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Nuclear Medicine Technologist Career
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Nuclear Medicine Technologist Job Description
Nuclear Medicine is a branch of medicine which involves the utilization of radioactive drugs and radiopharmaceuticals for the treatment of different types of medical conditions, mainly cancer. A Nuclear Medicine Technologist is involved in the treatment and diagnosis of cancer patients and works directly under the supervision of a radiotherapy physician
The primary functions of a Nuclear Medicine Technologist are to administer and monitor the levels of concentration of radioactive drugs in the patient’s body.
Among the various duties, some of the specific duties of a Nuclear Medicine Technologist is to explain the procedure/ tests to the patient, prepare a dose, as per the set safety protocols and the doctors prescription, administering the drug and operating the camera’s or scanners to ascertain the dosage has been delivered correctly.
In addition, a Nuclear Medicine Technologist has to undertake clerical and administrative work which includes maintaining records, equipment maintenance, maintain stock records of radiopharmaceuticals received or disposed off.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Skills/Duties
A Nuclear Medicine Technologist needs to have the knowledge of how to manage radioactive drugs and materials in order to ensure his own safety along with the safety of his colleagues and patients.
A Nuclear Medicine technologist needs to have excellent communication skills to ward off anxiety and apprehension of patients and their relatives and comfort the patient.
Further, basic information of electrical circuits and connections is essential, as the Technologists operate large and expensive equipments like the PET scan, IGRT and CT scan machines.
Appropriate equipment maintenance protocols need to be followed.
Empathy, commitment towards work, compliance to safety protocols is some of the basic requirements to become a successful Nuclear Medicine Technologist.
The normal working hours are about forty per week. There are very few emergency situations and it is very rare to be on call.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Education and Training
• There are two ways of pursing the career; one is to complete a certification program of two years, which is offered by several hospitals and technical training institutions or to complete a associate degree program of two years, in any of the community colleges.
• Following this, the candidate needs to complete a one year training or educational program, from any institute which is accredited by the Joint Review Committee of Nuclear Medicine Technology. As in 2006, there were several institutes in the United States which provide this program. The course work includes class room training coupled with onsite practical training and focuses on storage and disposal of hazardous radioactive waste.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Job Outlook
Like most of the other professions in the domain of healthcare, the scope for a Nuclear Medicine Technologist is expected to rise in the future. As per the estimates of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the profession is estimated to grow faster than average over the next few years. Subsequently, from the perspective of growth, a technologist may take up supervisory roles or administrative roles in the concerned department. Some may specialize in select domains like nuclear cardiology and improve their remuneration prospects.
Certification is mandatory to work in hospitals or healthcare settings, while some hospitals prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree, which in turn improves their growth prospects. Nuclear Medicine Technologists may also be hired in clinics or private laboratories at entry levels.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary
The salary of a Nuclear Medicine Technologist depends primarily on the certification and the underlying education acquired. The annual median salary of Nuclear Medicine Technologist is about $56,450. Further, the remuneration increases as one gains more experience or specializes in specific domains of Nuclear medicine technology.
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