Job Descriptions for Nuclear Medicine Technology
Nuclear Technologists perform a variety of duties for physicians within hospitals. These jobs include administering radionuclides and photographing x-ray images with specialized equipment. Since this occupation involves the use of low exposure radiation for treating disease, the Nuclear Medicine Technologist must maintain safety standards for patients and coworkers.
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Function
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Nuclear Medicine Technologists prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals while they assist physicians with radiotherapy procedures. They use high tech equipment called a gamma scintillation camera as a part of this process. This equipment maps and detects the radioactive drug within a patient's body to create a diagnostic image. Once the image is complete, it then becomes available on a screen or film for a physician to interpret. Nuclear Medicine Technologists specialize in two particular areas within this line of work: Nuclear Cardiology and Positron Emission Tomography (PET).
Nuclear Cardiology
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Nuclear Cardiology uses cameras to image the body and involves the administering of radiopharmaceuticals when needed. This process is called myocardial perfusion imaging, and it requires patients to exercise in order for technologists to be able to take images of their heart and blood flow. This procedure is carried out by patients exercising on equipment such as treadmills, until they reach a certain stress level. Once the patient reaches this level, images are taken of their chest area and of their heart. Physicians then view the images as a part of their diagnostic procedures.
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Positron Emission Tomography
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Positron Emission Tomography is also known as PET scans and the Nuclear Medical Technologist uses this procedure to treat a variety of diseases, cancers and other ailments within the human body. This procedure uses radiotracers in the process of scanning the body. Radiotracers are swallowed, inhaled or injected into the veins of a patient. Once they enter the patient's body, radiotracers emit gamma ray energy that is detected by the gamma camera. Images are then created from the camera that details the function of organs and tissues.
Education
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Many education programs within the field of Nuclear Medicine Technology allow individuals to take a two-year training program in order to obtain employment. Training is offered inside of hospitals and colleges that specialize in this line of work. Associate degrees can be obtained from colleges or universities, and this degree is also a requirement for individuals to work as technicians within the field. Having a bachelor's degree is not a requirement, but it's recommended if an individual wants to earn a larger salary and have greater promotional opportunities within this area of employment.
Certification
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Certification is voluntary, but it has become an accepted standard within the Nuclear Medicine Technology community. The Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) is one type of accredited organization that offers certification. Examination is an important part of obtaining certification, and individuals cannot be certified unless they can pass the testing parts of this procedure. Continuing education is also a requirement for maintaining certification once it's obtained.
Future Outlook
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According the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment within the field of Nuclear Medicine Technology is expected to increase by sixteen percent by the year 2018. There is tough competition to enter this line of work because there will not be enough positions available in the future for qualified Nuclear Medical Technologists. Individuals who specialize in more than one area of this occupation will have a better chance to gain employment.
Income and Salaries
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, annual salaries for Nuclear Medicine Technologists were close to $70,000 in 2008. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also claims that in 2008 the highest salary earners within this profession made close to $90,000 a year. Employees who made the lowest salary within this field earned about $49,000 annually.
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References
- Photo Credit x-ray image by Claudio Calcagno from Fotolia.com
