The Nuclear Medicine Technologist Job Description
The Technologist helps in the diagnosis and treatment plan administration of diseases and medical conditions which have an associated diagnostic and therapeutic process associated with nuclear technology. A job as a technologist will require knowledge in preparing, administering and monitoring toxicity levels in patients of, radiopharmaceutical drugs and intervention processes for radioactive therapy. The nuclear med tech provides performs clinical mapping for toxicity and radioactive concentration in patients receiving radioactive drugs, and works under the supervision of an specialized physician.
A nuclear medical technologist is in charge of specific clinical responsibilities associated with his field. One of his main duties is the provision of information relative to a patient’s treatment course or drug therapy, providing answers and qualified explanations of the patient’s existing condition, course of treatment with nuclear pharmaceuticals and its effects on the body chemistry. Proper training and clinical hours are required to prepare radiopharmaceutical drugs in coordination with hospital and state safety standards for handling radioactive materials and waste disposal.
A nuclear Medical technologist must possess the professional qualifications in the operation and manipulation of relative apparatus and technology for the field. Machinery such as gamma scintillation cameras and scanners must be used at a technician level. Nuclear medicine technologists are responsible for record keeping and production of film scans, toxicity information and clinical progress charts in reference to a patient receiving nuclear medicine intervention, to assist the physician in coming up with diagnosis and or prognosis.
The educational requirements of a Technologist require a minimum two- year degree from a community college, plus a two year certification program in Nuclear Medicine which is provided by several hospitals and academic institutions. A formal bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Medicine is an advantage, but relevant degree holders in Computer Sciences and Allied medicine are also ideal candidates for the job. A one year certification, providing specialization is necessary for relative bachelor’s degrees along with licensure which is required in several states.