to six weeks for intensive lab courses. 

Students must be enrolled in this program full-time as it is quite rigorous and requires intensive clinical experiences to gain hands-on experience. 

• Location: Chattanooga, TN
• Duration: 12 months
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT)
• Tuition: $13,398.05 total

Augusta University – College of Allied Health Sciences 

Augusta University College of Allied Sciences offers a distance learning option for their bachelor of science in radiologic sciences with a major in nuclear medicine technology. This is a transfer program designed for students who have already completed the first two years of general bachelor’s degree studies or who are credentialed or military-trained NMTs. While distance learning does make this a flexible degree, students are discouraged from working full-time due to academic demands. 

Only 16 students are admitted to this program each year, eight for the distance learning portion and eight for the on-campus one. To be considered for admission, students must have completed prerequisite coursework in biology, medical terminology, physics, chemistry, and math. This is a competitive program and students must undergo an interview with the admissions team as part of the application process. 

• Location: Augusta, GA
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT)
• Tuition: $945.93 per credit

Loma Linda University – School of Allied Health Professions 

Students can earn their bachelor’s of science in nuclear medicine technology at Loma Linda University School of Allied Health Professions. This is a hybrid program with many of the courses taught through distance learning. Online classes in this program still require a high degree of interaction with faculty and participation, to help mimic in-person learning. 

During this program, students will receive more than 1,500 hours of nuclear medicine and more than 250 hours of CT clinical experience. Graduates of this program are eligible for national certification and licensure by the state of California. Required courses in this program include ethics, imaging modalities, moral leadership, instrumentation, and radiopharmacy. 

• Location: Loma Linda, CA
• Duration: 24 to 27 months
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT)
• Tuition: $85,531 total

For professionals who follow the traditional path of education and certification, it takes just two years of postsecondary education to enter this lucrative career.

Step 1: Graduate from High School or Complete a GED (Four Years)

Aspiring nuclear medicine technologists must graduate from high school or obtain a GED. Not only is this a requirement for admission to most nuclear medicine technologist programs, but it also demonstrates a minimum level of education. Students interested in pursuing this career should focus on classes such as math, chemistry, and biology.  

Step 2: Complete Nuclear Medicine Technologist Education (Two to Four Years) 

Nuclear medicine technologists must receive specialized training. This can be completed as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program, or as a certificate, if the student has at least an associate’s in a related field. 

Coursework students complete as part of their studies include medical imaging pathology, foundations of nuclear medicine, radiation physics and instrumentation, and imaging instrumentation. Programs also include extensive clinical internships to give students hands-on experience in the field. 

Step 3: Earn a Nuclear Medicine Technologist Certification (Timeline Varies)

Certification is highly recommended for nuclear medicine technologists as it demonstrates competency in the field. The two primary certification bodies are the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). More details about certification can be found below.  

Step 4: Obtain State Licensure (Timeline Varies)

At least 30 states require nuclear medicine technologists to be licensed. Requirements vary by state, so candidates should contact their local board to ensure they have the necessary qualifications. Most states require an exam or national certification, proof of education, and a licensing fee.

Nuclear medicine technologists primarily work in hospitals, although some are employed in private clinics and diagnostics laboratories. Job duties vary based on place of employment, but typical day-to-day responsibilities include:

• Meeting with patients to explain procedures
• Preparing radioactive drugs for diagnostic procedures
• Administering radioactive medications
• Using imaging equipment 
• Monitoring patients for reactions to the medications
• Maintaining careful records
• Following all radiation safety procedures

Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) are the primary certification agencies for nuclear medicine technologists (NMTs). Both certifications require candidates to hold at least an associate’s degree, complete an accredited or approved nuclear medicine program, and pass an exam.  

Nuclear medicine technologists are required to be licensed in at least 30 states. Requirements for licensure vary by state, so candidates should contact their local boards to learn what qualifications they need. For example, in California, the requirements are:

• Pay $268 application fee
• Hold an NMT certification from the NMTCB or ARRT

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2021), nuclear medicine technologists earn $84,850 per year on average. The percentiles are:  

• 10th percentile: $60,550
• 25th percentile: $74,820
• 50th percentile (median): $78,760
• 75th percentile: $98,410
• 90th percentile: $105,530

Here are some alternatives to a career as a nuclear medicine technologist: 

Become a Cardiac Sonographer

Cardiac sonographers use diagnostic medical imaging equipment to determine how well a patient’s heart is or is not working. They must have a good bedside manner to comfort anxious patients while still obtaining high-quality images. After a procedure, they must summarize findings in a written report for the physician.

• Typical Education: Associate’s, bachelor’s, or certificate
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)

Become a Registered Nurse

Registered nurses work in all aspects of healthcare, including clinics, hospitals, outpatient centers, and even labs. Often, they are a patient’s first point of contact when coming in for care. Typical duties include gathering patient history, taking vital signs, administering medications, giving vaccines, and assisting the physician. 

• Typical Education: Associate’s or bachelor’s
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: State nursing board

Become a Registered Respiratory Therapist

Breathing-related issues can be addressed by registered respiratory therapists. The patients they care for can have acute, meaning sudden onset, breathing problems, or they may have a chronic condition such as asthma or COPD. In some circumstances, they may perform breathing function evaluations and provide treatments, while in others, they may be responsible for monitoring a patient on a ventilator. 

• Typical Education: Associate’s or bachelor’s
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) 

Kimmy Gustafson

Writer

At HealthcareDegree.com, Kimmy Gustafson has delivered in-depth and insightful articles since 2019, aiding prospective students to navigate the complexities of choosing the right healthcare degree. Her recent work includes topics such as the ethics of gene editing and physician assistant’s fight for autonomy.

Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.