Nuclear Technologist

With unemployment at near record levels United States, people are beginning to turn their focus on finding jobs that are more recession proof. Working in the health care industry has become very popular, for those people who are willing to educate and train themselves. There are many health care jobs that are available and are plentiful. Training as a nuclear technologist is relatively easy and nuclear technologists are in high demand.

Presently in the United States there are more than 25,000 people working as nuclear medicine technologists. Most nuclear medicine technologist jobs, nearly 70%, work in hospitals. Some nuclear technologists work in other medical settings, such as physician offices, diagnostic imaging centers, and diagnostic and medical laboratories.

Becoming a nuclear technologist requires training and nuclear medicine technology programs are readily available in most states. These programs are generally one to four years. One-year programs are generally designed for those who already possess an Associates degree and have the desire to specialize in nuclear medicine. Proper education and training leads to a certificate, an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree. Education and training will include a course study of physical sciences, the biological effects of radiation exposure, radiation procedures and protection and the use of radiopharmaceuticals in conjunction with imaging techniques and applications. Many nuclear medicine technology programs offer job placement and job search assistance.

After education is completed, nuclear technologist are trained to administer radiopharmaceuticals to patients to create the diagnostic images needed for the physician to make a diagnosis.

Proper certification and licensing may be required, depending on the employer. The number of states requiring certification is also increasing. Proper certification can be obtained from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board.

While nuclear technologists are in high demand, the position is not for everyone. The physical demands necessitate having the physical stamina to work on your feet for most of the day. Nuclear technologists are also required to lift in turn disabled patients. As with any healthcare career, nuclear technologist should be a people person and sensitive to the physical and psychological needs of their patients.

Future job growth for nuclear medicine technologist jobs is expected to grow at a much faster pace than most occupations. While the number of openings may be relatively low, a nuclear technologist with training in other diagnostic methods such as radiologic technology and diagnostic medical sonography, or in nuclear cardiology, will be at a significant advantage when it comes to job placement. The nuclear technologist salary will vary from location to location, and state to state. As with most professions a nuclear medicine technologist salary will be commensurate with experience.