Nuclear Medicine Technology
Program Requirements
Nuclear Medicine Technology, BS Program Checksheet
Includes:
- Major Courses and General Education Courses
- Admission and Transfer Requirements
- Graduation Requirements
Why Choose Nuclear Medicine Technology?
Ferris has the only University-based program in Michigan. 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.
Course work includes human anatomy and physiology, radiation and nuclear physics, and nuclear medicine theory and methods. Students spend the final 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.
Career Opportunities
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 radio pharmaceutical 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.
Almost 8 out of 10 jobs are in hospitals. The rest are in specialized settings including imaging centers, radiopharmacies, and manufacturers. The national median annual base salary of full-time nuclear medicine technologists was $76,820 in 2018.
More Information
College of Health Professions
Ferris State University
200 Ferris Drive
Big Rapids, MI 49307-2740
Phone: 231-591-2270
Email: [email protected]
American Society of Radiologic Technologists
15000 Central Ave., SE
Albuquerque, NM 87123-3917
www.asrt.org
The Society of Nuclear Medicine-Technologist Section
1850 Samuel Morse Drive
Reston, VA 22090
www.snmmi.org
For information on certification:
Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board
3558 Habersham at Northlake, Building I
Tucker, GA 30084
www.nmtcb.org
Information on program accreditation:
Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology
2000 W. Danforth Road, Suite 130, #203
Edmond, OK 73003
www.jrcnmt.org