Department of Radiologic Sciences
Nuclear Medicine
Academic Programs
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Modalities
Overview
Nuclear medicine technologists give patients radiopharmaceuticals, drugs that include radionuclides which emit radiation, and then use a scanner to monitor the tissues or organs where the drugs localize. The resulting images are evaluated by a physician for disease diagnosis.
Tasks
- manipulate and administer radioactive materials
- operate scanners and related equipment
- evaluate images for quality and accuracy
- interact with patients and their families, physicians and other healthcare professionals
Technology
- gamma and PET scanners
- radiopharmacy
Patient Interaction
- direct patient contact – injecting and positioning patients
- healthy and critically ill inpatients and outpatients
- all ages from pediatrics to geriatrics
- noninvasive
Work Conditions
- small, low-lit rooms
- stand or sit at a monitor while patient is on exam table
- radiation areas
Career Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19% increase in the number of jobs for Nuclear Medicine Technologists by 2020.
Pathways to a nuclear medicine degree
If you ... |
then consider... |
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| are in High School | 2+2 PACE program or 3+1 Advanced Placement BS/BS with Immaculata University |
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| have 50 prerequisite credits | 2-year Multicompetency BS*option or 2+1 BS/MS* |
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| have a baccalaureate degree and 50 prerequisite credits |
1-year Advanced Placement BS option or 1+1 BS/MS or 2-year Multicompetency BS* or 2+1 BS/MS* |
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| have certification in or graduated from an accredited program* in Radiologic Sciences or allied health and have 50 prerequisite credits |
1-year Advanced Placement BS option or 1+1 BS/MS or 2-year Multicompetency BS* or 2+1 BS/MS* |
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*Multicompetency Combination options
Acceptance into the second year program of choice is not guaranteed.
| First Year | Second Year |
| Nuclear medicine | Computed Tomography |
| Nuclear medicine | MRI |
| Nuclear medicine | Cardiac sonography |
| Nuclear medicine | Radiography |
| Radiography | Nuclear medicine |
| MRI | Nuclear medicine |
(Other modality combinations are possible. Students must consult an admissions counselor or a Radiologic Sciences faculty member when choosing modalities.)
Academic Program Options
2+2 PACE
3+1 Advanced
Placement BS/BS
2-year
Multicompetency
2+1 BS/MS
1-year Advanced
Placement
1+1 BS/MS
Executive-style
MS
1-year PET/CT
Certificate Program
Part-time Advanced
Placement
(Computed
Tomography)
Part-time Advanced
Placement BS
(Radiation Therapy or
Medical Dosimetry)
