Nuclear Medicine Technology

Nuclear Medicine Technology, AAS Degree

Nuclear Medicine Technologists prepare, administer, and measure radioactive materials to perform body function studies, generate organ imaging, analyze biological specimens, and treat disease. They also utilize computers to acquire, store, and analyze data and assure that records, including images, procedures, and doses are complete and accurate. Organizational, teamwork and time management skills are necessary for effective department dynamics as these technologists oversee hospital staff to inform and enforce radiation safety practices. Nuclear Medicine Technologists are responsible for the radiopharmaceuticals the department receives, stores, uses, and discards and typically work under the direction of physicians who are specialists in Nuclear Medicine.

Clinical Affiliation: Students will be placed in a clinical affiliation for 7 months in medical centers throughout the United States. If a student does not complete specialty Nuclear Medicine classes in three consecutive semesters, faculty and administration will determine whether courses must be repeated before enrolling in clinical. Clinical placement is determined only after the student has been observed safely and consistently performing all required procedures in specified time frames.

Background checks and drug screenings are required for this program. For more information please see Additional Program Requirements.

Semester	Course Title	Credits
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 MATH 102T	College Algebra	3
Summer & Fall (Core) - Prerequisites to spring semester
CIS 101 CIS 101	Computer Essentials	2
Designed to enable students with little or no computer experience to acquire a basic understanding of the personal computer. This course involves the study of computer basics such as hardware, operating systems, and file management, using the Internet for research, word processing, and spreadsheets.
ENGL 101T ENGL 101T	Composition	3
English Composition will help develop proficiency in writing concise, coherent essays, and in using correct English. Several modes of discourse will be explored and good grammar skills are required. This course will improve the student's critical thinking skills as it provides students with practice in all stages of the writing process: planning, supporting, rewriting, analyzing, proofreading, and editing. This course will also require critical reading and writing. Prerequisite: Placement Assessment
HC 119 HC 119	Anatomy/Physiology	5
The study of the structure and function of the human body forms the foundation for course work in health-related professions. Students will be prepared to recognize normal anatomy and physiology while noting anatomical as well as physiologic deviations in patients. This course includes a rigorous study of medical terms/abbreviations, correlating with each body system, thus assisting the development of a vocabulary which is necessary for a successful career in allied health.
HC 119L	Anatomy/Physiology Lab
HC 117	Medical Terminology	1
HC 121 HC 121	Patient Care Techniques I	3
Designed to assist students in developing the necessary skills to directly deal with patients. Skills acquired will help protect themselves, as well as the patient, and includes infection control, body mechanics, vital signs, CPR/First Aid, dealing with tubes and equipment, safety and security as well as other topics.
HC 121L	Patient Care Techniques I Lab
NM 101 NM 101	Intro to Nuclear Medicine and Imaging	3
Designed to allow students time and observation along with basic application of theory in Nuclear Medicine Technology and Imaging. Students will apply anatomical, physiological, and mathematical theory to industry and gain an understanding of their chosen field.
NM 101L	Intro to Nuclear Medicine and Imaging Lab
PHYS 100 PHYS 100	Applied Physics	3
A foundation to understanding physical processes in technical applications. A thorough overview of measurement systems, practices, and notations is presented. Energy transformation and transfer processes are developed using a "systems model." Physical processes are then described using the systems approach in a "micro-to-macro" sequence, including atomic/nuclear, molecular, electrical/magnetic, mechanical, thermal, fluid, wave/radiating, and optional astronomic/cosmic effects. Definitions and descriptions of the mass/energy interactions involved are given for each type of system, leading toward diagnosis and troubleshooting methods in technical applications.
23
Spring
CHEM 106T CHEM 106T	Chemistry Survey	4
Students who have had some chemistry and those who have had no chemistry background will acquire a basic understanding of the makeup of matter and the changes that it undergoes. Going from simple elements to complex compounds, this course will be concentrating on some observational facts and theoretical concepts involving problem solving, scientific reasoning, thinking and "wondering why".
CHEM 106L	Chemistry Survey Lab
NM 128L	Cardiac Nuclear Medicine Lab	1
NM 127L	Imaging for Dieases Lab	1
HC 114 HC 114	Health Care/Human Relations	3
Discussions and activities will center around the topic of respect. This course introduces students to health care issues and assists them in developing personal and employability success skills. Topics include, but are not limited to: accountability, professionalism, communication, confidentiality, patient rights, cultural bias and discrimination, effective interpersonal skills, dealing with difficult patients of all ages, and death and dying issues.
HC 124 HC 124	Basic Pharmacology	2
Observing, testing, treating and administering to the countless requirements and demands that constitute effective and responsible patient care; this course introduces pharmaceuticals according to their therapeutic applications and pertinent physiology, and related diseases. Emphasis is placed on pharmaceutical classification concentrating on the mechanism of action, main therapeutic effects, and the adverse reactions produced. Prerequisite: HC 111
NM 228 NM 228	Cross Sectional Anatomy	2
The primary study of interest is to take the human anatomy and slice it in anatomical sections. The student will then compare these slices to Computer Tomography and differentiate the anatomy. Prerequisites: NM 101, HC 111
NM 123 NM 123	Pathophysiology	4
Builds upon the existing knowledge of anatomy and physiology and enhance this by investigating the signs, symptoms and disruption of normal physiology. The study of pathophysiology is essential to understanding the rationale for medical, surgical and diagnostic intervention and prevention. Prerequisites: HC 111, NM 101
NM 124 NM 124	Nuclear Medicine Math/Statistics	3
A practical, working knowledge of fundamental mathematics is developed for a thorough understanding of nuclear medicine applications. Topics include algebra, plane geometry, analytic geometry, trigonometry, probability, statistics, and basic calculus. Prerequisites: MATH 102T, PHYS 100, NM 101
20
Summer
NM 219 NM 219	Clinical PET/CT	3
This course will introduce the Nuclear Medicine student to PET/CT and its applications. Students will be taught the principles of PET FDG, the fundamental operation of dedicated PET scanners, acquisition of a PET image, the process of storing information and how to troubleshoot problems. Prerequisites: HC 111, NM 101
NM 220 NM 220	Radiation Safety/Biology	3
Students will enhance their knowledge in the safe use of radionuclides and their handling. This will also encompass the legal requirements set for by the NRC and other governing agencies to benefit both the patient, the technologist, and the public in the clinical environment. Prerequisites: HC 111, NM 124
SOC SOC	Social Science Elective: SOC 150T - Social Problems; or SOC 250T - Marriage and the Family	3
Social Science Electives Include: ; SOC 150T - Social Problems; or SOC 250T - Marriage and the Family
9
Fall
NM 221 NM 221	Radiopharmacology and Immunoassays	3
Students will be exposed to the fundamentals of radioactive kit compounding, radiopharmaceutical preparation, and dose calculation. Quality control, radiation safety, aseptic technique, and regulatory guidelines applicable to radiopharmacy will be discussed. Prerequisites: CHEM106T, HC 124, NM 124, NM 219
NM 223 NM 223	In-Vivo/In-Vitro	4
Designed to instruct students in basic imaging techniques including radiopharmaceutical of choice, positioning, indications, contraindications and results. Prepares students to manipulate radioactivity in the laboratory setting, perform in-vitro studies, image radioactive patients, and work with radionuclide therapy in a safe manner. Prerequisites: NM 123, NM 124, NM 219
NM 223L	In-Vivo/In-Vitro Lab	1
NM 224L	Nuclear Medicine Injection Techniques Lab	1
Designed to instruct the students in basic injection techniques including radiopharmaceutical of choice, vein selection and injection method. Includes the study of asepsis and prepares students to manipulate radioactivity in the laboratory, perform injections and work with radionuclide doses safely. Prerequisites: HC 111, HC 121
NM 225 NM 225	Nuclear Medicine Computers/Instrumentation	3
Expose students to the basic and practical, but comprehensive guide to computing tools in nuclear medicine imaging. Students will also acquire experience with the function of equipment used in the daily practice of Nuclear Medicine Technology. Prerequisites: NM 219, NM 219, PHYS 100
NM 226L NM 226	Nuclear Medicine Lab	1
Consists of performing camera set-up, patient positioning, stress testing, scanning, interviewing, trouble shooting and other technologist duties. Prerequisites: PHYS 100, NM 124, NM 219
PSYC 101T PSYC 101T	General Psychology	3
Provides the student with an introduction to the basic psychological processes underlying human behavior. Topics include the functions of the brain amd nervous system, the characteristics of sensation, perception and altered states of consciousness, learning and memory, the nature of thinking skills and intelligence, theories of motivation, emotion and personality, a survey of psychological disorders and approaches to therapy, social/interpersonal relations, and practical applications.
SPCM 101T SPCM 101T	Fundamentals of Speech	3
Based on the study of communication theory as applied to public speaking. The goals are to improve the student's public speaking and listening skills. Experiences in the class range from developing speech outlines, researching topics, and practicing delivery techniques for an informative, persuasive, interviewing techniques and panel discussion assignment.
19
Spring
NM 230 NM 230	Clinical I*	14
Designed for second year Nuclear Medicine students to integrate didactic knowledge into the clinical setting. Students will observe, assist, and perform Nuclear Medicine Technologist duties during the supervised assigned clinical rotation. Prerequisites: Permission of Program Chair and successful completion of all other Nuclear Medicine courses
NM 241	Registry Review	2
Designed to review and prepare the Nuclear Medicine students to sit for the national registries - ARRT (N) or NMTCB. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all other Nuclear Medicine courses
16
Summer
NM 240 NM 240	Clinical II	12
Designed for second year Nuclear Medicine students to integrate didactic knowledge and perform Nuclear Medicine Technologist duties during the supervised assigned second clinical rotation. A portfolio of acquired skills and knowledge will be developed and compiled by students during this rotation. Prerequisites: NM 230, Permission of Program Chair
12
Total Credits: 99

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

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.

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