Nuclear Medicine Technology Program Information
Nuclear medicine technology is the medical specialty that utilizes unsealed radioactive materials in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. This practice includes the administration, imaging and/or counting of diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals to demonstrate organ and molecular function, as well as the delivery of therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals to treat a number of pathologies.
The practice of nuclear medicine technology encompasses multi-disciplinary skills, which use rapidly evolving instrumentation, radiopharmaceuticals and techniques. The responsibilities of the nuclear medicine technologist include an empathetic and instructional approach to patient care; the preparation, calibration, and administration of radio pharmaceuticals and pharmaceuticals (under the direction of an authorized user); the performance of quality control procedures; and the operation of imaging, laboratory and computer instrumentation. (Information provided by the Society of Nuclear Medicine.)
Degree Requirements
The bachelor of science degree in nuclear medicine technology requires a prescribed three-year curriculum at St. Cloud State University followed by clinical coursework at an affiliated school of nuclear medicine technology.
The professional coursework includes lectures and laboratory experiences in the areas of nuclear physics, radioisotope measurements, nuclear medicine, imaging cameras, technical evaluation of nuclear medicine procedures, and a clinical nuclear medicine practicum.
Upon completion of the clinical coursework, students are eligible to take national certification exams.
Current affiliated schools of nuclear medicine technology are the Mayo School of Health-Related Sciences in Rochester, Minn., St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield, Wis., St. Luke's Medical Center and Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, both in Milwaukee, Wis.
