Nuclear Medicine Career Guide and Counseling

Question: How does nuclear medicine work at curing disease? If possible, I'd like two specific actions in which nuclear medicine is used.

Answer: Nuclear medicine is primarily used for diagnostic purposes * renal scans - used to examine the kidneys and to detect any abnormalities, such as tumors or obstruction of the renal blood flow. * thyroid scans - used to evaluate thyroid function. * bone scans - used to evaluate any degenerative and/or arthritic changes in the joints, to detect bone diseases and tumors, and/or to determine the cause of bone pain or inflammation. * gallium scans - used to diagnose active infectious and/or inflammatory diseases, tumors, and abscesses. * heart scans - used to identify abnormal blood flow to the heart, to determine the extent of the damage of the heart muscle after a heart attack, and/or to measure heart function. * brain scans - used to investigate problems within the brain and/or in the blood circulation to the brain. * breast scans - often used in conjunction with mammograms to locate cancerous tissue in the breast.

Question: How do I find a college that has a Nuclear Medicine Tech degree or certificate program in Missouri? I currently work as a diagnostic x-ray tech but I want to move my career into nuclear medicine. I am relocating to Missouri and struggling to find a college with a Nuclear Medicine program. I'm looking for a certificate program or associates degree program. If anyone out there knows more about college than I do and could help, I'd appreciate it. Thanks :)

Answer: School Name: University of Missouri-Columbia Program Name: Nuclear Medicine Technology Program Address: 605 Lewis Hall City: Columbia State: MO Zip Code: 65211-0001 Country: USA Program Director: Glenn Heggie, EdD, RTNM, FCAMRT Medical Director: Amolak Singh, MD Phone: (573) 884-7843 Fax: (573) 884-1490 Email: HeggieG@health.missouri.edu Internet: http://www.umshp.org/shpsite/index.htm Capacity: 14 Entrance Reqts. 2,3,4 Entrance Requirements: 1=high school;2=some academic courses; 3=RT(R), MT(ASCP), RN;4=baccalaureate degree Begin: August Length: 24 Months Award: Certificate/BS Tuition: Yes Stipend: No Next Review: 2013 School Name: Research Medical Center Program Name: School of Nuclear Medicine Technology Address: 2316 East Meyer Boulevard City: Kansas City State: MO Zip Code: 64132- Country: USA Program Director: Charlotte Ament, MA, CNMT Medical Director: Barry Gubin, MD Phone: (816) 276-4068 Fax: (816) 276-3138 Email: Charlotte.ament@hcamidwest.com Internet: http://www.researchmedicalcenter.com Capacity: 11 Entrance Reqts. 2,3 Entrance Requirements: 1=high school;2=some academic courses; 3=RT(R), MT(ASCP), RN;4=baccalaureate degree Begin: September Length: 12 Months Award: Certificate Tuition: Yes Stipend: No Next Review: 2011 School Name: St. Louis University Program Name: Nuclear Medicine Technology Program Address: Doisy College of Health Sciences 3437 Caroline Street City: St. Louis State: MO Zip Code: 63104 Country: USA Program Director: William L. Hubble, MA, CNMT, RT(R)(N)(CT) Medical Director: James Littlefield, MD Phone: (314) 977-8526 Fax: (314) 577-8503 Email: hubblewl@slu.edu Internet: http://www.slu.edu/x12892.xml Capacity: 12 Entrance Reqts. 2 Entrance Requirements: 1=high school;2=some academic courses; 3=RT(R), MT(ASCP), RN;4=baccalaureate degree Begin: August Length: 12/48 Months Award: Certificate/BS Tuition: Yes Stipend: No Next Review: 2013

Question: How difficult is nuclear medicine technical school? In schooling to become a nuclear medicine technician, how difficult is the schooling for the 22 month program? All of my family has gone into nursing and I was wondering if the nuclear med tech program is comparable to the nursing program as far as difficulty?

Answer: I am currently enrolled a nuclear medicine program and I will be finishing in about six weeks. At first I was completely overwhelmed because I knew NOTHING about nuclear medicine. Over time it eventually clicks and it all makes sense. Some of my weaker areas were the radiation physics and instrumentation classes. Even today, there are some things that still don't make 100% of sense to me. A strong understanding of anatomy and physiology would be extremely helpful, especially once you start your clinical rotations. Everything else will be taught in the curriculum- imaging procedures, radiopharmacy, etc. I maintain a GPA in the low 3's and I was never a star student. I also believe that great professors can also help and make the curriculum easier to understand. I wish you luck!

Question: I want to pursue a career in nuclear medicine. How much time will it take me? I am currently a teacher with a BS degree in Psychology and am also certified to teach psychology. I'm considering going back to school for nuclear medicine. I have two nieces who are doing it and making loads of money. I love teaching but I'm poor because of it. Anyone know how much schooling and how much clinics I can look forward to?

Answer: Many employers and an increasing number of States require certification or licensure. Aspiring nuclear medicine technologists should check the requirements of the State in which they plan to work. Certification is available from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and from the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board. Some workers receive certification from both agencies. Nuclear medicine technologists must meet the minimum Federal standards on the administration of radioactive drugs and the operation of radiation detection equipment. Nuclear medicine technology programs range in length from 1 to 4 years and lead to a certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor's degree. Generally, certificate programs are offered in hospitals, associate degree programs in community colleges, and bachelor's degree programs in 4-year colleges and universities. Courses cover the physical sciences, biological effects of radiation exposure, radiation protection and procedures, the use of radiopharmaceuticals, imaging techniques, and computer applications. One-year certificate programs are for health professionals who already posses an associate degree—especially radiologic technologists and diagnostic medical sonographers—but who wish to specialize in nuclear medicine. The programs also attract medical technologists, registered nurses, and others who wish to change fields or specialize. Others interested in nuclear medicine technology have three options: a 2-year certificate program, a 2-year associate degree program, or a 4-year bachelor's degree program.

Question: I am wondering how many people know about Nuclear Medicine? I am In the nuclear medicine program at my school, but I get asked alot of questions regarding what I do. I am wondering if anyone knows out there in answers land.

Answer: This is a branch of medicine that uses radiation to provide information about a person’s anatomy and the functioning of specific organs. In most cases, the information enables physicians to provide a quick, accurate diagnosis of conditions such as cancer, heart disease, thyroid disorders and bone fractures. In some cases, radiation is used to treat the condition.Nuclear medicine enables doctors to produce a quick, accurate diagnosis of a wide range of conditions and diseases in a person of any age. This allows the appropriate treatment to begin as early as possible, which means it has a far greater chance of being fully effective. In addition, the tests are painless and most scans expose patients to only minimal amounts of radiation. Nuclear medicine provides an effective means of examining whether some tissues are functioning properly.

Question: Is it possible to become a Radiologist Assistant with a Nuclear Medicine Tech degree? I eventually want to become a Radiologist Assistant, but before that I have to go into a Radiography program (5 semesters) or Nuclear Medicine Tech program (4 semesters); either one is a prerequisite into the CT/MRI Tech program. Which one should I go into? Does it matter??

Answer: From what I understand, in order to become an RA you have to be a radiologic technologist first. You can find info here: https://www.asrt.org/content/RadiologistAssistants/_radiologistassistant.aspx

Question: Is it safe to take care of TB patients while pregnant? What about when a patient goes to Nuclear Medicine? I'm a RN working on a pulmonary/medical surgical floor and I'm getting mixed reactions from co-workers about who I can and can't take care of. Some of my concerns are nuclear medicine when the patient comes back reactive, TB patients, those with shingles, certain medications, etc?

Answer: The patients that come back for Nuc Med are only marginally radioactive. THey will present no danger to your pregnancy, but the concern is understandable. The effective half life of the material used (Tc99m) is only hours. I have techs in my employ work in this field WHILE pregnant. As for TB, if they are active, everyone in your department should be careful (as I am sure you know as an RN). If they have only a history of TB, I am usually less concerned. Have a great pregnancy!

Question: In Texas, can a nuclear medicine tech perform a diagnostic CT? According to Texas state law, can a nuclear medicine tech perform a DIAGNOSTIC ct? I know nuc techs can perform low attenuation or anatomical positioning CTs, but can they perform a diagnostic CT? If not, what are the required qualifications? Please site where you received this info. Thanks!

Answer: I don't have a reference to Texas Code regarding being a CT tech with only specialization in Nuc. Med., however, it would be difficult to imagine how a facility could justifiably expect Nuclear techs to comprehend or practice procedures which require an understanding of, among other principles, CT artifacts and the basic differences between gammar radiation versus x-radiation. Undoubtedly, fusion CT/PET would require one to understand the physical differences betweeen particle annihilation versus the use of x-rays and back projection to determine physiolgic differences between 18-FDG PET and enhanced/unenhanced CT.

Question: is it possible to get into med school with a bachelor in nuclear medicine? since I got laid off I have a special opportunity to get my bachelor in nuclear medicine. I was wondering with that credential alone would I be able to get into med school to become a nuclear medicine physician?

Answer: That major will be fine, but it won't be enough. You will still need to need to do community service, medical work/volunteering, and other extra curriculars. Your education in physics will definitely help you on the MCAT though.

Question: How do i become a nuclear medicine physician.? i wanna b a nuclear medicine physician. . .but dont knwo how to become on. . .cud someone plz help thnks x

Answer: Sure, there are 2 ways in the US. You can complete a 2 or 3 year residency purely in Nuclear Medicine, however, your opportunities will be highly limited. Most Nuc. Medicine physicians are also radiologists and that means (in the US): 4 years college 4 years med school 1 year transitional/prelim (medicine/surg, etc) 4 years radiology 1 year nuclear medicine

Question: I want to be a Nuclear Medicine Technologist? I'm planning to go to college next fall to study Nuclear Medicine Technology. I wanted to Know what are the requisites in New York State to become a licensed Nuclear Medicine Technologist and to be employed as one. If you know a website where I can find this information it will be helpful as well. Thanks!

Answer: I'm not a nuclear tech, but basically imaging technologists' requirements/certifications are governed at the state level. From what I recall, it's equivalent to an associate's degree. Here's some info about it from the Soc. of Nuc. Med. and perhaps it'll offer you some info about this. I wish you well. http://www.snm.org/index.cfm?PageID=5461&RPID=277&Archive=1

Question: Where to study nuclear medicine technology? I currently live in the U.S. but I'm thinking of moving somewhere in Europe. I want to study nuclear medicine technology. Can anyone suggest an English speaking school/college/university/etc. that has a nuclear medicine program? Also any information on how to get into a school overseas if you're from the U.S. would be helpful.

Answer: Maybe you should get your degree here, then decide if you want to move over seas!

Question: what is the difference between radiology and nuclear medicine? what is the difference between radiology and nuclear medicine?

Answer: Nuclear medicine is a branch of medical imaging that uses small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose or treat a variety of diseases, including many types of cancers, heart disease and certain other abnormalities within the body. Radiology is the medical specialty directing medical imaging technologies to diagnose and treat diseases. Originally it was the aspect of medical science dealing with the medical use of electromagnetic energy emitted by X-ray machines or other such radiation devices for the purpose of obtaining visual information as part of medical imaging. Radiology that involves use of x-ray is called roentgenology. The modern day radiological imaging is no longer limited to the use of x-rays, and now includes technology-intensive imaging with high frequency sound waves, magnetic fields, and radioactivity.

Question: What do you think nuclear medicine's biggest contribution to society is? im doing a paper and it is something that i would like your opinions on? thanks also are their any people that you think made a big impact on the field of Nuclear Medicine and Energy

Answer: In my humble opinion, FDG 18 PET has revolutionized how we diagnose and follow numerous entities, not just malignancies. The resolution of PET plus just how many indications it's already being reimbursed for is truly something to behold. With the advent of fusion PET & CT... You get structure & metabolic function on the same image! Makes you wonder if HAL, from Stanley Kubrick has finally landed, eh?

Question: Any problems working in the Nuclear Medicine field? I am thinking of persuing a career in nuclear medicine but am afraid there may be some sort of radiation or other health related problems which I could be prone to. What are the chances of this happening?

Answer: This wouldn't be a specialty if it had health related problems. Don't worry. And its great because there are a lot of doctors needed in nuclear medicine. good luck hope this helped

Question: What do nuclear medicine technologists do? I'm a nursing student and I find myself getting more interested in nuclear medicine but i have no idea on the scope of work they do and what they do exactly. Tell me.

Answer: http://www.atomicmuseum.com/tour/nuclearmedicine.cfm http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=nuclearmedicine http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_medicine