The Field of Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine Technology is an allied health profession that uses radioactive drugs and diagnostic imagery to diagnose disease in the patient. Nuclear Medicine Technologists prepare the dosages and administer the radiopharmaceuticals to the patient, and then monitor the drugs’ activity in the body using sophisticated machinery and cameras.

The field of nuclear medicine is constantly evolving, and many technologists specialize in certain areas – such as nuclear cardiology or positron emission topography (PET).

Job Outlook

Faster than average job growth is expected for this field.* Employment opportunities are varied and include work in large and small hospitals, private practice group clinics, public health clinics, national research institutions, technical sales, and in industrial sites such as nuclear power plants. Many nuclear medicine technologists work in cardiology office or clinics.

The field offers advancement into supervisory, administrative, educational and specialty positions with experience and/or additional education.

*[Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Nuclear Medicine Technologists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos104.htm]