CFChooseField
Healthcare

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Nuclear Medicine Technologists
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Median pay

$97,020
Median annual pay for Nuclear Medicine Technologists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

3%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

900
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

20,000
Estimated U.S. employment for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+600
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Associate's degree
Typical education needed to enter Nuclear Medicine Technologists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

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Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Speaking
  4. 4Monitoring
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Customer and Personal Service
  2. 2Biology
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Physics
  5. 5Medicine and Dentistry
  6. 6Chemistry

Abilities

  1. 1Oral Comprehension
  2. 2Oral Expression
  3. 3Near Vision
  4. 4Problem Sensitivity
  5. 5Information Ordering
  6. 6Written Comprehension

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Investigative
  3. 3Conventional
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Cautiousness
  3. 3Dependability
  4. 4Cooperation
  5. 5Integrity
  6. 6Self-Control

Work activities

  1. 1Assisting and Caring for Others
  2. 2Working with Computers
  3. 3Documenting/Recording Information
  4. 4Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  5. 5Getting Information
  6. 6Performing for or Working Directly with the Public

Work context

  1. 1Exposed to Radiation
  2. 2Contact With Others
  3. 3Telephone Conversations
  4. 4Exposed to Disease or Infections
  5. 5Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  6. 6Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

Representative tasks

  • Administer radiopharmaceuticals or radiation intravenously to detect or treat diseases, using radioisotope equipment, under direction of a physician.
  • Detect and map radiopharmaceuticals in patients' bodies, using a camera to produce photographic or computer images.
  • Process cardiac function studies, using computer.
  • Calculate, measure, and record radiation dosage or radiopharmaceuticals received, used, and disposed, using computer and following physician's prescription.
  • Record and process results of procedures.
  • Produce a computer-generated or film image for interpretation by a physician.
  • Prepare stock radiopharmaceuticals, adhering to safety standards that minimize radiation exposure to workers and patients.
  • Explain test procedures and safety precautions to patients and provide them with assistance during test procedures.

Software and tools

MEDITECH software · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyElectronic medical record EMR softwareGamma camera softwareMedovation RadRunnerRadiopharmacy inventory databases

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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