Nuclear Medicine Technician - Career Profile |
Career OverviewA nuclear medicine technician works within a laboratory, hospital or healthcare facility to prepare patients or diagnostic imaging and obtain x-rays and other imaging records. The nuclear medicine technician is highly trained and must follow strict regulations and requirements when working with radiopharmaceuticals used in imaging. A nuclear medicine technician may complete magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect changes in the body that cannot be determine through imaging using traditional x-rays.
A nuclear medicine technician begins the imaging process by administering any radiopharmaceuticals required. These are specific compounds that are given to the patient to allow soft tissue and other non-skeletal organs and tissues to be imaged.
The nuclear medicine technician may use these radiopharmaceuticals to complete radioimmunoassay procedures that allow the doctors to watch movement within the body through the blood or other body fluids. These tests are then used to determine internal bleeding, aneurisms, blood clots and vascular problems. The nuclear medicine technician may be required to administer the radiopharmaceuticals by pills, injections or other forms.
After the compound is provided to the patient the nuclear medicine technician then operates the camera or imaging device. For x-rays or hard tissue imaging radiopharmaceuticals may not be required. The nuclear medicine technician is responsible for keeping the lowest exposure to any imaging scanners or camera to both the patient and themselves.
The nuclear medicine technician must have an ability to answer questions posed by the patient and their families. Often the nuclear medicine technician interacts directly with the patient explaining the procedure and keeping the patient relaxed and calm. Since this process may require some time excellent interpersonal skills are required.
Most nuclear medicine technicians work standard business hour shifts although some large hospitals and facilities may require evening and weekend shifts. There may be some emergency requirements to respond in cases of trauma and accidents, but this is usually rare. Many nuclear medicine technicians work on a part time basis and may be employed by more than one hospital or health care facility.
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Career RequirementsThe requirements for a nuclear medicine technician are determined by each individual state and therefore there is considerable variation. Most states required at least a one-year certification program but there are a variety of programs ranging from a one-year certificate to a four year Bachelor degree. All programs are monitored by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and from the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board. Each state then specifies any additional requirement or training needed.
Many nuclear medicine technicians already have either a nursing degree or other certification in a medical profession and therefore complete only a one-year certification or a two-year associates degree.
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Job OutlookWith more sophisticated methods of imaging and diagnostics the demand for nuclear medicine technicians is expected to increase at least until the year 2014. The United States Department of Labor indicates that this trend is due largely to an increasingly aging population that is the target group using MRI and other imaging diagnostics. Those nuclear medicine technicians that also have training in other imaging methods will have the best chances for new positions.
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Career TrackA nuclear medicine technician with experience can quickly move into areas of management and supervision. Many nuclear medicine technicians become laboratory supervisors and even laboratory administrators and directors. Some nuclear medicine technicians may also return to schools to train future nuclear medicine technicians.
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CompensationThe average salary for a nuclear medicine technician is $54,000 to $56,000 per year. Those nuclear medicine technicians with supervisory or management positions may earn in excess of $75,000 with the top 10% earning over $80,000.
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