Nuclear medicine technologists often use X-ray imaging.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the number of jobs for nuclear medicine technologists will increase by 16 percent through 2018. This is slightly higher than the average rate of job growth for all other professions. Nuclear medicine technologists use diagnostic imaging such as X-rays and other tests to assist physicians in diagnosing disease. Employment requirements in the field vary by state. For this reason, schools offer certificate programs, associate degrees and bachelor's degrees in the field to meet student needs.
University of Central Arkansas
The University of Central Arkansas offers a Bachelor of Science in the field of nuclear medicine technology. The program has accreditation from the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation. The program is a collaborative effort by UCA and the Baptist Medical Center. Students complete three years of coursework at UCA and one year of additional clinical coursework at the BMC. Admission to the clinical coursework is on a competitive basis, so there are no guarantees that students will complete the final year of study at BMC. Students must maintain a GPA of 2.5 throughout their other coursework and complete prerequisite courses in various fields such as chemistry and biology. Courses include areas of study such as nuclear physics and radiochemistry, radiobiology and patient care.
University of Central Arkansas
201 Donaghey Ave.
Conway, AR 72035
501-450-5000
www.uca.edu
Medical College of Georgia
The Medical College of Georgia offers a Bachelor of Science in radiological science with a nuclear medicine technology emphasis. The school offers two routes to the degree. Students with a certificate or associate degree can pursue the "bridge" program that allows them to apply 30 credit hours toward the bachelor's degree. The other is a transfer program for students with no background in the field. These students complete two years of study wherever they choose and then the final two years at MCG. The programs require 124 credit hours to complete. Courses offered include advanced radiological patient care, sectional anatomy, principles and practices of nuclear medicine, intro to cardiology and applied research.
Medical College of Georgia
Department of Biomedical and Radiological Technologies
Room EC-3423
Augusta, GA 30912
706-721-4176
www.mcg.edu
University of New Mexico
Students wanting to pursue a certificate program can do so through the University of New Mexico's Department of Radiology. This program is a 14-month intensive program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience. The school offers a Bachelor of Science in the field as well. This program requires students to complete 134 credit hours for graduation. Courses taken as part of the program cover areas such as medical imaging theory, radiation safety, clinical radiopharmacy, imaging instrumentation, professional ethics and nuclear physics.
Radiologic Sciences Program
MSC09 5260
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131
505-272-5254
unm.edu
Tags: Bachelor Science, Central Arkansas, College Georgia, credit hours, Medical College, Medical College Georgia, medicine technologists
