Nuclear Medicine Technology

Nuclear medicine is the medical specialty that utilizes the nuclear properties of radioactive substances and stable nuclides to make diagnostic evaluations of the physiologic and/or anatomic conditions of the body and to provide therapy with unsealed radioactive sources. The nuclear medicine technologist is an allied health professional who, under the direction of an authorized user, is committed to applying the art and skill of diagnostic evaluation and therapeutics through the safe and effective use of radiopharmaceuticals and pharmaceuticals.

The nuclear medicine technologist exhibits professionalism in the performance of duties, demonstrates an empathetic and instructional approach to patient care, and maintains confidentiality of information as required. Responsibilities include but are not limited to preparation, quality control testing and administration of radioactive and non-radioactive compounds; execution of patient imaging procedures including computer processing and image enhancement; laboratory testing; patient interviews; instruction and preparation for administration of prescribed radioactive compounds for therapy; quality control; and radiation safety. The nuclear medicine technologist applies knowledge of radiation physics and safety regulations to limit the radiation exposure to the general public, patients, fellow workers and self to as low as reasonably achievable. Professional growth and development are achieved through appropriate utilization of new technologies, participation in continuing education and involvement in research to enhance the quality of patient care.

Program Description

Saint Joseph's University offers a two-year curriculum of full-time study in nuclear medicine leading to an Associate in Applied Science degree. The University also offers a 13.5-month academic certificate program in nuclear medicine technology to students who have completed college-level courses in Human Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Physics, Mathematics (a minimum of college algebra), Chemistry, and English composition. Clinical education offers a variety of supervised experiences through which students gain competency-based, entry-level nuclear medicine technology skills. Class size is limited in order to provide the learner with individual attention in a wide variety of clinical areas. Upon completion of the program, the graduate is eligible for the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) and/or The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam in nuclear medicine technology.

Mission

The mission of the Nuclear Medicine Technology program is to provide didactic and clinical education to persons who wish to serve the community as competent, entry-level nuclear medicine technologists.

Goal 1: Work effectively with members of the health care team.

Goal 2: Demonstrate competency in the performance of nuclear medicine procedures.

Goal 3: Show ability to think critically by applying didactic knowledge to clinical situations.

Goal 4: Assume responsibility for continuous learning, professional growth and service to the community.

Goal 5: Respect the ethical, legal, moral and cultural issues that impact the care of patients.

A student must earn a C or better in any Mathematics or Natural Science courses that are required for the major.

A student must have a minimum earned cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher to enter into the program specific courses. Any student with an earned cumulative GPA lower than 2.5 will be provided with Academic Advising relative to other majors/options.

To meet requirements for successful completion of the Nuclear Medicine program, students must complete the following courses with a B (84%) or higher:  NMT 211C, NMT 212C, and NMT 213.  All other courses with the NMT prefix require a grade of C (74%) or higher.

If a student earns less than the required grade in a program specific course, they are dismissed from the program, regardless of GPA.  Students receive one attempt at a program specific course.  An ‘attempt’ is defined as earning a grade in a course or withdrawing from the course.

Students who wish to return to the University after a leave of absence or re-enroll after withdrawing from the program or University will follow the re-enrollment policies of the University.  This process requires the student to reapply for program admission.  Acceptance will be based on factors such as clinical space available and the student’s statement relative to changes in their current situation that will support their success.  Prior to a student re-entering the program of study, faculty reserve the right to assign placement in the curriculum and to require remedial activities.

All candidates for the Nuclear Medical Technology (NMT) program must possess the physical and mental skills and abilities to successfully complete the program. The program requires students to possess minimal physical, mental, emotional, motor, and cognitive abilities. These technical standards are required for admission, promotion, and graduation.

Although these technical standards identify the required physical and mental abilities of all candidates, the technical standards are not intended to deter any prospective student for whom reasonable accommodation will allow the prospective student to access the curriculum.

Observation

  • Observe materials presented in the learning environment, including clinical experiences, audiovisual presentations, experiments, and written documents.
  • Possess the visual acuity necessary to monitor patient vital signs.
  • Distinguish audible sounds and adequately view sonograms.
  • Inspect and recognize minute details and small objects.
  • Observe patients accurately and completely.

Communication

  • Capacity to effectively converse and communicate with faculty members, fellow students, clinical staff and patients in order to receive information, respond to nonverbal communication, and describe changes in mood, activity, and posture.
  • Respond to emergency situations.

Motor Function

  • Use gross and fine motor function, manual dexterity, and physical strength to:
  • Apply general care and emergency treatment to patients;
  • Position patients and operate nuclear medicine equipment;
  • Inject radiopharmaceuticals and pharmaceuticals required for Nuclear Medicine diagnostic and therapeutic scans.
  • Help lift patients who may be unable to move themselves in wheelchairs or beds to the examination table and vice versa;
  • Lift and move objects (50 pounds or more routinely); and
  • Push mobile gamma camera and computer system and maneuver the equipment into patient rooms;
  • Capacity to perform diagnostic maneuvers as required to meet curricular goals.

Cognitive

  • Apply knowledge and reasoning to solve problems as required by the curriculum.
  • Comprehend multi-dimensional relationships and the spatial relationships of anatomic structures.
  • Recognize potentially hazardous materials, equipment and situations and proceed safely to reduce risk of injury lo patient or self.
  • Minimize radiation exposure to patients, self, and others.
  • Efficiently process verbal information, either in written or spoken form.
  • Attend and process information simultaneously and categorize this information effectively for recall.
  • Sustain concentration to a task over an extended period of time.

Behavioral and Social

  • Possess the emotional health to apply intellectual skill, exercise good judgment, and to complete all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients.
  • Develop a mature, sensitive and effective relationship with patients and colleagues.
  • Behave in an ethical manner consistent with professional values and standards.
  • Exhibit sufficient interpersonal skills, knowledge, and attitude to interact positively and sensitively with others.

Cornerstone Core Curriculum Requirements

Consist of five core and one overlay requirements.  See below for additional detailed information for each of these requirements.

First Year Course Requirements
ENG 101Craft of Language3
Philosophy Requirements
Philosophy Level One Ethics or Theology3
Math & Natural Science Requirements
Mathematics3-4
Natural Science4
Social Science Requirement3
Diversity3
Total Hours19-20

Major Requirements

NMT 221Nuclear Medicine Theory I2
NMT 211CNuclear Med Clin I5
NMT 212CNuclear Med Clin II5
NMT 213Nuclear Med Internship7
HSC 390Medical Terminology1-2
PHL 104Ethics in Health Care3
*

Students will also be required to take NMT 222, NMT 223, NMT 224, NMT 225, NMT 226, NMT 227 and NMT 228.  These courses will be offered beginning in Fall 2026.

Students already holding an associate or baccalaureate degree, or who will have met the degree requirements from their primary educational program upon completion of the certificate program, may apply for the 13.5- month academic certificate program. Admission is given on a space available basis. Academic affiliates include Millersville University, Cedar Crest College, York College, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

NMT 201Nuclear Medicine Theory I4
NMT 202Nuclear Med Theory II6
NMT 211CNuclear Med Clin I5
NMT 212CNuclear Med Clin II5
NMT 203Nuclear Med Theory III2
NMT 213Nuclear Med Internship6
NMT 195Cross-Sectional Anatomy1
INT 103Methods of Patient Care1
HSC 390Medical Terminology1-2
PHL 104Ethics in Health Care3
Total Hours34-35

Certificate Students

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallHours
NMT 201 Nuclear Medicine Theory I 4
HSC 390 Medical Terminology 1-2
NMT 211C Nuclear Med Clin I 5
INT 103 Methods of Patient Care 1
PHL 104 Ethics in Health Care 3
 Hours14-15
Spring
NMT 202 Nuclear Med Theory II 6
NMT 195 Cross-Sectional Anatomy 1
NMT 212C Nuclear Med Clin II 5
 Hours12
Summer
NMT 213 Nuclear Med Internship 6
NMT 203 Nuclear Med Theory III 2
 Hours8
 Total Hours34-35