Why Choose Nuclear Medicine Technology?
Ferris has the only University-based program in Michigan. Job placement is 100 percent with our graduates recruited nationally. Ferris graduates demonstrate excellent pass rates on national exams. The program is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology. The program combines general education and specialized courses with clinical training.
The first three semesters are spent on the Big Rapids campus. Course work includes human anatomy and physiology, radiation and nuclear physics, and nuclear medicine theory and methods. Students spend the next two semesters in a hospital setting with emphasis on the clinical application of theory.
Graduates of this program are well prepared to work in the field of nuclear medicine, and are eligible to take the national certifying examinations for registry in nuclear medicine technology.
Get a Great Job
In nuclear medicine, radionuclides (unstable atoms that emit radiation spontaneously) are
used to diagnose and treat disease. Nuclear medicine technologists administer these radiopharmaceuticals to patients, then monitor the characteristics and functions of tissues or organs in which they localize. Abnormal areas show higher or lower concentrations of radioactivity than normal.
Nuclear medicine technologists operate gamma scintillation cameras that detect and map the radioactive material in the patient’s body to create an image. Nuclear medicine technologists explain test procedures to patients. They prepare a dosage of the radiopharmaceutical and administer it by injection or other means. Technologists then produce the images for a physician to interpret. Technologists adhere to safety standards to keep radiation doses to workers and patients as low as reasonably achievable.
Employment growth is expected to be above average. Almost 8 out of 10 jobs are in hospitals. The rest are in specialized settings including imaging centers, radiopharmacies, and manufacturers. The median annual base salary of full-time nuclear medicine technologists was $46,948 in 2001. The current salary is estimated to be much higher due to an increased demand.
Admission Requirements
High school graduates entering the program must have at least a 3.0 GPA, a math ACT subscore of 19, and a one year 'B' average or better in chemistry. Transfer college students must have a 2.5 GPA and a 'C' or better in MATH 110 or the equivalent, and in one semester of chemistry with a lab component.
To assure students of quality technical training in both classroom/lab instruction and clinical practice, enrollment is limited. Students who meet the program’s admission criteria are accepted by priority date of application. It is essential to apply early for admission at the earliest possible date.
Graduation Requirements
The five-semester sequential course of study at Ferris leads to an associate in applied science degree. Ferris guarantees you an internship in the last two semesters of the program. Graduation requires a minimum of 2.0 GPA overall. Students must earn a “C” or better in major and core courses and meet all general education requirements as outlined on the General Education website.
Ferris guarantees you an internship in the last three semesters of the program, although due to limited space, specific clinical site locations cannot be guaranteed. If a student interrupts progression in the professional sequence of the program, re-entry cannot be guaranteed due to space limitations in laboratory and clinical placement sites.
More Information
Sheila Squicciarini, Program Coordinator
College of Allied Health Sciences
Ferris State University
200 Ferris Drive
Big Rapids, MI 49307-2740
Phone: 231-591-2261
Email: squiccis@ferris.edu
For Career information, enclose a stamped, self-addressed business size envelope with your request to:
American Society of Radiologic Technologists
Customer Service Department
15000 Central Ave., SE
Albuquerque, NM 87123-3917
(800) 444-2778
or
The Society of Nuclear Medicine-Technologist Section
1850 Samuel Morse Drive
Reston, VA 22090
For information on certification:
Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board
2970 Clairmont Road
Suite 610, Atlanta, GA 30329
For a list of accredited programs in nuclear medicine technology:
Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs
in Nuclear Medicine Technology
350 South 400 East
Suite 200
Salt Lake City, UT 84111-2938
