Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Working Schedule

• Nuclear Medicine Technologists work full-time, with the potential for night, weekend, and holiday shifts. Work can be physically demanding, as they stand much of the time and must sometimes help others get up.

Typical Duties

• Review procedures and results with patients and family, as applicable 
• Prepare and handle radioactive drugs with care, to mitigate exposure
• Physically assist patients with limited motion or when needed to position them correctly for suitable imaging
• Position equipment or radioactive beams to expose patients in correct areas
• Determine dosage and administer radiopharmaceuticals for imaging or treatment; monitor for signs of adverse reactions
• Use computerized medical imaging machines to obtain diagnostic information on internal problem areas; process images received after tracking radiopharmaceutical paths, then review with doctors 
• Maintain equipment and ensure proper functioning and quality control 
• Use other lab equipment to inspect samples and specimens
• Document procedural activities; collect data and patient history information

Additional Responsibilities

• Ensure all hazardous waste is properly disposed of 
• Work with other medical staff and train them when needed
• Supplement standard operating procedures with local modifications 

Soft Skills

• Analytical skills
• Compassion and empathy for patients and family members
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness
• Detail-oriented
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to articulate procedures 
• Independent 
• Investigative
• Objectivity
• Patience
• Physical stamina
• Resilient and able to tolerate stress
• Sound judgment and decision-making

Technical Skills

• Critical thinking
• Knowledge of medical and electronic medical record software
• Familiarity with: automated external defibrillators, blood collection syringes, chart recorders, electrocardiography and electronic blood pressure units, flow sensors or regulators or components, hypodermic needles, intravenous infusion pumps, liquid scintillation counters, medical computed tomography calibration, gamma cameras, printers, imagers, darkrooms, daylight processors, and positron emission tomography 
• Familiarity with: medical radiation dosimeters, single photon emission computed tomography, microcentrifuges, peripheral intravenous catheters, phantom dosimeters, pulse oximeter units, scintillation crystal assemblies, specimen collection container, spectrometers, and vacuum blood collection tubes 
• Applicable understanding of biology and medicine  
• Knowledge of personal protective equipment usage

• Hospitals
• Outpatient care centers    
• Physician offices
• Medical/diagnostic labs

Nuclear Medicine Technologists work around radioactive materials so must practice safety protocols and wear protective gear to shield them from harmful exposure. They’re also expected, naturally, to keep patients safe and minimize exposure to only the amount and areas necessary. 
 
As with any healthcare professional, there is always risk of exposure to people who might have a contagious disease. It’s incumbent upon Nuclear Medicine Technologists to be extremely proficient in all aspects of their profession, and to be ready to deal with emergencies if they arise. 

Americans are living longer (but not necessarily healthier) and thus requiring more healthcare services. Nuclear Medicine Technologists are just one of the many professions that will remain vital in the foreseeable future, in particular because of their highly specialized skills. Advances in cardiology and oncology and changes in the domestic production of radioisotope Tc-99m have impacted the field in recent years. As nuclear medicine itself continues to evolve, experts in this career field will need to stay current on changes and ready to train others. 

Nuclear Medicine Technologists operate in a still relatively new area of medicine. They are inquisitive about pushing boundaries and such curiosity may have always been part of their personality. In addition to an interest in science and biology, they were also likely eager to help other people, since that’s the core reason behind almost all medical professions. 
 
They’re independent, confident, and attentive to detail and safety. Most likely they always enjoyed following procedures and rules, to ensure things were properly taken care of. They may or may not have had an interest in science fiction, and chances are they’ve had a practical, dependable streak since childhood.