The mission of the Certificate program in Nuclear Medicine is to prepare current radiologic technologists or others with appropriate academic backgrounds with the skills necessary to become entry-level nuclear medicine technologists that provide quality patient care, actively participate in the profession, and pursue life-long learning.

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist operates gamma scintillation cameras to detect and map a radioactive drug in the patient’s body to create diagnostic images. They must be sensitive to patients’ physical and psychological needs, pay attention to detail, follow instructions, work as a team member, and possess mechanical abilities and manual dexterity to operate complicated equipment.

Nuclear Medicine Technologists prepare and administer radiopharmaceutical dosages and perform radioimmunoassay studies to detect the behavior of radioactive materials inside the body. Hormone and/or therapeutic drugs assessment studies in the body and imaging of cardiac function are also performed by Nuclear Medicine Technologists.

Upon successful completion of the Certificate program, the student is eligible to apply for admission to write for the certification examination of the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB). Students/graduates convicted of a misdemeanor or felony may be excluded from clinical and from sitting for certification exams.

The Nuclear Medicine Certificate program is designed for those qualified individuals who have completed a Radiography, Nursing, Medical Technology, Radiation Therapy, or related medical program and is in good standing with the appropriate licensing agency or individuals that successfully complete program admission requirements. The certificate program requires 60 total quarter credit hours and is designed to be delivered in four consecutive quarters over a period of 1 year (12 months).

Clinical sites utilized by the program are geographically dispersed. Students may have to travel outside the local area for clinical placements. Some evening and weekend rotations may be required. Students must complete a separate application to the program and secure formal admission.