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What is Nuclear Medicine?

Nuclear Medicine is an exciting field of study emphasizing the use of radioactive substances to help diagnose and treat diseases.  Nuclear medicine uses sophisticated technology to capture the radiation that emits from a body versus analyzing radiation coming from an external source like an X-ray.

The type of scans used in nuclear medicine focus on the functionality of a patient’s anatomy.  The most prominent types of nuclear medicine scanning technology used today include Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan) and SPECT Scans (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography).

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$75,960

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

51.20%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

19,650

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Nuclear Medicine Degree

Saint Louis University (Saint Louis, MO) offers a wide variety of academic programs. It has a Roman Catholic affiliation and it is evident in its history, educational approach, and mission as an institution. The university extends its academic programs to a campus located in Madrid, Spain. The Department of Clinical Health Sciences houses several programs related to nuclear and radiation technology as well as health sciences. Its top ranked nuclear medicine technology fosters a flexible curriculum that allows adding a minor or participating in studying abroad programs. It also provides pre-medicine and pre-physician assistant curriculum options. 

Acceptance Rate

58.28

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Rutgers University-New Brunswick (New Brunswick, NJ) is a public research university recognized for its scientific innovations. The university provides all levels of academic advancements. This higher learning institution provides education to all individuals who desire to learn. It has online courses, satellite campuses, certificate programs, professional education, and lifelong learning programs to cater to everyone. The Clinical Laboratory and Medical Imaging Sciences Department provide educational opportunities for individuals who want to pursue careers in nuclear medicine and medical imaging. The department is also fostering the Diagnostics and Healthcare Quality Research and Consultation Services Initiative leading the way in diagnostic medicine. 

Acceptance Rate

61.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

University at Buffalo (Buffalo, NY) is one of the flagship universities under the SUNY system. It is also known as the largest campus among 64 campuses. UB fosters a culture of creativity and resourceful thinking. The institution allows students to choose from a wide range of academic disciplines to learn and explore. The university is also home to innovative inventions, particularly in the medical field. It has a dedicated department for nuclear medicine. The department provides programs that foster high-quality education,  active research, and top-notch patient care. It aims to take nuclear medicine to the next level. UB is known to provide a Nuclear Medicine Residency program, Nuclear Medicine Technology program, and continuing education program.

Acceptance Rate

61.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

North Central College (Naperville, IL) is a private liberal arts college offering a wide range of academic disciplines for students to study. The curriculum allows students to have a major and take up additional courses for a minor degree. The college offers a four-year Nuclear Medicine Technology program. The program is designed to allow students to learn the fundamentals and gain clinical experience in the field. The college also encourages its students to take study abroad programs for a more global perspective on learning. Students can also expect the integration of career preparations with a rich academic study from the university.

Acceptance Rate

53.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse (La Crosse, WI) is a public university that offers comprehensive academic programs. The university has more than a hundred undergraduate programs and several graduate and doctoral programs. It is recognized across the United States for its occupational therapy, physical therapy, and physician assistant offerings at the graduate level. UW-La Crosse also offers a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Medical Technology. It is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs. Students are required to undergo an internship program to prepare them for the demands of the industry. Graduates are eligible to take certification examinations to assist them for better employment opportunities. 

Acceptance Rate

73

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Manhattan College (Riverdale, NY) offers undergraduate and graduate studies through a variety of academic disciplines. The school has strong Catholic ties and fosters the teachings of the Lasallian tradition. Engineering and communication programs are just some of the popular areas of study in the college. The college also offers a nuclear medicine technology program. Students who graduate from this program are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam in both nuclear medicine and CAT scan. The program also has courses focused on health care administration. This will help students to develop ethical and management skills, particularly in the nuclear medicine field. 

Acceptance Rate

73.62

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

University of St. Francis (Joliet, IL) is a co-educational private university. It offers bachelor’s degree programs and several master’s degree programs. Students have the freedom to choose their major among the wide range of academic disciplines the university offers. Instructions are mostly related to the medical field and sciences. Students enrolled in nuclear medicine technology can earn a Bachelor of Science degree. The curriculum allows students to integrate chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer technology, and biology with radioactivity to diagnose and treat disease. The university has a small student population, therefore, students can enjoy more hands-on learning. 

Acceptance Rate

45.62

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Lewis University (Romeoville, IL) is a private higher education institution offering a wide range of academic programs for students to choose from. Both graduate and undergraduate programs are offered. The university partnered with the Northwestern Memorial Hospital and with The College of DuPage in granting a bachelor’s degree focused on nuclear medicine technology. It is a four-year program that includes a year of clinical classes. Interested students can also take a double-major degree in Biology and Nuclear Medicine Technology. The university also provides opportunities for working adults through accelerated programs from other academic disciplines. 

Acceptance Rate

63.9

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Molloy College (Rockville Centre, NY) is a private Catholic college. It was initially a women’s college but today every student can enjoy its academic excellence. It has over 50 programs granting bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Its programs in health sciences and nursing are highly-reviewed and recognized. Its nuclear medicine technology undergraduate program is designed to produce graduates that are proficient in all facets of nuclear medicine. Graduates from this program are eligible for national registry examinations and several certification exams. 

Acceptance Rate

77.96

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus (Cincinnati, OH) is a top notch public university in the United States. The university offers bachelor's, associate’s, as well as graduate studies including professional degrees. Advanced Medical Imaging Technology is an undergraduate program offered at the University of Cincinnati. It leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. Students will gain credentials in both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear medicine technology. Graduates are eligible to take national board exams for both disciplines. 

Acceptance Rate

76.67

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA) is a public university considered as one of the most dynamic colleges in the United States. The university houses more than 100 areas of study for both undergraduate and graduate levels. Iowa fosters a small class size allowing for a more focused teacher-student interaction. The university offers a four-year Nuclear Medicine Technology program. The curriculum includes two years of clinical studies. Graduates can pursue graduate studies or careers in research, education, clinical nuclear medicine, nuclear cardiology, and positron emission tomography (PET). 

Acceptance Rate

82.55

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

York College of Pennsylvania (York, PA) offers academic programs that are aimed to help its students to grow and develop their skills. This private college is more focused on providing undergraduate programs. It has more than 50 academic disciplines to offer across fie schools. Its nuclear medicine technology program provides highly-specialized training in clinical procedures using proper sets of equipment used on an actual laboratory set-up. It is a four-year program including clinical training. Students who graduate are eligible to take the Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT) examination. It also offers a few master’s programs in business, education, and nursing and doctoral opportunities focused on the nursing profession. 

Acceptance Rate

68.96

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Ball State University (Muncie, IN) is a public university that has over 150 undergraduate programs. It also offers several pre-professional training programs as well as master’s and doctoral studies. The university is among the “Up-and-Coming” higher education institutions in the United States. Ball State fosters an immersive learning approach. It offers several nuclear medicine-related programs including an associate’s degree in radiography. The program prepares students to be medical imaging professionals. Graduates are also eligible for certification exams administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Acceptance Rate

76.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science (Boston, MA) is a private university focused on medical and health-related science programs. The university is recognized for its traditional and accelerated programs focused on professional education in pharmacy and the health sciences. Students can get a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Medicine Technology by attending the Boston campus or through distance learning. The university follows the professional technical standards across Nuclear Medicine, Radiography, and Radiation Therapy programs. This is to ensure that every student has gained the right skills and knowledge in the field.  

Acceptance Rate

85.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

University of Alabama at Birmingham (Birmingham, AL)  is a public college that offers a wide range of academic majors and degree programs. The Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences is providing high-quality education. Programs are designed to prepare students with a solid educational background and develop the essential skill set needed across the healthcare industry. The university is the first university to offer a Master of Science in Nuclear Medicine Technology Program. The university provides a highly specialized diagnostic and therapy degree in nuclear medicine technology.

Acceptance Rate

73.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Regis College (Weston, MA) is a private Roman Catholic university that was originally founded as a woman’s university. The college is known for its nursing and allied health programs. Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Medicine is offered at the university. The program provides instructions on biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Students are trained to diagnose and treat a variety of health conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. Students are taught with technical skills integrated with liberal arts education. 

Acceptance Rate

79.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Baptist Health Schools of Little Rock (Little Rock, AR) is recognized for its nursing programs. BHSLR is a small private healthcare college with a small student population. It offers a 12-month certificate program for a variety of academic disciplines.  It also has a three-year nursing program and two-year programs for Radiology, Medical Technology, Occupational Therapy Assisting, and many more. Nuclear Medicine Technology is one of the 12-month certificate programs. Interested students must meet the requirements of the institute. 

Acceptance Rate

59.56

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Kettering College of Medical Arts (Kettering, OH) is a private Adventist college that is focused in providing allied health education. The college grants certificate, associate degree, bachelor's degree or master's degree. The college offers an associate of science degree in nuclear medicine. The program is a cooperative educational endeavor with the Nuclear Medicine Institute (NMI) at The University of Findlay. Graduates of the program can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree at Kettering College

Acceptance Rate

22.15

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Cedar Crest College (Allentown, PA) operates as a private liberal arts women’s college. It was established to provide undergraduate education to women and hone them to become leaders in their fields. The college also provides graduate studies design to help students with their career goals and personal growth. Nuclear medicine technology is one of the wide range of majors offered in the university. The program is suited for students who are interested in health care and computer technology. Health care administration is integrated into the program curriculum, making students be eligible to take on the  Health Care Management Certificate examination. 

Acceptance Rate

60.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Benedictine University (Lisle, IL) is a private Roman Catholic offers a variety of academic programs. The prime location of the university provides internship and employment opportunities for students. Benedictine University also manages a campus at Mesa, AZ. Nuclear medicine technology is a four-year program that leads to a B.A in Biology-Allied Health degree, and a certificate on nuclear medical technology. Students will complete three years at the university and will be required to pursue clinical education at the Northwestern Memorial Hospital for a year. Graduates will be eligible to take several certification exams. 

Acceptance Rate

41.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences (Lancaster, PA) aims to provide the community with great medical leaders and practitioners. Its programs are designed to address the need for the healthcare industry. It has grants bachelor's and associate's degrees. It also offers many certificate programs for several health-related professions including EMT, Cardiac Electrophysiology, and Nuclear Medicine. Nuclear Medicine Technology students are expected to develop skill sets that are fit for both imaging and patient treatment. The college only offers an associate degree for this particular discipline of nuclear medicine. 

Acceptance Rate

78.24

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Robert Morris University (Moon Township, PA) is a private university that offers a variety of undergraduate majors and several graduate programs. It offers a B.S. in Advanced Medical Imaging Technology. It is a four-year program that prepares students with relevant skills and knowledge as medical imaging technologists. The university also offers computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) as secondary pathways aside from the nuclear medicine technology pathway. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take several related certification exams. 

Acceptance Rate

84.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

University of Mississippi (Oxford, MS) is a comprehensive public university that initially offered engineering programs. Today, the university has expanded its program offerings. It grants degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The university has more than 100 programs for interested students. It also allows every student to pursue a minor degree by taking up extra courses. It gives students expertise outside of their major.  The Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences houses a nuclear medicine technology program. This is a 12-month academic program resulting in a master’s degree. Graduates are also eligible to take examinations for certifications offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB).

Acceptance Rate

88.14

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Adventist University of Health Sciences (Orlando, FL) is a Seventh Day Adventist University of Health Sciences. Academic programs are delivered on-campus - Denver or Orlando; or online. AHU is organized into eight departments all are medical and allied health related. B.S. in Nuclear Medicine Technology is taught through coursework and clinical rotations across affiliated hospitals. The university is also equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that contribute to the learning experience of students. 

Acceptance Rate

50.53

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS) is a public research university extending its academic excellence through its satellite campuses. The university houses high-tech laboratories and interactive classrooms adapting to the advancement of today’s educational landscape. KU has a long list of strong academic programs across graduate and undergraduate studies. The university offers a 12-month certificate program in nuclear medicine technology. It is a collaboration program between the Department of Radiology and The University of Kansas Hospital and the KU School of Health Professions at KU Medical Center. Graduates are eligible to take national registry examinations. 

Acceptance Rate

93.1

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

What is Nuclear Medicine Technologist?

The study of Nuclear Medicine technology is essentially the way nuclear medicine is utilized to promote wellness and understand medical situations the eye cannot interpret alone. Nuclear medicine utilizes very small amounts of radioactive material to help diagnose and treat a variety of patients.

A Nuclear Medicine Technologist will be responsible for the administration of prescribed radiopharmaceuticals and their associated images. NMTs assess a patients organs and areas of interest to detect gamma radiation being emitted. A technologist will help create a number of imaging procedures to support medical specialties such as psychiatry, pediatrics, oncology, and cardiology.

What Technology is Used in Nuclear Medicine?

Devices and scanners used for imaging include a number of different types of technology. The most popular types of technology include the gamma camera, nuclear cardiac stress tests, bone scans, Single Photon Emission Tomography (SPECT), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and Computerized Tomography (CT). These unique technologies can be found in a number of healthcare settings that include clinics, hospitals, and medical imaging centers across the country.

Top Degrees in Nuclear Medicine

For students interested in pursuing a degree in nuclear medicine technology, you will find a number of undergraduate degrees and certificate programs to choose from.  Accredited colleges and universities of all sizes offer undergraduate programs in nuclear medicine tech to be considered.  The following summaries are the most popular programs in the area of study.  To connect with top colleges, simply request information from them on this page with a simple click.

Nuclear Medicine Technology Certificate Program

Certificate programs in nuclear medicine technology are offered from a number of colleges.  A certificate can be very specific in nature or general in its approach to the discipline of nuclear medicine.  Students and working professionals can utilize a certificate program as a means to enter the field or as a means to upskill, make a career transition, or remain competitive.

Certificates can be completed in a few months up to two-years in time depending on the design of the program and the contents of the program.  Make sure to consult employers in your area prior to matriculation to ascertain the preferred certificate programs to help move your career the right direction.

Nuclear Medicine Technology Associate Degree

Associate degrees in the field of nuclear medicine technology can be obtained from many universities, colleges, community colleges, trade schools, and technical colleges.  Degrees are conferred as either an Associate of Science (AS) or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS).  Students can expect to take a number of general education classes in conjunction with core science classes.  General education classes may include courses such as creative writing, sociology, psychology, and economics.

Core classes in a nuclear medicine technology program will vary from college to college.  However, you can expect many of the same core classes to be similar.  Programs that may be included in the program include the following:

  • Cell Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Radiation Physics
  • Human Anatomy
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Human Physiology
  • Genetics
  • Radiation Physics
  • Nuclear Medicine Instrumentation
  • Radiation Biology
  • Biomedical Science
  • Tomographic Imaging
  • Nuclear Medicine Pharmacy

Employment & Careers in Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine techs that earn a degree or certificate will be poised to step into a number of exciting positions in the field.  Students jumping into a nuclear medicine technician job at an outpatient facility or hospital can expect to make an above-average income.

Income will vary from job to job based on a variety of factors yet the mean annual income for a nuclear medicine tech is currently pegged at $77,660 by the BLS.  States that employ the most nuclear medicine technicians include Florida, California, New York, and Texas.  Nuclear medicine jobs are projected to grow at more than twice the national average creating opportunities for employment and career growth in the future.

Job Responsibilities of a Nuclear Medicine Tech

To best understand the role of a nuclear med tech, it is important to do your research and determine if the job functions match your skill set and competencies.  A list of the most common job responsibilities of a nuclear medicine tech include the following:

  • Administering radiation intravenously or radiopharmaceuticals to locate and treat a variety of diseases under the direct supervision of a physician
  • Measuring blood volume, red cell survival, glandular activity, and radioactivity of patient with dedicated equipment such as Geiger counters, scanners, and scintillometers
  • Communicating with patients and their guardians regarding safety, procedures, and processes
  • Helping to develop viable treatment procedures for nuclear medicine programs
  • Calibrating, radioisotope machinery, testing equipment, and laboratory cameras
  • Gathering critical data from patients to ensure proper therapy for diagnostic procedures
  • Training interns and assistants to properly operate machinery and lab equipment
  • Analyzing and studying cardiac function studies
  • Recording, measuring, and recording radiation administered and disposed to account for all dosing
  • Producing a computer-generated image of testing for a physician to interpret
Job Titles of Nuclear Medicine Technologists

As students think about their future in the medical industry, it is important to consider a career in the field.  Below you will find a list of titles used by the medical community to describe the job of a nuclear medical technologist.  To help acclimate you to the differing job titles across the industry, take the time to study the list as a means to get comfortable with nomenclature and terminology.

  • Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT)
  • Nuclear Medicine Technologist or Nuclear Med Tech
  • Radiation Safety Officer
  • Nuclear Cardiology Technologist
  • Supervisor Nuclear Medicine
  • Registered Nuclear Medicine Technologist
  • Nuclear Medicine PET-CT Technologist
  • Staff Nuclear Medicine Technologist
  • Senior Nuclear Medicine Technologist
  • Lead Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Nuclear Medicine Job Growth

Nuclear medicine jobs are forecast to grow at an 11% clip adding over two thousand new jobs in the coming reporting phase.  Likewise, biomedical engineers will see an amazing 23% growth rate and MRI technicians a 13% rise in employment according to the BLS.

Similar occupations such as biological technicians, ultrasound technicians, sonographers, radiation therapists, and vascular techs are also anticipated to grow significantly.  The overall growth in radiation and nuclear medicine will provide qualified candidates with stability in a challenging  work environment.

Nuclear Medicine Resources

The Society for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) is a professional organization that provides membership benefits, news, resources, and insights for students seeking to take their career to the next level in this field of study.  Likewise, the American College of Nuclear Medicine (ACNM) is a member-funded organization that supports education through grants, awards, and scholarships.  Get plugged in and see if joining a nuclear medicine organization is right for you.

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