All About Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Occupation Description Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.

What do Nuclear Medicine Technologists do On a Daily Basis?

• Record and process results of procedures.
• Calculate, measure, and record radiation dosage or radiopharmaceuticals received, used, and disposed, using computer and following physician’s prescription.
• Add radioactive substances to biological specimens, such as blood, urine, or feces, to determine therapeutic drug or hormone levels.
• Perform quality control checks on laboratory equipment or cameras.
• Prepare stock radiopharmaceuticals, adhering to safety standards that minimize radiation exposure to workers and patients.
• Administer radiopharmaceuticals or radiation intravenously to detect or treat diseases, using radioisotope equipment, under direction of a physician.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist?

Below is a list of the skills most Nuclear Medicine Technologists say are important on the job.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Related Job Titles for this Occupation:

• Staff Nuclear Medicine Technologist
• Nuclear Medicine PET-CT Technologist (Nuclear Medicine Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomography Technologist)
• Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist
• Isotope Technician
• Radioisotope Technologist

Job Opportunities for Nuclear Medicine Technologists

In the United States, there were 20,100 jobs for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in 2016.

New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.8% which is lower than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 2,000 new jobs for Nuclear Medicine Technologists by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 1,300 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Nuclear Medicine Technologists are Florida, Texas, and New York.

Watch out if you plan on working in North Dakota, Hawaii, or Delaware. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Do Nuclear Medicine Technologists Make A Lot Of Money?

Nuclear Medicine Technologists Make between $55,330 and $104,730 a year. The median salary is $76,820.

How much do Nuclear Medicine Technologists make in different U.S. states?

Annual Mean Salary by State

State	Annual Mean Salary
California	$112,040
District of Columbia	$96,370
Washington	$91,950
New Jersey	$91,690
Hawaii	$91,310
Rhode Island	$89,060
Connecticut	$88,670
New York	$87,560
Oregon	$86,040
Colorado	$85,500
Minnesota	$85,050
Arizona	$84,230
Illinois	$84,200
Massachusetts	$83,090
Vermont	$82,590
Delaware	$82,400
Nevada	$82,340
New Hampshire	$82,300
Wisconsin	$80,740
Maryland	$80,350
Idaho	$78,680
Texas	$77,390
New Mexico	$77,270
Montana	$76,980
Kansas	$76,290
Missouri	$75,680
Utah	$75,250
North Dakota	$74,630
Georgia	$74,420
Maine	$73,800
Iowa	$73,630
Wyoming	$73,620
Arkansas	$73,510
Oklahoma	$73,270
Indiana	$73,270
Virginia	$72,090
Florida	$72,090
Ohio	$71,880
Pennsylvania	$71,550
South Carolina	$71,410
Michigan	$70,270
North Carolina	$70,180
Louisiana	$67,500
Nebraska	$67,470
Kentucky	$67,380
South Dakota	$64,990
Mississippi	$64,710
Tennessee	$63,900
Alabama	$61,350
West Virginia	$60,350

Tools & Technologies Used by Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Nuclear Medicine Technologists may use on a daily basis:

• Microsoft Office
• MEDITECH software
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Outlook

Becoming a Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Are there Nuclear Medicine Technologist education requirements?

What work experience do I need to become a Nuclear Medicine Technologist?

Who Employs Nuclear Medicine Technologists?

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics

College Factual

O*NET Online

Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons