Program Overview

Nuclear Medicine Technology is a highly specialized allied healthcare field that utilizes radioactive materials in diagnosis, treatment of disease, and medical research. The nuclear medicine technologist prepares and administers radioactive chemical compounds called radiopharmaceuticals. Through the use of specialized cameras and radiation detecting instrumentation, the nuclear medicine technologist acquires and analyzes detailed images which aid the physician in diagnosing molecular, metabolic, physiological, anatomical, and pathological conditions. Nuclear medicine scanners may also be combined with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to enhance the diagnostic capabilities of an imaging procedure. The four year Nuclear Medicine Technology Program curriculum consists of three years spent at the university completing required courses and electives. The fourth year is a 34 credit internship spent in professional education and experience. Agencies participating in the nuclear medicine technology program include, but are not limited to Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences in Rochester, MN. Admission into the fourth year accredited program at Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences is competitive. Therefore, admission to the program does not ensure placement into the fourth year internship. The BS degree is awarded by the university after successful completion of the internship year. Graduates will be eligible to take the professional certification examinations administered by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board and /or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Nuclear medicine technologists are employed in a wide variety of clinical settings including large and small community hospitals, university affiliated teaching hospitals and medical centers, outpatient and research imaging facilities, as well as private institutes. Adjunct faculty at the clinical site include: Matthew Ugorowski, M.Ed.,CNMT,PET; Michelle Bartel, CNMT; Mike Dick, CNMT; Heather Dewhirst, CNMT; and Holly Hintermeister, CNMT. Students accepted into the clinical internship will be responsible for: Proof of Medical / Hospitalization / Health Insurance; Health / Physical Exam; Tuberculosis (TB) testing; and Proof of Immunization which may include the following: Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Tetanus, Chickenpox (Varicella), and Influenza. Additionally, students will need to provide proof of CPR certification and may also be required to submit to Drug Screen Testing. Internship sites are required by law to do Background Checks on all students admitted to their nuclear medicine technology programs.