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 show anatomical structures on a nuclear medicine image.

• Act as an agent through observation and communication to obtain pertinent information for the physician to aid in diagnosis and treatment management of the patient.

• Evaluate nuclear medicine images for appropriate positioning and image quality.

• Apply the principles of radiation protection for the patient, staff, and others.

• Provide patient care and comfort during procedures.

• Recognize emergency patient conditions and, if necessary, initiate lifesaving first aid and basic life-support procedures.

• Evaluate the 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 in the performance of nuclear medicine imaging procedures.

• Participate in nuclear medicine quality assurance programs.

Specific Program Admissions Information

Prospective students are required to attend an advising session to learn detailed program requirements and career opportunities. These sessions are held beginning Summer Quarter and are very helpful in answering students’ questions.

Applications will be available in an information packet which may be obtained by calling the Allied Health Office at (614) 287-5215 beginning summer quarter or by sending an e-mail with your name and complete mailing address to: afrank01@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 CHEM100, (grade of “C” or better).

• Placement into ENGL 101–Beginning Composition, or completion of ENGL 100.

• Completion of PHYS 100 with a grade of “C” or better.

• Placement into MATH 148–College Algebra, or completion of MATH 104.

• Placement into “No Reading Required” or completion of DEV 040.

• Observation hours.

• Attend nuclear medicine technology advising session.

NOTE: Individuals who have been convicted of, plead guilty to, or plead nolo contendre to a crime may be ineligible to take the credentialing exams. For additional information, contact the Allied Health Office.