Nuclear Medicine Technologists
What is a Nuclear Medicine Technologist?
Nuclear Medicine Technologists are specialized healthcare professionals who use radioactive materials to diagnose and treat various medical conditions. They play a crucial role in the field of nuclear medicine, which involves the application of radiopharmaceuticals for imaging and therapeutic purposes. These technologists prepare and administer radioactive drugs to patients, operate imaging equipment, and capture images of the body's organs and tissues in real time. Their work helps physicians identify diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and certain neurological disorders at early stages. In addition to performing imaging procedures like PET scans and SPECT scans, Nuclear Medicine Technologists are responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of patients undergoing nuclear tests. They must adhere to strict safety protocols to minimize radiation exposure to both patients and healthcare staff. Their responsibilities may also extend to maintaining and calibrating imaging equipment, managing radioactive materials, and accurately documenting procedures and outcomes. The role requires a strong understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and the principles of radiation physics. Nuclear Medicine Technologists typically work in hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, or research laboratories. They are essential team members in the healthcare sector, collaborating with physicians, radiologists, and other healthcare professionals to provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatments, ultimately contributing to improved patient care and outcomes.
Tasks
- Administer radiopharmaceuticals or radiation intravenously to detect or treat diseases, using radioisotope equipment, under direction of a physician.
- Detect and map radiopharmaceuticals in patients' bodies, using a camera to produce photographic or computer images.
- Process cardiac function studies, using computer.
- Calculate, measure, and record radiation dosage or radiopharmaceuticals received, used, and disposed, using computer and following physician's prescription.
- Record and process results of procedures.
Technology Skills
- Medical software
- Presentation software
- Spreadsheet software
- Electronic mail software
- Office suite software
Tools Used
- Radiation detectors
- Medical gamma cameras for general use
- Medical computed tomography CT or CAT quality assurance or calibration phantoms or devices
- Liquid scintillation counters
- Medical radiation dosimeters
Knowledge
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
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Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Skills
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Abilities
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Associate's degree
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Bachelor's degree
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Post-baccalaureate certificate
Awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master
Work Activities
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Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
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Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Detailed Work Activities
- Administer medical substances for imaging or other procedures.
- Create advanced digital images of patients using computer imaging systems.
- Operate diagnostic imaging equipment.
- Process x-rays or other medical images.
- Follow protocols or regulations for healthcare activities.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$69300.0 - $123910.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.