Opportunities for nuclear medicine technologists are increasing due to the growing use of nuclear medicine in diagnostic tests and continued research into cancer treatment involving radiation therapy. This expansion creates career opportunities for students who are pursuing or who have a science degree. If you are interested in a health science that involves nuclear medicine, a nuclear medicine technologist may be your ideal profession.
Nuclear medicine is a combination of medicine, physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer technology, and the use of radioactivity to diagnose and treat diseases. It is remarkable because it provides information on both the structure and function of nearly every major body organ. Unlike an x-ray, this type of medicine has the ability to distinguish and calculate the function of organs or body parts.
For example, small amounts of radioactive material may be introduced and traced through certain organs of the patient's body. Nuclear medicine allows the doctor to get a picture of a specific area of the body in order to help in the treatment of such diseases as thyroid cancer. These procedures are safe. They involve little or no patient discomfort and do not require the use of anesthesia.
The nuclear medicine technologist has many duties, besides assisting the physician with day-to-day activities. The technologist is responsible for preparing and administering the radioactive chemical compound. Using sophisticated radiation-detecting instruments, the he or she performs the patient's imaging procedures. These techs work in the laboratory analyzing biologic specimens. They also collect images, data analysis, and patient information for diagnostic interpretation.
Patient care is a big responsibility of the Technologist. The tech works closely with the patient during the imaging procedure and is the patient's key contact throughout the visit. One must have a compassionate and caring disposition due to the need to gain patient confidentiality regarding obtaining pertinent history, describing the procedure, and answering any questions patients may have.
The future of nuclear medicine has never been brighter, as it continues to be at the forefront of modern clinical medicine and technological development. Technologists work in a wide variety of clinical settings such as outpatient imaging facilities, community hospitals, university-teaching hospitals, public health institutions, and government and private research institutes.
Preparation to become a technologist in this field requires special training in a four-year college or in a specialized school just for this profession. Prerequisites depend on the type of program offered, but typically include a background in science and mathematics. On-the-job training is also necessary. Also, upon completion of a nuclear medicine program, some states and employers require certification by a national certifying agency.
The field of nuclear medicine technology continues to be on the rise due to the extensive and increasing use of its practices in testing procedures and cancer treatments. Students earning science degrees, who are undecided as to what career to pursue, should consider the tremendous opportunities available in this field. One may be able to pursue this field through an online education. Arrange a visit with one of the technologists at your local hospital to learn more about the profession.
Nuclear medicine is a combination of medicine, physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer technology, and the use of radioactivity to diagnose and treat diseases. It is remarkable because it provides information on both the structure and function of nearly every major body organ. Unlike an x-ray, this type of medicine has the ability to distinguish and calculate the function of organs or body parts.
For example, small amounts of radioactive material may be introduced and traced through certain organs of the patient's body. Nuclear medicine allows the doctor to get a picture of a specific area of the body in order to help in the treatment of such diseases as thyroid cancer. These procedures are safe. They involve little or no patient discomfort and do not require the use of anesthesia.
The nuclear medicine technologist has many duties, besides assisting the physician with day-to-day activities. The technologist is responsible for preparing and administering the radioactive chemical compound. Using sophisticated radiation-detecting instruments, the he or she performs the patient's imaging procedures. These techs work in the laboratory analyzing biologic specimens. They also collect images, data analysis, and patient information for diagnostic interpretation.
Patient care is a big responsibility of the Technologist. The tech works closely with the patient during the imaging procedure and is the patient's key contact throughout the visit. One must have a compassionate and caring disposition due to the need to gain patient confidentiality regarding obtaining pertinent history, describing the procedure, and answering any questions patients may have.
The future of nuclear medicine has never been brighter, as it continues to be at the forefront of modern clinical medicine and technological development. Technologists work in a wide variety of clinical settings such as outpatient imaging facilities, community hospitals, university-teaching hospitals, public health institutions, and government and private research institutes.
Preparation to become a technologist in this field requires special training in a four-year college or in a specialized school just for this profession. Prerequisites depend on the type of program offered, but typically include a background in science and mathematics. On-the-job training is also necessary. Also, upon completion of a nuclear medicine program, some states and employers require certification by a national certifying agency.
The field of nuclear medicine technology continues to be on the rise due to the extensive and increasing use of its practices in testing procedures and cancer treatments. Students earning science degrees, who are undecided as to what career to pursue, should consider the tremendous opportunities available in this field. One may be able to pursue this field through an online education. Arrange a visit with one of the technologists at your local hospital to learn more about the profession.