Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine Technology Associate Degree

Nuclear Medicine Technology is the medical specialty that uses the physiologic properties of radioactive material to evaluate conditions of the body and to provide therapy. The skills of the nuclear medicine technologist complement those of the nuclear medicine physician and other professionals in the field. Nuclear medicine technologists perform a number of tasks in the areas of patient care, technical skills, and radiopharmaceutical administration. They apply their knowledge of radiation physics and safety regulations to limit radiation exposure, prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals, and use radiation detection devices and other kinds of laboratory equipment that measure the quantity and distribution of radionuclides deposited in the patient.   They also perform in-vivo and in-vitro diagnostic procedures, use quality control techniques as part of a quality assurance program covering all procedures and products in the laboratory, and may participate in research activities.
 
Technology classes begin once per year. Admission to the program is competitive with completed applications received annually. Because students and health care workers in the health care field may be exposed to infectious materials and communicable diseases, the program emphasizes safety and prevention.
 
Upon completion of the associate degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology, the graduate will be able to:

• Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology and positioning techniques to accurately acquire/process/display functional and anatomical structures on a nuclear medicine image.
• Develop the necessary skills to apply effective communication, critical thinking and problem solving in a nuclear medicine setting.
  Provide patient care and comfort in a compassionate, ethical and professional manner.
• Act as an agent through observation and communication to obtain pertinent information for the physician to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient.
• Evaluate nuclear medicine images for appropriate positioning and image quality.
• Apply the principles of radiation protection for the patient, staff, and general public.
• Recognize emergency patient conditions and, if necessary, initiate lifesaving first aid and basic life-support procedures.
• Evaluate the quality control performance of nuclear medicine equipment systems, including the safe limits of equipment operation, and report malfunctions to the proper authority.
• Exercise independent judgment and discretion while performing   nuclear medicine imaging procedures.
• Participate in nuclear medicine quality assurance programs.
• Meet or exceed the entry level expectations of employers
• To successfully complete the ARRT and/or NMTCB national certification exams

Specific Program Admissions Information

Prospective students are required to attend an informational and advising session to learn detailed program requirements and career opportunities. These sessions are held in the autumn and winter quarters and are extremely helpful in answering students’ questions.
 
A program application is available in each information packet distributed at the autumn and winter quarter informational/advising sessions. Interested persons can obtain session dates and general information by calling the Nuclear Medicine Technology Office, (614) 287-5215, or by contacting Shawndeia Thomas via e-mail with your name and return  mailing or e-mail address to: Sthoma11@cscc.edu.
 
Listed below are additional requirements for admission to the Nuclear Medicine Technology program:

• High school graduate or GED equivalency
• Required high school (or equivalent) courses in Biology (grade of “C” or better) or completion of BIO 100 (grade of “C” or better) and Chemistry (grade of “C” or better) or completion of CHEM 100 (grade of “C” or better)
• Placement into ENGL 101 Beginning Composition or completion of ENGL 100
• Completion of PHYS 100 or equivalent with a grade of “C” or better
• Completion of Math 104 and/or placement into or completion of Math 148 College Algebra
• Completion of Chem 112 or Chem 113 or equivalent with a grade of “C” or better
• Placement into “No Reading Required” or completion of DEV 040
• Completion of sixteen observation hours in a hospital- based Nuclear Medicine department
• Attendance at a nuclear medicine technology information and advising session.

NOTE: Individuals who have been convicted of, plead guilty to, or plead nolo contendere to a crime may be ineligible to take the credentialing exams.For additional information, contact the Nuclear Medicine Technology office at (614) 287-5215 or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Code of Ethics, Section B.3, Rules of Ethics at www.arrt.org .

Nuclear Medicine Technology Associate Degree