Also called: Nuc Med Tech
Gives patients small amounts of radioactive drugs and uses special cameras to see how organs are working.
Prepares a radioactive tracer in a lead-shielded room, injects it into a patient, then runs a PET or SPECT scan that lights up how blood flows through the heart or where cancer has spread.
BLS May 2024.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate or bachelor's in nuclear medicine technology plus certification (NMTCB or ARRT).
Ways in: 2-year college, 4-year college, Certification. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Nuclear Medicine Technology.
Growing about average (about 2% over 10 years).
Low risk for 10 years. AI sharpens PET and SPECT images; preparing radioactive tracers, injecting and caring for patients stays hands-on.
Classes: Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Algebra II.
Official data: O*NET occupation 29-2033.
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