Is becoming a nuclear medicine technologist right for me?
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How to become a Nuclear Medicine Technologist
There are more than one hundred accredited nuclear medicine technology programs that currently offer instruction and clinical internship. General prerequisites typically include a background in science and mathematics and an interest in working with patients. Programs include post-bachalaureate one-year certificate programs, two-year associate degrees, and four-year bachelor's degrees.
Nuclear medicine technology programs often include courses in human anatomy and physiology, physics, chemistry, radioactive drugs, and computer science. These programs also include clinical experience under the supervision of a certified nuclear medicine technologist and a physician or surgeon who specializes in nuclear medicine. After graduation from an accredited program, a technologist can choose to specialize in positron emission tomography (PET) or nuclear cardiology.
Qualified technologists can be certified through examination by one of the national certifying agencies - many employers and an increasing number of states now require certification or licensure.