2012-2013 Catalog & Handbook 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2012-2013 Catalog & Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Nuclear Medicine Technology, AAS


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A Nuclear Medicine Technologist measures, prepares, administers, and correctly disposes of radioactive materials used to perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Diagnostic studies are able to determine the organ function of multiple organ systems and in certain cases treat disease with radioactive isotopes. Advanced computers and imaging technology are utilized to acquire, store, and process procedural data. The technologist operates in a highly regulated environment and is responsible for obtaining quality studies, maintaining accurate and complete records, and adhering to strict radiation safety practices. A technologist will work in collaboration with a Nuclear Medicine Physician or Radiologist. Discipline, organization, team work, and good time management are all key components for a successful nuclear medicine technologist.

Background checks and drug screenings are required for this program.

Registry Requirement: In order to maintain JRCNMT accreditation, all Nuclear Medicine graduates must take the NMTCB registry exam at the earliest possible date after completion of the Nuclear Medicine program.

JRCNMT Humanities Requirement: All students graduating from an accredited Nuclear Medicine Program are required to have a 3 credit class in humanities. Please work with your advisor to meet this requirement.

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.

Summer Semester - Credits: 9


Fall Semester - Credits: 19


(All third semester NM courses must be taken concurrently)

Spring Semester - Credits: 16


Summer Semester - Credits: 12


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


Tuition $ 9,801
Fees $ 8,019
Books & Supplies $ 2,509
Moving & Travel $ 3,000
Background Check & Drug Screen $ 120
Physical and Immunizations $ 100
TOTAL $ 23,549

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