Work Experience Snapshot
What Is a Nuclear Medicine Technologist?
Nuclear medicine technologists inject small amounts of radioactive material into patients and then take images of their patients’ bodies to diagnose or determine the progression of certain diseases or illnesses, such as cancer or heart disease. To better understand this field, job shadowing is helpful for students who are interested in this type of medicine.
Job shadowing helped get Lauren Woiwode where she is today, a senior nuclear medicine technologist at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
When Woiwode was in high school, she knew she wanted to go into health care. She loved her anatomy class, and she especially loved getting to shadow a radiologic technician. So when it came time for college, she looked into the University of Iowa’s radiology program. And there, she was able to shadow all the different branches that make up radiology, like ultrasound, radiation therapy, MRI, CT and nuclear medicine.
"And nuclear medicine just fit my personality the best," Woiwode says. "I love the chemistry side of things, the pharmacy side of things, and I like how it’s not quite as fast-paced as some of the other modalities. It’s not quite so in and out."
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 0.4% employment growth for nuclear medicine technologists between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 100 jobs should open up.
How Much Does a Nuclear Medicine Technologist Make?
To become a nuclear medicine technologist, you must complete an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in nuclear medicine technology. Completing a 12-month certificate program might be sufficient if you’re coming to nuclear medicine as a second career in the health care field. All programs will likely contain coursework and clinical hours.
Some states require licensure, the requirements for which vary by state. Most employers also require certification, which you can acquire by graduating from an accredited program, fulfilling clinical-hour requirements and passing an exam. Certification is offered through The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board.