Hospital Nuclear Medical Technologist Job Description |
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Job Duties
Nuclear medicine technologists administer radiopharmaceuticals to patients in order to observe a patient’s internal organs. Radiopharmaceuticals utilize radionuclides, unstable atoms emitting radiation spontaneously, to help nuclear medicine technicians note metabolic abnormalities within a patient. Nuclear medicine technologists use cameras to map the path a radiopharmaceutical takes throughout a patient’s body to create diagnostic images. Two areas of specialization, nuclear cardiology and positron emission tomography, exist in the nuclear medicine technologist field. Nuclear cardiology assesses the path a radiopharmaceutical takes through a patient at rest, while positron emission tomography measures radiopharmaceuticals traveling during exercise. Positron emission tomography nuclear medicine technologists utilize advanced 3D imaging devices to map a patient’s entire body whilst exercising.
Job Qualifications and Compensation
On average, nuclear medicine technologist education programs range in length from 1 to 4 years and result in certification, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree. Several employers and states require licensing for nuclear med techs. The Joint Review Committee on Education Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology accredits both associate and bachelor’s degree programs. Licensure requirements vary by state, and many health insurance companies will only pay for nuclear imaging services rendered by certified nuclear medicine technologists.
Nuclear medicine technologists typically earn a quality salary and comprehensive benefits packages even though they only generally receive, at most, a four-year degree. The average yearly salary earned by a nuclear med tech rests near $66,000; however, starting pay may begin closer to $30,000 for new technologists. Nuclear medicine technologist benefits vary greatly by employer, but most techs can expect to receive excellent healthcare options, 401(k) retirement funds, paid vacations, and several more employment perks.
Who’s Hiring?
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