Nuclear Medicine Technologists Go Back to List Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Medical software

Tasks
	Calculate, measure, and record radiation dosage or radiopharmaceuticals received, used, and disposed, using computer and following physician's prescription.
	Detect and map radiopharmaceuticals in patients' bodies, using a camera to produce photographic or computer images.
	Explain test procedures and safety precautions to patients and provide them with assistance during test procedures.
	Produce a computer-generated or film image for interpretation by a physician.
	Process cardiac function studies, using computer.
	Dispose of radioactive materials and store radiopharmaceuticals, following radiation safety procedures.
	Record and process results of procedures.
	Prepare stock radiopharmaceuticals, adhering to safety standards that minimize radiation exposure to workers and patients.
	Maintain and calibrate radioisotope and laboratory equipment.
	Gather information on patients' illnesses and medical history to guide the choice of diagnostic procedures for therapy.

Skills
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
	Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
	Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
	Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
	Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Knowledge
	Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
	Biology - Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
	Medicine and Dentistry - Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
	Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal m
	Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
	Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
	Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

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Education & Training   Education:   Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.   Related Experience:   Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $109,192.00 $52.50  $46.54  $48.87 - $56.33  Bridgeport/Stamford $112,571.00 $54.12  $48.69  $50.83 - $59.19  Hartford $108,450.00 $52.14  $47.18  $48.86 - $56.33  New Haven $110,005.00 $52.89  $47.78  $50.02 - $56.94  New London/Norwich $116,733.00 $56.13  $44.53  $48.87 - $68.81  Waterbury $102,433.00 $49.24  $44.41  $44.68 - $54.37  Torrington $103,361.00 $49.69  $44.08  $47.45 - $51.25

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   11   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, and the number of annual openings will offer limited job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.