Nuclear Medicine Technologist Job Description

Nuclear Medicine Technologist Job Profile and Description

Nuclear Medicine Technologists have the responsibility of administering the radiopharmaceuticals and monitoring the characteristics and operations of different organs or tissues in which blood gets localized. Technologists have the task of operating the cameras and locating radioactive drugs present within a patient’s body in order to create the diagnostic images. They also have the task of positioning the patients and using canners for the purpose of creating the images.

Nuclear Medicine Technologist Duties and Responsibilities

• Explaining the diagnostic testing procedures to the patients, and administering of the prescribed doses of the radioactive medications in keeping the safety protocol in mind.
• Using cameras and scanners for following the path of drugs through the body of the patients for capturing the diagnostic images.
• Keeping strict records of the dosage of the radioactive drug for receiving, and documenting the quantity of drugs which has to be handled.
• Specializing in the PET or the nuclear cardiology for allowing the doctors the ability to have an idea of the heart blood movement.

Nuclear Medicine Technologist job Skills and Specifications

• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Ability to work for long hours and for long schedules
• Active listening and critical thinking abilities
• Great physical stamina needed for standing on their feet for long hours
• Great mechanical ability and manual dexterity
• Ability to deal with complicated appliances
• Good deal of idea about the safety rules and regulations

Nuclear Medicine Technologist Education and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or associate degree in nuclear medicine from an accredited medical school.
• One-year certificate program is required for a professional who holds a bachelor degree and wishes to specialize in nuclear medicine.

Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary

In 2008, the average income of nuclear medicine technologists was $66,660 per annum. However, their income would greatly vary depending on the nature of the organization they work for and the experience of the professional.