Nuclear Medicine Tech

Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT); Nuclear Cardiology Technologist; Nuclear Medicine PET-CT Technologist (Nuclear Medicine Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomography Technologist); Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NMT); Radiation Safety Officer; Registered Nuclear Medicine Technologist; Staff Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Tasks

• Administer radiopharmaceuticals or radiation intravenously to detect or treat diseases, using radioisotope equipment, under direction of a physician.
• Detect and map radiopharmaceuticals in patients' bodies, using a camera to produce photographic or computer images.
• Process cardiac function studies, using computer.
• Calculate, measure, and record radiation dosage or radiopharmaceuticals received, used, and disposed, using computer and following physician's prescription.
• Record and process results of procedures.
• Produce a computer-generated or film image for interpretation by a physician.
• Prepare stock radiopharmaceuticals, adhering to safety standards that minimize radiation exposure to workers and patients.
• Explain test procedures and safety precautions to patients and provide them with assistance during test procedures.
• Perform quality control checks on laboratory equipment or cameras.
• Dispose of radioactive materials and store radiopharmaceuticals, following radiation safety procedures.
• Gather information on patients' illnesses and medical history to guide the choice of diagnostic procedures for therapy.
• Maintain and calibrate radioisotope and laboratory equipment.
• Measure glandular activity, blood volume, red cell survival, or radioactivity of patient, using scanners, Geiger counters, scintillometers, or other laboratory equipment.
• Train or supervise student or subordinate nuclear medicine technologists.

Knowledge

• Customer and Personal Service
• Biology
• Physics
• English Language
• Chemistry
• Medicine and Dentistry
• Computers and Electronics
• Mathematics
• Public Safety and Security
• Administrative
• Psychology
• Education and Training

Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Reading Comprehension
• Writing
• Monitoring
• Science
• Mathematics
• Active Learning

Abilities

• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Problem Sensitivity
• Near Vision
• Written Comprehension
• Information Ordering
• Speech Recognition
• Written Expression
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Speech Clarity
• Category Flexibility
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Number Facility
• Control Precision
• Flexibility of Closure
• Perceptual Speed
• Arm-Hand Steadiness