Life As a Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Job Description & Duties 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?
- Produce a computer-generated or film image for interpretation by a physician.
- Explain test procedures and safety precautions to patients and provide them with assistance during test procedures.
- Calculate, measure, and record radiation dosage or radiopharmaceuticals received, used, and disposed, using computer and following physician’s prescription.
- Record and process results of procedures.
- 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.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist?
Nuclear Medicine Technologists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Nuclear Medicine Technician
- Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT)
- Nuclear Medical Technologist
- Radioisotope Technician
- Nuclear Medicine PET-CT Technologist (Nuclear Medicine Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomography Technologist)
Are There 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. 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 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.
Average Nuclear Medicine Technologists Salary
The average yearly salary of a Nuclear Medicine Technologist ranges between $55,330 and $104,730.
Nuclear Medicine Technologists who work in California, District of Columbia, or Washington, make the highest salaries.
How much do Nuclear Medicine Technologists make in different U.S. states?
| 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 |
What Tools do Nuclear Medicine Technologists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Nuclear Medicine Technologists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- MEDITECH software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- Radiopharmacy inventory databases
How do I Become a Nuclear Medicine Technologist?
What education or degrees do I need to become a Nuclear Medicine Technologist?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Nuclear Medicine Technologists Sector
Below are examples of industries where Nuclear Medicine Technologists work:
References:
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