As the population known as “Baby Boomers” reach middle age, the need for Nuclear Medicine Technology is drastically rising.  People are relying on Nuclear Medicine to get accurate medical diagnoses.  Nuclear Medicine Technologists are the experts at local hospitals and medical offices who run x-rays, MRIs, and similar equipment.  Due to their specialized skills, Nuclear Medicine Technologists are one of a kind.

Many people are familiar with X-Ray machines.  Also called radiography, a small amount of radiation is used to capture images of the body’s insides.  Images are then transferred to film or a computer image.  Nuclear Medicine Technologists run the radiography equipment and use their skills to capture clear images of the affected area.

MRI equipment (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) provides a similar function, but large magnets and sound waves create the images.  Special medicines, called radiopharmaceuticals, are given to the patient.  A Nuclear Medicine Technologist must use special precautions to ensure the levels of radiation are kept to safe doses.  Those employed in Nuclear Medicine Technology must keep accurate records of the pharmaceuticals that are used and the dosages given.

Nuclear Medicine Technology covers many machines from ultrasound/sonograms to handling radioimmunoassay studies.  Ultrasounds or sonograms are the machines used frequently during a woman’s pregnancy.  Sound waves are sent into the body and the waves bounce off the growing fetus providing clear images of the fetus’s development. 

Radioimmunoassay studies are more complex.  The patient is given a radioactive cocktail to ingest.  The dosages are precisely measured to ensure the patient’s safety.  The action of the radioactivity is then closely measured to tell a doctor more about hormonal fluctuations, blood movement throughout the body, and other similar issues.

A person in the Nuclear Medicine Technology field can expect to work forty-hour workweeks, but the shifts can vary.  Because hospitals never close, a Nuclear Medicine Technologist can work first, second, or third shift.  Coverage for other workers during illness and vacations are often necessary.

Nuclear Medicine Technologists must contain a good deal of upper-body strength.  Many times, a disabled or weak patient must be maneuvered into the correct position.  In addition, Nuclear Medicine Technologists work eight-hour shifts on their feet.  Rarely does a person employed in Nuclear Medicine Technology sit around for hours.  Comfortable shoes are important, but being able to work standing for long hours is crucial.

Finally, a Nuclear Medicine Technologist must be extremely familiar with the handling and disposal of radioactive materials.  The technologist’s safety depends on the ability to memorize and retain all the latest safety precautions.

In order to work in the field of Nuclear Medicine Technology, a person must be licensed in most of the fifty states.  It is imperative that an interested person contacts their state to learn the exact requirements.  There are a few choices when choosing to become a Nuclear Medicine Technologist.

Typically, the one-year program requires a minimum of an associate’s degree in radiological technology or diagnostic medical ultrasounds or a Bachelor’s degree in science.  Those holding medical degrees in nursing and medical technology often enroll in this type of program as a means to a career change.

Required courses in the field of Nuclear Medicine Technology include Physics, Anatomy, Chemistry, Algebra, Computer Science, English Composition, and Medical Terminology.   A person interested in becoming a Nuclear Medicine Technologist will need to have passed or be able to pass these courses.

Other courses that are taught include:

- Preparing radioactive “tracers” (medicine ingested prior to the scan.)
- Discussing procedure with the patient.
- Imaging equipment procedures.
- Computer image processing and enhancement.
- Radioactive compound processing and administration.
- Radiation therapy and quality control.
- Radiation safety.
- Laboratory testing.
- Computer programs.

Nuclear Medicine Technology can be taught as the one-year accredited course.  It is also available in two-year certificate programs, two-year associate’s degree, or a four-year bachelor’s degree. 

Once the education has been completed, testing begins.  Testing is the critical step to receiving Nuclear Medicine Technologist certification.  The tests to receive certification are no picnic.  A sample question asks the test taker why chromatography testing of technetium radiopharmaceuticals is done.  Obviously, these are not simple, every day questions.  Those wishing to become Nuclear Medicine Technologists must be prepared to do more than their fair share of memorization.

The Nuclear Medicine Technology certification test focuses on four main criteria:

- Radiation Safety
- Instrumentation
- Clinical Procedures
- Radiopharmacy

In order to be prepared for the test, students must be very familiar with those components.  The student has one hour and forty-five minutes to answer all ninety questions.  Sites holding the Nuclear Medicine Technology certification tests suggest students arrive at least fifteen minutes early for the test.  Rules are firm that students cannot skip questions, but they can mark questions to look over when they have completed the questions.  At that point, the student can change an answer.

Written results are provided when the student leaves the testing site.  Another issue to remember, students who become ill during the test are not offered retests.  Their grade is issued on the amount of the test they completed at the time they became ill.

Typical yearly earnings for a Nuclear Medicine Technologist vary from state to state.  As there are no varying levels for Nuclear Medicine Technology, the pay scale is not broken down by levels as in some careers.  Once a technologist is certified, he or she is automatically offered the base pay scale for Nuclear Medicine Technology.

In Alaska, Nuclear Medicine Technologists earn a good deal of money.  At $66,500 per year, Alaska provides one of the highest pay scales in the United States.  Compare Alaska to $53,300 in Alabama and a Nuclear Medicine Technologist can see that location is a major consideration.  If a potential Nuclear Medicine Technologist is open to relocation, that aspect can drastically improve a person’s salary.  It is important to take living expenses into account, as living expenses also vary from state to state.

To best demonstrate just how different the wages can be from area to area, the following list covers all fifty states.  Aspiring Nuclear Medicine Technologists can use this list to determine areas they would consider working.  These figures are yearly without including any bonuses or overtime pay.  Typical bonuses for those employed in Nuclear Medicine Technology averages between $100 and $200 dollars per year.

Alabama - $53,300
Alaska - $66,500
Arizona - $57,100
Arkansas - $52,500
California - $64,600
Colorado - $59,900
Connecticut - $62,600
Delaware – $60,400
District Of Columbia - $60,700
Florida - $57,200
Georgia - $57,400
Hawaii - $63,100
Idaho - $54,900
Illinois - $61,700
Indiana – $57,100
Iowa - $55,500
Kansas – $54,200
Kentucky - $56,100
Louisiana – $55,800
Maine – $55,400
Maryland – $58,500
Massachusetts - $64,000
Michigan – $63,300
Minnesota - $60,500
Mississippi - $53,000
Missouri - $58,100
Montana – $55,000
Nebraska - $55,000
Nevada - $60,500
New Hampshire - $58,300
New Jersey - $64,500
New Mexico - $55,300
New York - $67,700
North Carolina - $56,800
North Dakota - $52,800
Ohio - $56,900
Oklahoma – $53,400
Oregon – $59,500
Pennsylvania - $60,800
Rhode Island - $59,000
South Carolina - $54,200
South Dakota - $52,000
Tennessee - $54,800
Texas - $58,400
Utah - $55,600
Vermont - $56,200
Virginia - $56,700
Washington – $63,000
West Virginia – $53,000
Wisconsin - $59,400
Wyoming - $52,500

The above salaries also do not include typical benefits.  Usually, vacation time adds an additional $5000 to $6000.  401K benefits typically total between $1000 and $2000 per year.  Given the higher than average wages, steady employment probabilities, and job satisfaction, turning to a career in Nuclear Medical Technology is a very good idea.  The schooling is over quickly, but the benefits will last a lifetime!