Nuclear medicine technologist is one who prepare and administer radio active materials to detect and treat various diseases. He reviews both the patients and physicians’ records to determine the amount of dosage and the method of delivery of the radio active substance. Radio active materials can be administered in the body through 3 ways, they are oral, inhalation and intravenous. They also evaluate the condition of the patient and recognize emergency situation. In case of emergency situation the patient is transferred to the hospitals for further treatment. They use computers and technical equipments to follow the distribution of the radio active materials through out the body. The technician should be comfortable with computers and lab equipment.
The technician is also well versed in using radioactive substances in laboratories to perform tests so that they know the limits of radiation exposure on the body. A nuclear medicine technologist must know the safety measure while using the radiation on the patients. Excess or low radiation might result in disorders. Nuclear medicine technologists participate in research projects to get knowledge about the effectiveness of the procedures. The technician sometimes monitors students, laboratory assistants and other personnel. The technicians have the ability to understand and analyze complicated visual material. Nuclear technicians work in hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers, research facilities, public health departments, educational facilities, and physician’s office. They work under a nuclear medicine physician or a supervisor.
Nuclear medicine is a new technology in the health industry. It is used in most of the reputed hospitals. Most of the health care centers require nuclear medicine technicians. The pay for these technicians is also high since there are very few people graduated from this field. A nuclear medicine technician is paid about $50,900 per annum. Salary of a nuclear medicine technician ranges from $43,200 to $59,100. Apart from the above mentioned figures, salary is based on factors like performance, experience, organization, education and location. Pay increases as the education level increases. A graduate is paid more than a certificate holder.
