Nuclear Medicine Technologist
A Nuclear Medicine Technologist is a qualified professional who provides nuclear medicine services to treat patients for certain medical conditions, on the order of a physician.
Nuclear Medicine is the use of low-level radioactive substances which are injected, swallowed or inhaled to produce diagnostic images of how the body functions. For example, bone scans, cardiac stress testing, and lung scans.
An Exciting Field of Work
In general, Nuclear Medicine Technologists:
- Apply radioactive materials to perform diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures
- Prepare radiopharmaceuticals, such as radionuclides and other materials and administer them to patients or to biological samples
- Operate radiation detection equipment, such as gamma cameras, scanners, scintillation counters, tomodensitometers and ionization chambers, to acquire data for use by nuclear medicine physicians in the diagnosis of disease
- Performing quality control procedures and assisting with quality assurance plan;
- Record and process results of procedures
- Check equipment to ensure proper operation
- Provide appropriate care for the patient during the examination
- Observe radiation safety and protection measures for patients and personnel
- May provide guidance, training and orientation to other nuclear medicine staff, students, and other health care professionals
Personal Characteristics / Skills
- Strong problem-solving and technical skills
- Good judgment
- Empathy and understanding of patients needs
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to adapt in difficult or stressful settings
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
Education and Training
Completion of an accredited University or college educational program in Medical Radiation Technology (MRT) with specialization in Nuclear Medicine, combined with a supervised practical training is required to work in this field.
Education program offered in New Brunswick
A Bachelor of Health Sciences with specialization in Nuclear Medicine is offered in New Brunswick by the following educational institutions:
- University of New Brunswick – English program
Length of Study / Training
4.0 years
Licence and certification
In New Brunswick, Nuclear Medicine Technologists must be certified and registered with the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists - New Brunswick Division and pass the national association's exam.
Helpful High School Courses
- Biology
- Physics
- Science
- Basic computer course
Employment and Common Working Conditions
Nuclear Medicine Technologists work in a variety of settings such as:
- Hospitals,
- Cancer treatment centres
- Community health centres
- Clinics and radiological laboratories
- Research facilities
- Medical equipment sales company
Nuclear Medicine Technologists may work shifts and are sometimes on call. The vast majority will be in direct patient contact and lifting or moving patients is a regular component of the job. Safety precautions are required to avoid back strain and repetitive stress injuries as well as unnecessary exposure to radiation.
Employment Prospects - GOOD
With the aging population, the demand in this field is expected to grow.