Nuclear Medicine Technology - A.A.S.
Questions / More Information
(423) 697-4450 | Request Information
Deadline Dates
Program Admission
It is mandatory that all students attend an information session each academic year, even if they have attended in a previous year. Information Sessions will address this material.
Information Session RSVP - choose "Nuclear Medicine Technology"
To receive the following forms please reach out to [email protected]: Clinical Observation, Clinical Observation Evaluation, Academic Reference, Personal Reference, Request for Waiver of 5-Year Limit Lab Science Courses
Who are Nuclear Medicine Technologists?
Nuclear Medicine Technologists are members of the diagnostic imaging health care team. The technologists actively participate in the performance of diagnostic imaging procedures which analyze both the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Nuclear Medicine imaging procedures are performed through the administration of a radioactive pharmaceutical which is then analyzed with gamma cameras. In addition, Nuclear Medicine Technologists use radioactive drugs for therapeutic procedures involving certain diseases.
Choose Your Program
Chattanooga State offers two Nuclear Medicine Programs:
- AAS Degree
You are currently on the webpage for the Nuclear Medicine Technology AAS Degree. This Degree is designed for individuals without a prior degree.
- Certificate
The certificate program caters to those with a degree and patient care experience.
Program Information
The Nuclear Medicine Technology Associate in Applied Science program is a full-time online program, conducted over WebEx, with interested AAS students beginning each spring with a prerequisite course, NUCM 1100 Patient Care in Imaging. If accepted the student will continue into summer clinical and then begin the fall semester and continuing through the following spring and summer semesters. Students must periodically come on campus to exchange dosimetry badges, and they must perform clinical rotations at a site affiliated with the college.
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The NMT AAS program consists of 69 semester credits. Classes and clinics are integrated to require 40 hours per week.
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The NMT AAS program lasts 15 months. It begins with the spring course, NUCM 1100 Patient Care in Imaging, and continues to the following August.
- The NMT AAS program also provides preparation for the ARRT and/or NMTCB certification exams in nuclear medicine technology.
- The NMT AAS program faculty are very involved in the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, have held national offices, and are well respected in the nuclear medicine community.
- The NMT program offers study-abroad opportunities. Students in the program have traveled to Portugal, England, and Australia.
- The NMT AAS program has requirements for applicants which can be found on the Nuclear Medicine Technology - Application Checklist.
Accreditation
The Nuclear Medicine Technology program is an accredited program, therefore, graduates are eligible to take both the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board Exam (NMTCB) and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Nuclear Medicine board exam upon graduation. Attempting either or both of the exams is not a requirement of graduation, however, many employers require certification/registration as a criteria for employment. In addition, some states require licensure as a condition for employment. Though many states will accept the NMTCB and ARRT credentials in lieu of sitting for a state licensure exams, it has not been determined whether this program satisfies the requirements of all states and territories for licensure. It is the responsibility of the applicant to inquire of the state licensure board within which they live or plan to work in order to determine whether graduation from this program meets state requirements.
Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT)
820 W Danforth Rd, #B1
Edmond, OK 73003
Phone: (405) 285-0546
Fax: (405) 285-0579
[email protected]
Mission
The Nuclear Medicine Technology Program provides educational opportunities that reflect the current practice of nuclear medicine technology, resulting in high-quality patient care by competent, professional, entry-level nuclear medicine technologists through various didactic and clinical experiences.
Goals
- To provide an exceptional collaborative program that addresses the societal demand for skilled and capable medical imaging and therapeutic professionals in association with our partner institutions.
- To educate individuals in nuclear medicine to become knowledgeable, confident, and responsible healthcare providers.
- To foster the growth of intellectual abilities, professional attitudes, and values that will facilitate constant learning and development beyond graduation.
- To assist students and graduates in obtaining career opportunities that use relevant knowledge, skills, and personal attributes.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
The nuclear medicine technology program will prepare the students to carry out the following tasks:
- PSLO1: Patient Care and Professionalism
Provide quality patient care to a varied population, utilizing effective communication and recognized professional standards.
- PSLO2: Radiation Safety and Protection
Appropriately assess and utilize published radiation protection standards while maintaining regulatory compliance to minimize dose to oneself, patients, and the public.
- PSLO3: Instrumentation Utilization and Quality Control
Perform quality control procedures, analyze data for imaging and non-imaging equipment in compliance with regulations, and take corrective action as needed.
- PSLO4: Radiopharmaceuticals and Pharmaceuticals
Demonstrate entry-level knowledge of radionuclides and use best practices to prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals and interventional pharmacologic agents.
- PSLO5: Procedures (Diagnostic and Therapeutic)
Perform all diagnostic and therapeutic procedure segments utilizing best practices, problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making strategies.
- PSLO6: Professional and Social Variety
Collaborate within an interprofessional environment by effectively working as a team to support patient-centered practice.
- PSLO7: Academic Research
Perform scholarly research utilizing professional literature or data to propose advancements in the profession.
Success Rates
Graduate Achievement Data: https://www.jrcnmt.org/students/graduate-achievement-data
Career Opportunities
Career advancement opportunities in nuclear medicine technology are excellent. Employment opportunities are abundant across the USA for graduates who have passed the registry exam. Hospitals and clinics nationwide require qualified nuclear medicine technologists to meet the growing demand for patient services. This creates job opportunities in supervision/management, education/research, and positron emission tomography.
The career of a nuclear medicine technologist can advance in various directions:
- Supervision/Management
- Education/Research
- Positron Emission Tomography
The graduate qualifies to apply to obtain certification to the modalities listed below. These programs are offered by Chattanooga State:
- Computed Tomography
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Ability to move wheelchairs, stretchers, etc., alone or with assistance as available. Must be able to lift, support, and/or transfer a morbidly obese patient in a 2–3 person transfer.
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Ability to visualize patient for identification, positioning, camera placement and alignment and image analysis. Ability to move the body and body regions in order to provide patient care and support and to position patient for imaging and/or treatment.
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Ability to reach, position, and operate imaging tables, camera control panels, collimators, dose calibrators, etc., at standard locations and placements.
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Ability to safely administer radiopharmaceuticals and appropriately handle vials, syringes, sterile items, pharmaceuticals, catheters, IVs, etc.
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Ability to read written passages, to communicate orally and to write. Ability to hear or lip read for reception of spoken communication.
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Ability and stamina to withstand lengthy periods of physical activity including moving quickly and continuously.
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Ability to perceive events realistically, to think clearly and rationally and to function independently in routine, stress and/or emergency situations.
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Ability to properly visualize and distinguish subtle changes in image detail.
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Ability to properly label images with information necessary for identification and interpretation and evaluate the quality of the image for accuracy.
Program Cost
| First Semester (5 hours) (summer) | In-state | Out-of-state eRate |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Fee | 952.00 | 1382.00 |
| Nursing & Allied Health Fee | 25.00 | 25.00 |
| Truescreen: myRecord Tracker Fee: | 17.50 | 17.50 |
| Upload documentation for: | ||
| Physical Examination | 300.00 | 300.00 |
| Hepatitis B (estimate) | 175.00 | 175.00 |
| CPR | 25.00 | 25.00 |
| Truescreen Criminal Background Check | 24.50 | 24.50 |
| Truescreen Drug Screen (12 panel) | 39.00 | 39.00 |
| TB Skin Test | 65.00 | 65.00 |
| Liability Insurance | 11.05 | 11.05 |
| Radiation Badges (estimate) | 75.00 | 75.00 |
| Uniform | 200.00 | 200.00 |
| Labcoat | 30.00 | 30.00 |
| Trajecsys | 100.00 | 100.00 |
| Textbooks (estimate) | 200.00 | 200.00 |
| Subtotal | 2239.05 | 2669.05 |
| Second Semester (15 hours) fall | In-state | Out-of-state eRate |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Fee | 2326.00 | 4010.50 |
| Nursing & Allied Health Fee | 375.00 | 375.00 |
| Textbooks (estimate) | 800.00 | 800.00 |
| Subtotal | 3501.00 | 5185.50 |
| Third Semester (13 hours) (spring) | In-state | Out-of-state eRate |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Fee | 2252.00 | 3497.50 |
| Nursing & Allied Health Fee | 325.00 | 325.00 |
| Textbooks (estimate) | 200.00 | 200.00 |
| Subtotal | 2777.00 | 4022.50 |
| Fourth Semester (12 hours) (summer) | In-state | Out-of-state eRate |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Fee | 2215.00 | 3247.00 |
| Nursing & Allied Health Fee | 300.00 | 300.00 |
| Textbooks (estimate) | 123.00 | 123.00 |
| ARRT | 200.00 | 200.00 |
| Passport Photo for ARRT(N) Application | 15.00 | 15.00 |
| Subtotal | 2853.00 | 3885.00 |
| Total | 11906.00 | 15776.05 |
Costs Disclaimer
These are estimated program costs. Actual costs may vary due to changes in tuition and/or fee increases as determined by the Tennessee Board of Regents. This cost will also be reduced for students since some of the required course work is completed prior to acceptance into the program. These general and support courses taken before the program is to lessen course load in a given semester.
Note: College fees are included in the maintenance cost. To view current calculation table, go to Bursar’s Office on Chattanooga State website. This website will also give you information on refund policies, fee payments and the refund calendar.