Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT)
- Nuclear Cardiology Technologist
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NMT)
- Staff Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Alternate Job Titles
- Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT)
- Isotope Technician
- Isotope Technologist
- Medical Radiation Dosimetrist
- Nuclear Cardiology Technologist
- Nuclear Medical Technologist
- Nuclear Medicine PET-CT Technologist (Nuclear Medicine Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomography Technologist)
- Nuclear Medicine Technician
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NMT)
- Nuclear Technologist
- PET Technologist (Positron Emission Tomography Technologist)
- Radiation Safety Officer
- Radioisotope Technician
- Radioisotope Technologist
- Registered Nuclear Medicine Technologist
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Schedule patients for nuclear medicine exams and procedures.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Customer and Personal Service
- Biology
- English Language
- Physics
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Chemistry
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Near Vision
- Problem Sensitivity
- Written Comprehension
- Information Ordering
- Speech Recognition
- Inductive Reasoning
- Speech Clarity
- Deductive Reasoning
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Dependability
- Cooperation
- Integrity
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Support
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Independence
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Automated blood pressure cuffs
- Automated external defibrillators AED
- Automated multisample liquid scintillation counters
- Automatic film developing equipment
- Beta vial shields
- Blood drawing syringes
- Computed tomography CT scanners
- Desktop computers
- Digital ratemeters
- Dose calibrators
- Dual channel spectrometer systems
- Dual headed gamma cameras
- Electrocardiography EKG units
- Evacuated blood collection tubes
- Finger film badges
Work Environment
- Exposed to Radiation
- Contact With Others
- Telephone Conversations
- Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $75,570 |
| Median | $97,020 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $128,090 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 16,960
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $67,260
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $77,660
Radiation Therapists
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $101,990
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: Varies
Radiologists
Education: Post-Doctoral Training
Median Salary: >$239,200
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.