Nuclear Medicine Technologist Careers
If you have an interest in chemistry, helping people, and medicine, a career as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist is an exciting option to consider pursuing.
As a Nuclear Medicine Technologist, you will prepare and administer therapeutic doses of radioactive drugs, under the supervision of a physician, in order to treat and diagnose various diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Radioactive drugs can be injected in small amounts and then viewed through imagery in order to determine or track the progress of a patient’s disease. These drugs can also be used as a form of treatment for certain diseases. Nuclear Medicine Technologists are responsible for preparing and measuring accurate doses of these specific drugs. As a Nuclear Medicine Technologist, you are also required to thoroughly explain all procedures to patients and answer any questions they might have.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Career Snapshot
The typical work environment for a Nuclear Medicine Technologist is a hospital although it is also possible to work in physicians’ offices, clinics, and diagnostic laboratories. Usually, technologists work full time.
Further details on a career as a nuclear medicine technologist are listed below (statistics from the May 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):
is the average annual salary for nuclear medicine technologists.
increase in employment between 2014 and 2024.
have an Associate’s degree while 22% have a Bachelor’s degree.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Education
To become a Nuclear Medicine Technologist, you will need a degree from an accredited program. Typically, an associate’s degree is required although some choose to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Education and licensing requirements vary by state.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Job Duties
Nuclear Medicine Technologists perform a wide range of job duties. Examples of duties include following proper safety techniques when disposing of radioactive materials,
subjecting patients to radiation for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes, examining machines to ensure proper performance, and maintaining detailed records of any procedures. Technologists also monitor patients for any adverse reactions to treatment.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salaries
Typically, a nuclear medicine technologist can expect to make an average of $73,000 per year according to BLS.gov reports. The lowest 10% bring in around $53,000 while the highest 10% can earn over $100,000. All in all, if you enjoy science, working with people and the opportunity to help people, consider choosing a career as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Job Outlook
The projected growth for Nuclear Medicine Technologists from 2014 – 2024 is 2%, slightly slower than the national average. An aging population may lead to an increased rate of growth; however, a growing reliance on less costly, less invasive procedures such as ultrasound may inhibit growth.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Skills & Traits
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist Skill Set: | Required Abilities: | Tools Used by Nuclear Medicine Technologists: | Typical Work Activities: |
|---|---|---|---|
| • Critical Thinking • Active Listening • Speaking • Monitoring • Reading Comprehension | • Oral Comprehension • Oral Expression • Near Vision • Problem Sensitivity • Information Ordering | • Liquid scintillation counters • Medical gamma cameras • Medical computed tomography CT • Medical radiation dosimeters • Radiation detectors | • Caring for Others • Working with Computers • Documenting Information • Getting Information • Updating Relevant Knowledge |
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