Program Overview
- Bachelor's Degree
- RT(R) Pathway
The nuclear medicine technologist is a highly specialized health care professional who works closely with nuclear medicine physicians, radiologists, oncologists, and cardiologists. Technologists administer the radioactive pharmaceuticals to patients and use specialized equipment to obtain images of the distribution of the radioactive pharmaceutical in the body. This imaging technique provides information about both the structure and function of virtually every major organ system in the body.
An exciting aspect of the nuclear medicine professional curriculum is that students not only gain knowledge in general nuclear medicine, students also have the opportunities to study specialty areas such as positron emission tomography (PET), nuclear pharmacy, nuclear cardiology, and computed tomography (CT). Courses are taught in classroom and laboratory environments where student can participate in individual and small group learning activities. Students gain clinical experience in a laboratory on campus and in nuclear medicine and radiology departments of hospitals and specialty clinics.
Bachelor's Degree
A pathway for freshmen and transfer students to complete their Bachelor of Health Sciences in Nuclear Medicine Technology
RT(R) Completion Program
Advance your career by earning a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology. Students who have earned an RT(R) credential will receive 25 hours of block credit toward their bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology. The 18-month, full-time nuclear medicine professional curriculum includes the structured
educational requirements for Computed Tomography (CT).
TENNESSEE TRANSFER PATHWAY
Many applicants enter Baptist University of Heath Sciences (Baptist University) with some college-level work completed. If you are transferring from a two-year college that participates in the Tennessee Transfer Pathways (TTP), please visit the TTP website for more information. Students who obtain an imaging sciences TTP from a participating community college in Tennessee will take the credits from the sample curriculum.
applying to the program
To be considered for selection to the Nuclear Medicine Technology program, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements.
Why Choose Nuclear Medicine Technology at Baptist University?
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Faith-Based Atmosphere
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Small Class Sizes
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Faculty Advisors
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Relationship with Baptist Memorial Health Care System
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Classroom, laboratory, and Clinical Experiences
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Clinical practicum coursesinclude clinical experience in all routine imaging procedures, pediatrics, nuclear equipment quality control, nuclear pharmacy, PET/CT, CT and nuclear cardiology
$79,601 Median Salary
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for Nuclear Medicine Technologists
GRADUATE ACHIEVEMENT DATA
Technologists’ Primary Responsibilities
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Obtaining and critically analyzing patient history
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Monitoring patients’ physical conditions during procedures
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Preparing and administering radioactive chemical compounds, known as radiopharmaceuticals
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Labeling biologic specimens with radioactivity
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Performing patient studies including imaging and therapeutic procedures
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Processing images using computer enhancement techniques
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Evaluating images to determine technical quality
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Providing images, quantitative data analysis and patient information to physicians for diagnostic interpretation
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the NMT program, the graduate will be able to:
- Function as a knowledgeable entry-level nuclear medicine technologist.
- Exercise independent judgment and critical thinking skills in the technical performance of nuclear medicine procedure.
- Model attitudes reflecting professionalism, including effective communication skills, ethical care, and compassionate care.
Mission
The nuclear medicine technology (NMT) degree program of Baptist University will prepare competent entry-level nuclear medicine technologists to provide responsive, quality care, and service.
Program Accreditation
The NMT program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT). The contact information for the JRCNMT is 820 W. Danforth Road, #B1, Edmond, OK, 73003, 405-285-0546, www.jrcnmt.org. The JRCNMT holds recognition from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Professional Credentials
Students successfully completing all nuclear medicine degree requirements will receive a bachelor of health sciences (BHS) degree, with a major in nuclear medicine technology. Upon successful completion of degree requirements, students can become candidates to sit for the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) examination to earn credentials as a certified nuclear medicine technologist (CNMT) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) nuclear medicine technology certification examination to earn the ARRT(N) credential. Upon earning credentials as a nuclear medicine technologist by either of these credentialing agencies, graduates who have successfully completed the required Computed Tomography (CT) clinical competencies are also candidates for the ARRT (CT) registry. Graduates who have completed the required CT clinical hours and competencies are candidates for the NMTCB(CT) certification exam. Additional requirements for licensure may be required by the state in which you practice.
TECHNICAL STANDARDS
The following technical standards outline reasonable expectations of a student enrolled in the Nuclear Medicine Technology program for the performance of common clinical functions.*
Communication
Ability to communicate with a wide variety of people and the ability to be easily understood. Reading, writing, recording, and documenting patient information required.
Analytical Skills/Critical Thinking
Analytical skills sufficient to process information, to transfer knowledge from one situation to another, and to prioritize tasks. Critical thinking ability sufficient for safe, clinical judgment.
Hearing
Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess patient needs, to detect and respond to alarms, emergency signals, and cries for help.
Vision
Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary for the care of patients and operation of equipment.
Tactile
Tactile ability sufficient for patient assessment and operation of equipment.
Mobility
Physical ability, flexibility, strength, and stamina sufficient to provide safe and effective care.
Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor ability sufficient to provide safe and effective care.
Behavioral
Emotional and mental health sufficient to establish therapeutic boundaries, to perform multiple tasks concurrently, to handle strong emotions, and to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
*Students who have accessibility questions or who need accommodations should contact the Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Room 101, Science Building, at 901-572-2570 or by sending an email to Disability.Accomodations@baptistu.edu.