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.)
Certification is required in order to work as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. There are two possible certifications (either one is sufficient):
Successful completion of the St. Cloud State Nuclear Medicine Technology program will prepare you to pass either of the two certification board exams.