Nuclear Medicine Job Description
Nuclear medicine is a department within the health-care sector that deals with the diagnosis of ailments through imaging. This is done by introducing radioactive particles into the body and then seeing if and where higher- or lower-than-expected levels of radiation occur indicating some form of abnormality. Nuclear medicine technicians are responsible for administering and monitoring the radiation.
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Function
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The job of a nuclear medicine technician is to use equipment that can trace radioactive material in a patient's body that then creates an image that can be used to diagnose illnesses. A technician will introduce the material either by mouth, through injection or through inhalation and then place the patient in a scanner, which creates the images. These images are then produced on a screen or on film and are given to a physician to interpret. The technician is also responsible for making sure patient's records are up-to-date and document the amount of radiation they have received.
Qualifications
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Candidates wanting to start a career in nuclear medicine will need to have a bachelor's degree or an associate degree. These vary in length between one to four years and can be taken in community colleges, and universities. Normally these programs will cover physical sciences, biological effects of radiation exposure, the use of radiopharmaceuticals, imaging techniques and the effects of radiation exposure.
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Prospects
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There were 21,800 nuclear medicine technicians in the U.S. in 2008 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs within this sector are expected to grow by around 16 percent through 2018, which is faster than the national average for all jobs in the U.S. The growth will be down to an aging population who are the main users of this form of diagnostic procedure.
Work Conditions
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Nuclear medicine technicians will work an average 40-hour week, although some may have to work evening and weekend shifts when they are on call. While there is potential for harmful exposure to radiation, this is minimized by the use of shielded syringes, gloves and additional protective instruments. Technicians also wear badges that measure the levels of radiation so that technicians know how much radiation they are being exposed to. Stamina is also required as technicians spend much of the day on their feet.
Earnings
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the average salary for nuclear medicine technologists in 2008 was $66,660 a year. The highest 10 percent earned more than $87,770, while the lowest 10 percent took home less than $48,450 a year.
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References
- Photo Credit hands in gloves filling a syringe image by Antonevich Anastasia from Fotolia.com
