Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Job Description
Nuclear medicine is used to diagnose and treat disease by utilizing radionuclides – unstable atoms that spontaneously emit radiation.
Radionuclides undergo a purification and compounding process like other drugs to form useful radiopharmaceuticals.
These radiopharmaceuticals are prepared and administered by the nuclear medicine technologist, a highly specialized health care professional.
Responsibilities
The nuclear medicine technologist uses specialized equipment to monitor the characteristics and functioning status of tissues or organs in which the radiopharmaceuticals collect.
Abnormal areas are identified by higher or lower than normal concentrations of radioactivity.
The nuclear medicine technologist operates the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners that are used as a part of nuclear medicine procedures.
The main responsibilities of the technologist include:
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The preparation and administration of medications and radiopharmaceuticals needed for patient imaging and therapeutic procedures
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Using advanced computer technology to process data and enhance digital images
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Analysis of data and patient information, along with providing images, used for diagnostic interpretations or therapeutic procedures
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Assessing the technical quality and calibration of instrumentation by evaluation of images
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Assessing efficacy of new protocols
Skills
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Attention to Detail |
Must be careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Missing small things can have big consequences in this field since you're dealing with radiopharmaceuticals. |
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Autonomy |
Must develop your own ways of doing things since you will mainly work alone. Must be able to guide yourself with little or no supervision, and depend on yourself to get things done. |
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Critical Thinking |
Must use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. |
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Monitoring |
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself and patients under your care to make improvements or take corrective action. |
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Science |
Must be able to use scientific rules and methods to solve problems. |
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Concern for Others |
Must be sensitive to others' needs and feelings and be understanding and helpful on the job. Patients you encounter will be going through difficult times and you must be empathetic towards them. |
Working Conditions
A nuclear medicine technologist will typically work a 40-hour week. Evening or weekend rotations may be included in departments that work on an extended or around-the-clock schedule. Part-time and shift work opportunities are common. There may occasionally be an on-call assignment required.
Salary Outlook
| Estimated Annual Salary | Average Hourly Wage | Positions Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| $73,230.00 | $35.21 | 21,000 |