Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Healthful Vitality | 12/01/2021 | Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Who are Nuclear Medicine Technologists?
A nuclear medicine technologist (NMT) is a health care professional who can operate equipment to create images of certain areas in the body. This technologist may prepare and administer radioactive drugs, known as radiopharmaceuticals, conduct various imaging procedures, enhance images through a computer, and analyze biologic specimens.
Scope of Practice
These technologists work with nuclear pharmacists, doctors, nurses, medical physicists, computer specialists, and administrative staff.
Common tasks and responsibilities of nuclear medicine technologists may include:
- Demonstrating procedures to the patient
- Preparing radioactive drugs and administering these drugs to the patient
- Monitoring the patient and observing for unusual reactions to the radioactive drugs
- Creating images that a doctor will use to diagnose a problem
- Ensuring safety procedures to protect the patient and staff members conducting the tests
- Analyzing lab specimens
- Setting up appointments
- Keeping records of procedures
Workplace Environment
They are typically employed by hospitals, medical clinics, diagnostic labs, imaging clinics, universities, and research centers. NMT typically work a 40-hour per week, including weekend or evening hours. They may also have some on-call responsibilities as well.
How to Choose a Nuclear Medicine Technology Career?
While there are a number of options to becoming a nuclear medicine technologist, most employers need the following:
- Completion of a bachelor’s or an associate degree
- Certificate programs in nuclear medicine technology
Factors Affecting the Salary of Nuclear Medicine Technologists
The average salary of a Nuclear Medicine Technologist in the U.S. is $85,674 as of October 2021, with a range between $76,990 and $93,730. Salary ranges may vary greatly based on several factors, including education, training, location, certifications, additional skills, experience, and type of employer.
Highest Paying States for Nuclear Medicine Technologists
NMTs earn a comparatively higher salary in some regions in the U.S. as compared to other locations. For instance, a nuclear medicine technologist in California, Rhode Island, Hawaii, and Washington usually earn much more average annual salaries than the other states.
Below is a list of the highest paying states to work as a nuclear medicine technologist:
| Highest Paying States | Average Annual Salary |
| California | $115,390 |
| Rhode Island | $102,700 |
| Hawaii | $98,480 |
| Washington | $96,080 |
Career Opportunities and Outlook
The career opportunities for NMTs are great and professionals in this field are in demand throughout the United States. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the employment of nuclear medicine technologists to expand about 8% between the years 2020 to 2030. With the rapid growth of the older and middle-aged adult populations, the demands will likely increase for nuclear medicine testing and other diagnostic procedures. Additionally, digital advancements will also increase the diagnostic applications of nuclear medicine.
With advanced training and additional experience, a nuclear medicine technologist may serve as a research technologist. Nuclear medicine technologists can also take part in the management or education field.
Final Thoughts
Nuclear medicine is a rapidly expanding field. It provides a great opportunity to earn a handsome salary working as a nuclear medicine technologist. As we discussed in the article, the salary and wages of a nuclear medicine technologist greatly vary depending on the location in which one lives. Therefore, this is a factor that should be considered before entering the field of nuclear medicine.
(Related Article: Radiology Technician)