Nuclear Medical Technologist
Career Description
Under a physician’s supervision, nuclear medicine technologists use small amounts of radiopharmaceuticals to diagnose and treat diseases. Radiopharmaceuticals introduced into the body through injection, inhalation or ingestion aid in the diagnostic imaging of organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and brain. These radioactive tracers are useful because they are attracted to certain internal organs and emit easily detectable high energy rays. Nuclear medicine technologists may prepare and administer the materials, operate nuclear instruments, position patients for diagnostic procedures and prepare information received from the tests for the doctor’s interpretation.
Annual Salary
| Entry: $45,157 | Mean: $55,702 | Experienced: $29,370 |
| Source: Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council, 2006 Salary Data | ||
Hourly Wage
| Entry: $21.71 | Mean: $26.78 | Experienced: $32.26 |
| Source: Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council, 2006 Salary Data | ||
Academic Requirements
Most nuclear medicine technologists have completed a formal training program ranging from one to four years and have a certificate, associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Some states require licensure, and certified nuclear medicine technologists may be more attractive to certain employers.
Schools
KU School of Allied Health (Kansas City, Kan.)
913/588-5235
Professional Associations
National
Society of Nuclear Medicine
State
Missouri Valley Chapter of the Society of Nuclear Medicine
