Nuclear Medicine - Course Catalog

Quarter 1 Fall
Quarter 2 Winter
Quarter 3 Spring
Quarter 4 Summer
Quarter 5 Fall
Quarter 6 Winter

Quarter 1 Fall

NM 100: Introduction to Nuclear Medicine

This course is designed to provide the student with the principles of imaging and non-imaging disciplines within the field of radiologic sciences. Students are introduced to basic theory and concepts utilized in medical imaging and the principles and practice of patient care and medical terminology.

NM 101: Introduction to Radiation Safety

This course is designed to provide the first year student with a working knowledge of radiation science and safety. This includes interactions of radiation with matter, radiation quantities and protection standards, dosimetry, radioactive decay, and the biological effects of radiation. The student will also be introduced to an overview of nuclear medicine equipment.

NM 102: Clinical Education I

This course presents the student with an introduction to the clinical environment (to be carried out in an assigned clinical site). Emphasis is placed on patient care and positioning in addition to conducting an orientation to the hospital and medical imaging department, patient registration, appointment scheduling, medical records, darkroom/film processing area, quality assurance, equipment, department safety, Nuclear Medicine procedures and other imaging areas.

Quarter 2 Winter

NM 200: Radiopharmaceuticals

This course is designed to provide the student with the principles regarding the production, distribution, dose calculation, and imaging of radioactive tracers. Emphasis is on the rationale of radiopharmaceutical choice and radionuclide characteristics. Lab exercises in proper handling of radionuclides including practical experience at an off-site radiopharmaceutical laboratory.

NM 201: Physics and Instrumentation in Nuclear Medicine

This course is designed to provide the student with the principles and application of radiation detection equipment and instrumentation employed in nuclear medicine procedures. Theory and laboratory application of quality control procedures specific to each instrument are included, as well as application of imaging parameters. The student will understand the functions, operations, limitations, and applications of the imaging and non-imaging detection instruments used in the current practice of nuclear medicine.

NM 202: Clinical Education II

This course is a clinical practicum in a nuclear medicine department of an affiliated clinical training center. During this course the student will also attend a commercial radiopharmacy to gain knowledge of radiopharmaceutical production and preparation.

Quarter 3 Spring

NM 300: Nuclear Cardiology and ECG Interpretation

This course is designed to provide the student with the theory and principles of nuclear medicine cardiac imaging. It includes a comprehensive examination of cardiovascular terminology, pathology, and computer analysis. ECG interpretation and comprehension of life-threatening and dangerous cardiac rhythms are also examined.

NM 301: Nuclear Medicine Imaging and Pathophysiology I

This course is designed to provide the student with preparation, performance, and evaluation of planar and SPECT procedures. Emphasis will be on the location, biodistribution of the radiopharmaceutical used, and the disease states that can be identified regarding the G.I., Hepatobiliary, Skeletal, Lung, and CNS systems.

NM 302: Clinical Education III

This course is a clinical practicum in a medical imaging department of an affiliated clinical training center. The student is introduced to a second clinical site to have the opportunity to see procedures and equipment not previously observed.

Quarter 4 Summer

NM 400: In Vitro and Radionuclide Therapy

The utilization of saturation analysis and non-imaging in vivo procedures are examined. This includes laboratory quality assurance programs, the operation of electronic equipment for radioassay and quality control. Pathology, choice of radiopharmaceuticals, dose calculation, administration and patient management related to radionuclide therapy will be discussed, as well as new therapy advancements.

NM 401: Nuclear Medicine Imaging and Pathophysiology II

A survey of in vivo nuclear medicine procedures and pathology related to the endocrine, genitourinary, central nervous systems, tumor/inflammatory, bone marrow and advanced imaging procedures. Principles of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and predictive values of diagnostic testing are described. The student will acquire an in-depth knowledge of the diagnostic imaging aspects of the above nuclear medicine procedures by integrating technical considerations with anatomy, physiology, pathology, and patient care considerations.

NM 402: Clinical Education IV

This course is a clinical practicum in a medical imaging department of an affiliated clinical training center.

Quarter 5 Fall

NM 500: PET I

This course is designed to give the student an overall understanding of the basic principles and theories of Positron Emission tomography (PET) and Monoclonal Antibody imaging. Aspects of PET imaging that will be discussed include: instrumentation, quality control, and radiation safety concerns.

NM 501: Management I

This course is designed as both an introduction to management and an examination of recent trends, research, and technological advances in medical imaging. Students will be exposed to various managerial functions, theories of leadership, motivation, and style.

NM 502: Clinical Education V

This course is designed to facilitate the student's application of students didactic education to the practical aspects of nuclear medicine technology. While performing this clinical externship, the student will be evaluated on mandatory imaging competencies required by the JRCNMT. The student will be required to attend the clinical site 40 hours a week for the first six weeks of the quarter.

Quarter 6 Winter

NM 600: PET II

During this six-week course, the student will gain knowledge of PET applications such as cardiology, neurology and oncology and the impact of such applications in management of the patient.

NM 601: Management II

During this six week course, the student will learn specific aspects of managing in the healthcare environment including, operational procedures, policies, marketing, legal issues, and financial management. The final six-weeks will be devoted to reviewing nuclear medicine images and assessing them for diagnostic quality and pathology.

NM 602: Clinical Education VI

This course is designed to facilitate the student's application of students didactic education to the practical aspects of nuclear medicine technology. While performing this clinical externship, the student will be evaluated on mandatory imaging competencies required by the JRCNMT. The student will also experience a rotation in the PET environment during this course to enhance the knowledge gained from the classroom course.

NM 603: Film Critique

This six-week course will be devoted to reviewing nuclear medicine images and evaluating them for quality and pathology. The student will learn the basis of image production to maximize for diagnostic value.

NM 604: Registry Review

During this six-week course, the student will be prepared to take the national certification and state licensing examinations. An extensive review of all course materials will be followed by a mock-registry exam.