You will learn to produce and utilize radiopharmaceuticals in the diagnostic and therapeutic process, along with:
- Quality control
- Radiation safety
- Patient interaction
- Positioning procedures
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine imaging uses sophisticated detectors interfaced with computerized imaging systems to create images of the patient’s body. Images provide diagnostic information for the physician to diagnose and treat disease. Nuclear medicine provides information which is unattainable by other radiologic technologies and demonstrates organ function in the diagnostic process.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is the newest imaging component of nuclear medicine imaging and provides increased diagnostic and therapeutic options for the patient and clinician in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Eligibility:
- Must have an AS or AAS degree or higher
- Must have ARRT certification***
- Applicants may apply while in progress of degree completion and certification, but these must be completed before the program start date
- All WSU general education requirements must be completed for bachelor's degree to be awarded
***Exceptions to the ARRT certification requirement may be made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the program director, contact Shane Clampitt to discuss the primary pathway option. Applicants must have patient care experience to be considered for the primary pathway option.
Faculty Advisor: Shane Clampitt
What You Will Learn
Certifications
Upon successful completion of the Nuclear Medicine program, you are eligible to take the national certification examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
States often require practicing technologists to be licensed; however, the ARRT certifications may be used to fulfill the state regulations in many states. To practice in Utah, you must be licensed as a radiologic technologist by the state.
Job Opportunities
Nuclear medicine technologists are active in performing therapeutic and imaging procedures with patients of all ages and medical conditions. Supervisory and managerial careers, sales, informational technology and many other career opportunities are available.
Clinical Education
You are required to complete 24 hours of clinical education per week in a WSU-affiliated healthcare facility.
Location and Delivery
WSU Campus
Classes are held once a month at WSU in Ogden, Utah and/or virtually on Zoom.
Campus and Regional programs are completed in 3 straight semesters, beginning each fall.
Campus students reside in Utah are assigned to clinical sites in Utah.
Regional students reside outside of Utah must secure their own clinical site.