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Nuclear Medicine Technologists

	Median Wage (USD, 2024)	Projected Job Openings (2023-2033)	Projected Growth (2023-2033)
National Statistics	$97,020	800	-1.3%
State Statistics	-	-	-
City Statistics	-	-	-

Statistics

National

State

City

State

City

$97,020

Median Wage (USD, 2023)

800

Projected Job Openings (2023-2033)

-1.3%

Projected Growth (2023-2033)

Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.

Experience Requirements Overview

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education, Training and Experience

Required Level of Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)

Related Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years

On-Site or In-Plant Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months

On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months

Detailed Work Activities

Administer medical substances for imaging or other procedures.
Examine medical instruments or equipment to ensure proper operation.
Calculate numerical data for medical activities.
Record patient medical histories.
Create advanced digital images of patients using computer imaging systems.
Operate diagnostic imaging equipment.
Explain medical procedures or test results to patients or family members.
Process x-rays or other medical images.
Process x-rays or other medical images.
Monitor the handling of hazardous materials or medical wastes.
Follow protocols or regulations for healthcare activities.
Record patient medical histories.
Process healthcare paperwork.
Follow protocols or regulations for healthcare activities.
Prepare medications or medical solutions.
Maintain medical laboratory equipment.
Gather medical information from patient histories.
Operate laboratory equipment to analyze medical samples.
Train medical providers.
Supervise patient care personnel.
Adjust settings or positions of medical equipment.
Position patients for treatment or examination.
Prepare biological specimens for laboratory analysis.
Determine protocols for medical procedures.

Work Values

Achievement

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Working Conditions

Recognition

Relationships

Support

Independence

Tasks

Develop treatment procedures for nuclear medicine treatment programs.
Administer radiopharmaceuticals or radiation intravenously to detect or treat diseases, using radioisotope equipment, under direction of a physician.
Detect and map radiopharmaceuticals in patients' bodies, using a camera to produce photographic or computer images.
Process cardiac function studies, using computer.
Calculate, measure, and record radiation dosage or radiopharmaceuticals received, used, and disposed, using computer and following physician's prescription.
Record and process results of procedures.
Produce a computer-generated or film image for interpretation by a physician.
Prepare stock radiopharmaceuticals, adhering to safety standards that minimize radiation exposure to workers and patients.
Explain test procedures and safety precautions to patients and provide them with assistance during test procedures.
Perform quality control checks on laboratory equipment or cameras.
Dispose of radioactive materials and store radiopharmaceuticals, following radiation safety procedures.
Gather information on patients' illnesses and medical history to guide the choice of diagnostic procedures for therapy.
Maintain and calibrate radioisotope and laboratory equipment.
Measure glandular activity, blood volume, red cell survival, or radioactivity of patient, using scanners, Geiger counters, scintillometers, or other laboratory equipment.
Train or supervise student or subordinate nuclear medicine technologists.
Position radiation fields, radiation beams, and patient to allow for most effective treatment of patient's disease, using computer.
Add radioactive substances to biological specimens, such as blood, urine, or feces, to determine therapeutic drug or hormone levels.

Work Styles

Achievement/Effort

Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Persistence

Initiative

Leadership

Cooperation

Concern for Others

Social Orientation

Self-Control

Stress Tolerance

Adaptability/Flexibility

Dependability

Attention to Detail

Integrity

Independence

Innovation

Analytical Thinking

For more information on this career visit: https://explorehealthcareers.org/careers/technologists-and-technicians/nuclear-medicine-technologist/

Data Source: This page includes information from the O*NET 30.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. This page includes Employment Projections program, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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