Nuclear medicine is one of the effective diagnostic methods to diagnose and treat diseases. In this technology, unstable atoms are used to produce radiations to identify the disorders. An individual who is expert in administering appropriate doses of radiation to the patient and takes images using a computer or equipment is called a nuclear medicine technologist. A nuclear medicine technologist is responsible for administering radio active drugs and monitoring the process. He ensures that the patients are not exposed to dangerous radiation levels. They receive specialized training to handle the radio active elements and the equipment that monitors the dosage. Before starting the procedure, the technologist explains the diagnostic procedures to the patient so that he is comfortable during the procedure.
After explaining the procedures to the patients, the technician administers the drugs. The dugs are given in any forms through oral or injection. As soon as the drugs are administered, technician monitors them through cameras or scanners. They follow the path of the drugs through the patient’s bodies and capture diagnostic images. These images are captured in a film so that the doctors are able to study and treat if there are any disorders. The technician records the dosage and the drugs that were administered to the patients. He also maintains the patient’s records for further treatment. The 2 main technologies that a nuclear medicine technologist works on are the Positron Emission Tomography and nuclear cardiology.
PET gives 3D images of the body whereas the nuclear cardiology gives images of the heart and blood flow. In order to practice in a hospital, the technician has to get licensed from a American Registry of Nuclear Medicine or from Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board. For those interested to take nuclear medicine as their career one must have a certification or an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in nuclear medicine. There are many colleges and community centers offering this course. Finding a good school for studying these courses is a good start.
