Nuclear Medicine Technology, AAS

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nuclear Medicine, a student will be able to:

Science & Technology

• Post appropriate signs in designated areas.
• Package and ship radioactive materials.
• Maintain accurate written radiation safety/protection records.
• Comply with all NRC and / or state regulations.
• Review monthly exposure records.
• Use radiation monitoring devices.
• Instruct patients, families and hospital staff regarding radiation safety shields.
• Check eluate for radiochemical impurities and chemical impurities.
• Prepare a radiopharmaceutical compound by determining the total volume and radioactivity to be added to a radiopharmaceutical kit within activity limits.
• Measure radioactive amounts and determine radioactive concentrations.
• Transfer radioactive gas or liquid into administration equipment.
• Withdraw correct volume of the radiopharmaceutical in a syringe using aseptic technique and proper radiation safety techniques.
• Maintain appropriate radiopharmaceutical preparation and administration records to comply with regulatory requirements.
• Provide functionally safe and sanity conditions for patients.
• Recognize emergency procedures.
• Determine patient’ vital signs and administer CPR.

Problem Solving/Critical Thinking

• Check procedural contraindications for NM imaging studies.
• Obtain pertinent patient history.
• Verify patient ID and written orders for study.
• Schedule patient studies.
• Analyze image appearance on computer screen.
• Perform special imaging views as required.
• Retrieve and process patient information and images on computer.
• Perform calculations to determine final results for non-imaging procedures and review for possible technical errors.
• Perform instrument quality control and maintain records.
• Make all necessary adjustments to utilize imaging and non-imaging counting equipment.
• Determine statistically valid number of counts for imaging procedure.
• Identify and use proper procedures for radiopharmaceuticals that pose special hazards.
• Use proper shielding and inverse square law to reduce radiation exposure.
• Perform basic computer operations and modify them to varying conditions.
• Modify imaging procedure for patient condition and ability to cooperate.
• Provide appropriate nursing care during procedure.
• Maintain good communication with patient.
• Assess performance of imaging equipment.
• Check all radiopoharmaceutical preparations for proper pH, color, clarity, and particle size.
• Perform wipe tests and radiation area surveys.
• Maintain appropriate quality control records to comply with regulatory requirements.
• Perform all gamma camera quality control.
• Ascertain the linearity of a dose calibrator over the entire range of activities to be used.
• Perform all dose calibrator quality control. Maintain all required records.
• Elude a radioactive generator using aseptic technique.
• Assay the eluate using a dose calibrator.
• Affix appropriate radioactive labels to vial.

Professionalism

• Maintain patient confidentiality.
• Appropriate manner of dress for field.
• Appreciate and identify past and present individuals associated with nuclear medicine technology.
• Identify the various career offerings with expected wages in the nuclear medicine field.
• Identify and maintain membership in professional associations and societies.
• Awareness of cultural and societal diversity.
• Recognize and evaluate methods of measuring patient satisfaction.
• Recognize and evaluate methods of measuring federal and or state regulation compliance.
• Recognize and evaluate methods of measuring employee/student performance.
• Attend and report on continuing education associated with Nuclear Medicine Technology.
• Critical review of journal articles and professional literature.
• Seek membership in professional organizations.

Communication

• Maintain good communication with patient by explaining procedure and listening to patient’s comments.
• Assure informed consent is obtained from patient.
• Answer all patient questions.
• Maintain good communication with patient.
• Obtain pertinent patient history.
• Post appropriate signs in designated areas.
• Maintain accurate written records.
• Verify patient identity.
• Verify written orders for study.
• Post appropriate signs is designated areas.
• Keep technologists informed of radiation dosimetry.
• Follows the chain of command in reporting concerns in the workplace.
• Demonstrates basic concepts of communication, personal and patient interaction, professional behavior and legal implications of this in the work environment.
• Create professionally written research case studies.
• Demonstrate verbal communication skills in a variety of presentations.
• Facilitate and participate in effective group meetings.
• Provide a high standard of patient care.
• Assist fellow technologists when required.
• Complete patient studies and other duties in a timely manner.
• Identify various learning and leadership styles.
• Participate in small group discussions, projects and presentations.

Program Curriculum - Total Credits: 99

This course must be completed prior to taking PHYS 100 . These credits will be tabulated into the total credit hours required for this program.

• MATH 102T - College Algebra 3 credit hours

Additional Information

Requirements: Achievement of a grade “C” or higher for PHYS 100  and all HC and NM courses. A minimum of 1200 hours of consecutive clinical experience. Clinical placement by Program Chair.

Students entering a program in any semester other than outlined may not graduate in the expected amount of time.

Estimated total program fees