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Nuclear Medicine Technologist

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What You Need to Know About Nuclear Medicine Technologist

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.

A Day in the Life of a Nuclear Medicine Technologist

  • Detect and map radiopharmaceuticals in patients’ bodies, using a camera to produce photographic or computer images.
  • Administer radiopharmaceuticals or radiation intravenously to detect or treat diseases, using radioisotope equipment, under direction of a physician.
  • Train or supervise student or subordinate nuclear medicine technologists.
  • Prepare stock radiopharmaceuticals, adhering to safety standards that minimize radiation exposure to workers and patients.
  • Add radioactive substances to biological specimens, such as blood, urine, or feces, to determine therapeutic drug or hormone levels.
  • Measure glandular activity, blood volume, red cell survival, or radioactivity of patient, using scanners, Geiger counters, scintillometers, or other laboratory equipment.

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

When polled, Nuclear Medicine Technologists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

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.

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

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

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

  • Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT)
  • Medical Radiation Dosimetrist
  • Isotope Technologist
  • Nuclear Technologist
  • Radioisotope Technologist

Job Opportunities for Nuclear Medicine Technologists

In the United States, there were 20,100 jobs for Nuclear Medicine Technologist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 10% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 2,000 new jobs for Nuclear Medicine Technologist by 2026. The BLS estimates 1,300 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Nuclear Medicine Technologist are Wyoming, Utah, and Alaska. 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.

How Much Does a Nuclear Medicine Technologist Make?

The average yearly salary of a Nuclear Medicine Technologist ranges between $55,330 and $104,730.

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Nuclear Medicine Technologists who work in California, District of Columbia, or Washington, make the highest salaries.

How much do Nuclear Medicine Technologists make in each U.S. state?

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

Tools & Technologies Used by Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Nuclear Medicine Technologists:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • MEDITECH software
  • Electronic medical record EMR software
  • Radiopharmacy inventory databases

How to Become a Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Learn what Nuclear Medicine Technologist education requirements there are.

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Nuclear Medicine Technologists Sector

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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References:

Image Credit: via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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