What training do technologists need to practice nuclear medicine?
Nationally approved training programs for nuclear medicine technologists have been in existence for many years. These include training in radiation safety, the correct handling of radioactive materials, and techniques of performing nuclear medicine exams. On completion of high school and at least two more years of study and hospital training, the student must pass an examination to be identified as a Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT). What do scientists contribute to nuclear medicine? Leading universities and teaching hospitals provide specialized training to: • physicists, who assure the reliability and quality of the instruments used in the performance of tests; • pharmacists, who specialize in providing reliable and safe radiopharmaceuticals for patient exams; and • radiochemists, who develop and improve the radiopharmaceuticals. Is Nuclear Medicine Safe? Nuclear medicine procedures are among the safest diagnostic imaging exams available. A patient receives only an extr
