Nuclear Medicine Technology is primarily a patient care industry but it also involves many other facets of technology outside of patient care.

• Primary Types of Work Settings: Hospital, Private Physician Office, Department of Health, Pharmaceutical company, Manufacturing company.
• Primary Types of Jobs: Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Research Technologist, NM Manager, Radiation Safety Inspector, Pharmaceutical or Equipment Sales, Application Specialist.

Salary Ranges

This is very dependent on type of position and region of the country. Generally, most entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Ohio will earn $20-$30/hour. Across the United States the annual salary range (of all types of positions) can vary from $40,000 - $100,000+.

Types of Equipment Used

Gamma Camera, Geiger-Mueller survey meter, Dose Calibrator, Computer (many applications), Film Processor, Well Counter.

Radiation Exposure

Like all modalities of Radiology, Nuclear Medicine workers are closely monitored for radiation exposure. Monthly exposure reports are reviewed for exposure levels and cannot exceed the limits as established by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. A Nuclear Medicine Technologist who is working in a hospital generally receives more radiation exposure than an x-ray radiographer but less radiation exposure than a radiographer who is working in fluoroscopy or interventional radiography. Depending on the occupational setting, exposure levels vary.

Emphasis of Course Work

Nuclear Medicine Technology primarily emphasizes physiology, math (algebra), computers and chemistry. If you are interested in these areas of study, then you will probably enjoy Nuclear Medicine.

Links to Professional Web sites of Interest

• www.jrcnmt.org
• www.snm.org
• www.nmtcb.org

More Information

Any specific career and/or technology questions may be directed to Mary Morgan. Please refer all other questions to counseling and advising services.