Nuclear medicine is among the fastest-growing fields in healthcare, providing many exciting opportunities for people who want to get into a medical career.
At National Polytechnic College, based in Lakewood, CA, our nuclear medicine technologist program can give you the knowledge you need to succeed in this profession.
What Is Nuclear Medicine?
Nuclear medicine uses radioactive tracers (also known as radiopharmaceuticals) injected into the body to help evaluate bodily functions. Radioactive tracers contain carrier molecules bound to a radioactive atom. The carrier molecules differ depending on the type of scan being performed. Some interact with a specific protein or sugar within the body and others interact with the patient’s own cells. In most cases, medical professionals will inject these radioactive tracers into the patient’s body or into the target organ, but they may be administered orally or inhaled.
Using specialized cameras, doctors are then able to follow the radioactive molecules throughout the body. This can help them determine the cause of problems without needing invasive procedures such as surgery.
The two main types of scans used in nuclear medicine are Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Each of these modalities creates 3-D images, but SPECT scans use gamma-ray emissions, while PET scans emit positrons.
How Can Nuclear Medicine Help?
Using this technology, doctors can diagnose and treat a wide range of diseases that they would otherwise need to enter the body to identify. Medical issues these scans might detect include:
- Heart disease
- Gallbladder disease
- Bone disorders, infections, or breaks
- Sources of intestinal bleeding
- Blood disorders
- Thyroid disease, including hypothyroidism
- Parkinson’s disease in the brain
- Cancer
- Kidney disease
- Lung problems
- Alzheimer’s disease
Nuclear medicine can even be used to help treat conditions, as medical professionals may combine radiation and immunotherapy to offer effective radioimmunotherapy to their patients. Because modern advances in technology have made nuclear medicine scans more accurate, these scans have become a go-to for many doctors looking to better diagnose conditions and start working on treatment plans faster.
What Does a Nuclear Medicine Technologist Do?
Nuclear medicine technologists work alongside doctors to help carry out these scans. As a nuclear medicine technologist, you’ll be responsible for preparing and administering SPECT, PET, and other nuclear medicine scans through injection, inhalation, or ingestion. You will then use the cameras and other imaging equipment to record the images for the patient’s doctor to look over. You may also need to perform these scans to treat certain medical conditions.
Another important aspect of the job is safety. Because you are dealing with radiation, it’s important that you take the time to limit the radiation exposure to the patient and any medical professionals in the room, including yourself. You may even be tasked with analyzing specimens in a medical lab.
Communication and organization are other important traits needed for this position. You’ll need to talk with patients to help them understand the procedures and may even need to set up appointments. The duties of a nuclear medicine technologist will vary depending on their work environment. They can be found in hospitals, colleges and universities, medical and imaging clinics, research facilities, and diagnostic labs.
Why Should You Become a Nuclear Medicine Technologist?
Any career in the medical field is sure to leave you feeling proud of what you do each day. Knowing that you’re helping doctors make diagnoses and helping patients get peace of mind makes each shift rewarding. You’ll use your knowledge and training to help find out what’s wrong and provide treatments in some cases.
The job is also a high-paying one, meaning you can expect to earn a generous wage. The average annual salary for a nuclear medicine technologist in California is over $140,000, but wages vary depending on experience and the specific role. Nuclear medicine technologists are in demand, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting around 800 new job openings a year through 2033.
Enroll in Our Nuclear Technologist School
At National Polytechnic College in Lakewood, CA, we feature an in-depth nuclear medicine technologist program to help you get the insight and experience you need to enter the working world. Whether you’re looking for a career change or are just out of high school, our dedicated instructors and well-crafted curriculum can help you learn in the classroom, through remote lectures, and in our lab. We have the accreditations and approvals needed to provide a quality education.
You can seek guidance from our financial aid department, which helps qualifying students seek loans and grants to make paying for school easier. We also offer a career services department that helps you find work once you’ve completed the program. If you’re ready to enroll in any of our programs or have any questions, call us today at 888-379-4090.