Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Tasks & duties
Nuclear medicine technologists may do some or all of the following:
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prepare radioactive materials (tracers) for injection
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explain nuclear medicine procedures to patients
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position the patient and equipment for examination
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administer tracers to the patient through injection, ingestion and inhalation
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analyse the tracers in the patient using a gamma camera (an electronic instrument used to create an image of radioactive compounds distributed in human tissue) and computer
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use radioactive materials to treat diseases
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carry out quality assurance tests on equipment and tracers
Skills & knowledge
Nuclear medicine technologists need to have:
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knowledge of radiation physics and maths
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knowledge of the human body and how it functions
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knowledge of basic medical terms, and current information and research in their field
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knowledge of safety issues related to the use of gamma cameras and radioactive chemicals
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analytical skills
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technical skills to operate gamma cameras and computers
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good organisational skills
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good communication skills
Entry requirements
To become a nuclear medicine technologist you will need to enrol and complete an approved course in nuclear medicine by distance learning from one of two Australian universities, while working as a trainee at a nuclear medicine department.
The approved courses are:
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the Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Nuclear Medicine) from the University of Newcastle
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the Master of Medical Radiations in Nuclear Medicine from Monash University. To get into this programme, you first need an undergraduate degree in medical radiation, or a related health science.
Before enrolling in a nuclear medicine course you need to apply for registration as a trainee nuclear medicine technologist through the Medical Radiation Technologists Board.
Secondary education
A tertiary entrance qualification is needed to enter further training and useful subjects include English, maths, science and computer science.
Training on the job
Nuclear medicine technologists gain clinical knowledge and skills on the job.
Registration
Nuclear medicine technologists need to be registered with the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board.
To be registered you need a relevant degree, and 3,360 hours of clinical experience in nuclear medicine (equivalent to two years' clinical experience).
Nuclear medicine technologists must complete ongoing training to maintain their registration.
Useful experience
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Previous experience working in radiography is important for people beginning work as nuclear medicine technologists. Other useful experience includes:
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voluntary work in hospitals
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laboratory work
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nursing, teaching or other work that involves helping people
Related courses
Human Biology
Medical Imaging Technology (Radiography) and Radiation Therapy
For more information, please refer to Career Services.
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