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MIWIQI: Introduction to Nuclear

Medicine and PET

Tim Marshel R.T.

(R)(N)(CT)(MR)(NCT)(PET)(CNMT)

WHAT IS NUCLEAR MEDICINE

TECHNOLOGY ??

• Nuclear Medicine Technology (NMT) is an allied

health specialty which utilizes radioactive materials to

diagnose and treat disease. The field involves patient

care, diagnostic imaging, laboratory analysis of patient

samples, and the therapeutic administration of

radioisotopes.

• NMT practice also involves varying duties pertaining

to the operation and management of the clinic or

department.

WHAT ARE THE BASIC DUTIES

OF A NUCLEAR MEDICINE

TECHNOLOGIST ??

• Direct responsibility for the care of patients

• Prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals to patients

• Operate Nuclear and PET imaging equipment

• Computer analysis of acquired data

• Perform laboratory functions utilizing radioactive materials

• Perform tasks to assure good radiation safety practices

• Record keeping functions to assure regulatory compliance

• Office/Clinic operations, Quality Assurance, etc.

IMAGING INSTRUMENTATION

Dual Head Gamma Camera

Single Head Gamma Camera

Dual Head - PET Capable

Triple Head Gamma Camera

IS THE JOB HAZARDOUS ??

• Although the handling of radioactive and potentially

biohazardous materials (Blood) are duties of the NMT,

Proper training and the use of personal protective

equipment (PPE) virtually eliminates hazardous

conditions in the working environment.

• Radiation exposure is an occupational reality in NMT.

Good radiation safety practices keep exposures “As Low

As Reasonably Achievable” (ALARA).

ALARA

WHAT IS THE WORKPLACE

ENVIRONMENT FOR A NMT ??

• Nuclear Medicine Technologist's work in a wide

variety of settings. Most NMT's work in a hospital

setting. However, an increasing number of NMT's are

working in clinical imaging centers, or in industry.

• Many NMT's also work in office settings. Duties may

involve such things as administration, education,

computer applications and safety.

IS THE CURRICULUM FOR AN

NMT DIFFICULT ??

• The NMT must have an educational background in a

wide range of subjects. Basic and Advanced Science

Courses, Mathematics, Computer Science, Psychology,

Communication and Business courses are all required

or highly recommended.

• Specialized Nuclear/Radiation courses form a solid base

and promote good radiation safety practices.

• The curriculum provides a challenging and highly

rewarding educational experience.

COLLEGE COURSES WITH

RELATIONSHIP TO NMT PRACTICE

• Chemistry

• Biology and Anatomy/Physiology

• Physics

• Mathematics/Statistics

• Computer Science

• Psychology/Sociology

• Communications

• Business and Other Related Courses

CHEMISTRY COURSES:

• These courses provide a foundation for skills utilized

daily by an NMT in Preparation and Quality Control

of Radiopharmaceuticals, and in the performance of

laboratory and In-Vitro procedures.

• The required laboratory portion of chemistry courses

provides the student with the necessary experience to

insure safe and accurate clinical practices.

CHEMISTRY

BIOLOGY/ANATOMY AND

PHYSIOLOGY COURSES:

• Anatomy affords the student an understanding and

identification of the organ systems of the human body.

• Physiology provides essential instruction, as it is the

base of nuclear medicine involving the bio-distributions

and mechanisms of localization of radiopharmaceuticals

• NMT’s must have expertise in radiopharmaceutical and

non-radioactive drug interactions on a cellular level as

well as on a systems level.

BIOLOGY/ANATOMY AND

PHYSIOLOGY

PHYSICS COURSES:

• Understanding nuclear medicine instrumentation

systems, and quality control is fundamental.

• The interactions within the human body of the

various types of radiation and their associated

energies have a critical effect on medical imaging

and therapeutic procedures. This knowledge is

crucial for the practicing NMT.

PHYSICS

MATHEMATICS/STATISTICS

COURSES:

• Mathematical calculations, including those

pertaining to the statistical nature of Nuclear

Medicine imaging are performed on a routine

basis in the practice of NMT.

MATHEMATICS/STASTICS

COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSES:

• Computer science forms the base of medical imaging.

NMT has developed from a basic "artistic" imaging

modality to a modality requiring a great deal of

knowledge of computer principles and applications.

• Computers perform tasks in many facets of NMT

practice including; Patient scheduling, Record keeping,

Instrumentation operation/Quality Control, Data

Manipulation (Processing) and network applications

such as PACS.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

PSYCHOLOGY/SOCIOLOGY

COURSES:

• These courses provide students a foundation for

the critical ability to interact with patients in a

often challenging clinical setting.

• NMT's must understand the unique situations and

problems encountered while working in a medical

setting with sometimes critically ill patients and

concerned family members.

PHYCHOLOGY/SOCIOLOGY

COMMUNICATIONS COURSES

(WRITTEN, ORAL):

• Good oral communication skills are extremely

important not only in patient interactions but also

in contacts with physicians, nursing personnel,

technologists and other support staff in a medical

setting.

• Good written communication skills are important

in report generation and clinical operations.

COMMUNICATIONS

BUSINESS AND OTHER RELATED

COURSES:

• Many nuclear medicine technologist duties have

evolved from primarily direct patient imaging to a

career involved with the many facets of

office/clinic operations.

• This requires an understanding and a level of

competency in business related courses.

BUSINESS PRACTICES

• Patient Education

• Marketing

• Coding/Billing

• Quality Assurance

• Report Generation

• Record Keeping

• Regulatory Compliance

• Procedure Development

NUCLEAR MEDICINE IMAGES

WHAT IS THE CURRENT JOB

MARKET FOR ENTRY LEVEL

NMT'S ??

• Nuclear Medicine Technologists are currently in

great demand nationwide. Numerous career

opportunities are available in virtually every area of

the country in a variety of workplace settings.

• Many of the currently available positions offer

excellent starting salaries, full benefits, relocation

assistance, student loan assistance, continuing

education allowances and sign on bonuses.