Nuclear Medicine - FAQs

What is nuclear medicine and how does it differ from radiology?
What is PET?
What are the prerequisites for the Nuclear Medicine Program?
When is the application deadline?
Is there a nuclear medicine department I can visit for an observation?
What is the average pay and job availability for nuclear medicine technologists?

What is nuclear medicine and how does it differ from Radiography?

Nuclear Medicine specialists use safe, painless, and cost-effective techniques to image the body and treat disease. Nuclear Medicine Imaging is unique, because it provides doctors with information about both structure and function. Nuclear Medicine is a specialty of Radiography, and complements Radiography with information about function of specific organs, whereas radiology looks at anatomy.

What is PET?

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is rapidly becoming a major diagnostic imaging modality used predominantly in determining the presence and severity of cancers, neurological conditions, and cardiovascular disease.

What are the prerequisites for the Nuclear Medicine program?

Those individuals that have graduated from an 18-24 month accredited Allied Health Sciences program with current registration are eligible to apply for the nuclear medicine program. Another avenue for entry into the program is a minimum of 60 college credits preferably with an emphasis in science and a cumulative GPA of 2.75. Please review the pre-requisite requirements.

When is the application deadline?

Applications will be accepted October 02, 2006 thru February 28th 2007. Please read How to Apply for detailed instructions.

Is there a Nuclear Medicine department I can visit for an observation?

Many Nuclear Medicine departments are happy to have prospective students do an observation at their facility. It is recommended that you contact a hospital near you and ask to speak to the Nuclear Medicine department. You can then ask the Chief Technologist if they would mind a visit, and then schedule something in advance.

What is the average pay and job availability for nuclear medicine technologists?

The average starting pay for a Nuclear Medicine Technologist is $30-36 per hour in the San Francisco Bay Area. Currently, the job availability for Nuclear Medicine Technologists is very good. With PET and outpatient cardiology clinics opening, there is more demand for qualified technologists. There is also a retiring population, which increases the demand for qualified technologists.