Nuclear Medicine Tech Essay Example

substances (Hines, 1994). They administer radiopharmaceuticals to patients and capture images to track their distribution throughout the body (Smith, 2001).

These professionals have undergone extensive safety training to minimize exposure and ensure proper handling of radiopharmaceuticals. They work closely with doctors, documenting all procedures on patient medical records.

Education

Nuclear medicine technicians receive specialized training in using radiopharmaceuticals and medical imaging to identify health issues. This field requires completion of an associate's or bachelor's degree program, followed by certification. Prospective technicians should enroll in a JRCNMT-recognized education and training program.

Enrollment options for nuclear medicine technology programs include associate's and bachelor's degrees. These programs provide a mix of classroom instruction and on-site clinical training. Common courses in undergraduate programs cover radiopharmaceuticals, tomographic imaging, radiation physics, and human anatomy (Anderson, Charles & Johnson 2003). Graduates of nuclear medicine technician programs are eligible to take two national certification exams: one by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and another by the Nuclear Medicine Technologist Certification Board (NMTCB) (Hines, 1994). Passing at least one of these exams is necessary to work as a nuclear medicine technician; however, some professionals opt for both certifications to improve their job prospects.

According to the United States Department of Labor, annual salaries for nuclear medicine technologists range between $49,130 and $91,970 with a median salary of $68,560. These salaries can vary depending on factors such as employer, location, and work experience. A recent survey conducted by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board revealed that many respondents had more than 20 years of experience in the field, suggesting job satisfaction and long-term employment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the current average salary for

nuclear medicine technologists is approximately $70,000 per year. However, individuals with advanced skills or specializations within this profession may have access to higher paying positions.

With experience, nuclear medicine technologists can advance in their careers and be promoted to supervisory positions. Pursuing advanced education can also create opportunities to become a department administrator or director. The employment growth for nuclear medicine technologists is expected to be faster than the average for all occupations through 2018, although job competition will be high (Hines, 1994). While there will be plenty of job openings available, there will also be an excess of trained individuals available to fill them. According to the U.S., employment opportunities in nuclear medical technology are projected to increase by 16% from 2008 to 2018.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts increased competition for job opportunities due to the growing number of qualified individuals. However, nuclear medicine technicians specializing in various diagnostic technologies such as nuclear cardiology or diagnostic medical sonography may have better employment prospects. These professionals are tasked with using advanced medical equipment to aid in the diagnosis of injuries and illnesses.

Gamma cameras are commonly used for acquiring functional images, as well as for computer processing of acquired image data and the preparation and administration of radiopharmaceuticals (Smith 2001). Working in nuclear medicine tech jobs also involves significant time spent caring for patients who may be experiencing physical and mental stress, necessitating a personal and professional approach.

References

1. Anderson, Charles ; Johnson (2003).
2. The Impressive Nuclear Medicine Career. Chicago: Lucerne Publishing. Cambridge Educational (Firm), Films for the Humanities ; Sciences (Firm), ; Films Media Group. (2006). Nuclear medicine.
   

New York, N. Y.

: Films Media Group. Edward Hines, J. (1994).

The following text is from a source called "Health Technicians and Technologists" by the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital of the Department of Veterans Affairs. It was created in 2006 by Films for the Humanities ; Sciences (Firm), Films Media Group, and Meridian Education Corporation.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook for Nuclear Medicine Technologists states that Films Media Group is located in New York, N. Y.

The website for the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics can be accessed at http://www.

bls.gov/oco/ocos104.htm Smith, M. (2001).

Smith, M. (2001) provides information on Nuclear Medicine at bls.gov/oco/ocos104.htm with a justified text alignment.

The Duties of a Nuclear Med Tech, 53, 149-180.
What is NMTCB? (n. d.).
NMTCB Policy.
Retrieved May 12, 2013, from http://www.

nmtcb.org/root/default.php