Nuclear Medicine and nuclear Medicine Technology

Career in Nuclear Medicine and nuclear Medicine Technology

The Nuclear Medicine combines chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer technology, and medicine in using radioactivity to diagnose and treat disease. Though there are many diagnostic techniques currently available, nuclear medicine uniquely provides information about both the structure and function of virtually every major organ system within the body. It is this ability to characterize and quantify physiological function, which separates nuclear medicine from other imaging modalities, such as x-ray. Nuclear medicine procedures are safe, comfort and do not require the use of anesthesia. The Nuclear Medicine Technologist is a highly specialized works closely with the nuclear medicine physician . Some of the technologist’s primary responsibility are to prepare and administer radioactive chemical compounds, known a radiopharmaceuticals; perform patient imaging procedures using sophisticated radiation-detecting instrumentation; accomplish computer processing and image enhancement; analyze biologic specimens in the laboratory; provide images, data analysis, and patient information to the physician for diagnostic interpretation. Nuclear medicine technologists play an integral role in the healthcare team, working with patient’s physicist, nuclear pharmacists, computer specialists, nurse, secretaries and other healthcare professionals. The field of nuclear medicine technology has grown significantly in the past few years . The demand of Nuclear Medicine Technologist will increase for nuclear medicine testing. In addition, advances in medical technology will likely increase the diagnostics use of nuclear medicine. Employment opportunities exist in hospitals, universities, medical clinics and research centers across the country and aboard. After further study in nuclear medicine, you may advance to positions such as chief technologist, research technologist or educator.