CAREER SNAPSHOT
Summary
Nuclear medicine technicians prepare and administer radioactive material to patients and perform imaging tests.
Career Level
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Salary
National average, per year
$75,660
JOB OPENINGS
Current national estimate
1,390
DEMAND OUTLOOK
Actual salaries can vary substantially based on region, job description and employer expectations; does not include additional compensation. Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statisticcs.
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: May 2019
OVERVIEW
Nuclear Medicine Technician Job Description
Nuclear medicine technicians (nuclear med techs) prepare and administer radioactive materials to patients and then perform imaging tests. Physicians and other healthcare professionals use these images to diagnose and treat conditions and illnesses.
Nuclear med techs explain procedures to patients and their families and make sure they feel comfortable. They monitor patients for adverse reactions. They must always follow safety procedures to protect themselves, the patient and other healthcare workers from improper radiation exposure.
If steady employment, potential for career growth and great pay are something you are looking for, then a career as a nuclear med tech may be right for you.
Nuclear Medicine Technician Job Responsibilities
Nuclear medicine technicians may perform the following job duties. Actual duties may vary by job and location.
- Explain procedure to patients and families and answer questions
- Examine, operate and maintain machines
- Follow safety procedures to protect patients and themselves from improper radiation exposure
- Prepare and administer radioactive material to patients
- Monitor patients for adverse reactions
- Keep detailed records of treatments
Nuclear Medicine Technician Salary
The actual salary of the nuclear medicine technician can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Most recent data shown.
National average per year: $75,660*
National average per hour: $36.38*
- $69,867 per year, $33.59 per hour**
- $64,875 per year, $31.19 per hour***
- $71,743 to $87,588 per year****
- $66,892 per year, $32.16 per hour*****
* Bureau of Labor Statics
** Indeed.com
*** Payscale.com
**** Salary.com
***** Glassdoor.com
Nuclear Medicine Technician Career Pros and Cons
What are the ups and downs of being a nuclear medicine technician? Here are a few items to keep in mind.
Pros
- Good pay
- Steady employment
- Potential for career growth
- Meet new and interesting people
- Rewarding to make a difference in a patient’s life
Cons
- Physically demanding
- Emotionally demanding
- Risk of radiation exposure
- May be required to work nights, weekends and holidays
- Daily job can be stressful
CAREER PATH AND TRAINING
How Do I Become a Nuclear Medicine Technician?
If you are considering a career in nuclear medicine technology, here are the steps you will need to complete.
- Obtain your high school diploma/GED.
- Earn an associate’s (minimum required) or bachelor’s degree from an accredited nuclear medicine technology program
- Pass an exam to obtain certification from the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) and/or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT); this is not required in all states but is highly recommended.
Suggested Career Path
The position of the nuclear medicine technician is in the middle of the medical career pathway, but can be preceded by entry-level or other mid-level jobs. A sample career path could look like this:
Radiology Technician > Nuclear Medicine Technician > Radiologist
Typical Minimum Education
Actual requirements may vary by state. Please check with your state government.
- High school diploma / GED
- Associate’s degree in nuclear medicine technology from an accredited program
Typical Work Experience Required
Experience typically gained in the nuclear medicine technology program.
Typical Skills Required
Common skills listed. Actual skills required may vary by location.
- Leadership skills
- Physical stamina
- Strong technical skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Careful attention to safety procedures
- Ability to work in a team
- Empathy
- Science, math and medical knowledge
- Detail-oriented
Nuclear Medicine Technician Certifications
Certification is voluntary but preferred by most employers. Some states require this certification in order to obtain licensure.
- CNMT, Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NMTCB)
- N, Nuclear Medicine Technology (ARRT)
Click on the certifications to find out more.
Nuclear Medicine Technician Licenses
Some states require licensure. Visit the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) website to see individual state requirements.
Nuclear Medicine Technician Training and Preparation
Once you have completed the nuclear medicine technology program, it is time to prepare for the certification exam through the NMTCB and/or the ARRT. These certifications are not required in all states, but are highly recommended. Most employers prefer nuclear medicine technicians who hold certifications.
Preparing for the exam can be done in many ways. Investing in an online practice question bank will help you understand and get used to the question format. Flashcards and exam prep books are other useful tools. The ARRT and NMTCB websites have practice questions and other useful tools to help you prepare.
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