Radiopharmaceuticals are drugs containing a radioactive substance. Patients
drink, inhale or receive the drug by injection. After administering the radioactive
drug, the Nuclear medicine technologist (NMT) positions the patient, then
uses special equipment such as a camera or scanner to trace the drug's movement
throughout the body. The scanners create images that the NMT saves to computer
file or film.
Approximately 90 percent of procedures performed by an NMT help diagnose
conditions. The other ten percent of procedures are therapeutic.
D. Scott Holbrook is the president of the Society of Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Section (SNMTS). He says that nuclear medicine technologists are at the core
of advanced medical molecular imaging. "We are involved with geneticists and
other people who work with nuclear medicine."
Safety is important in this career. The technologists must protect themselves
from radiation and contaminants. They wear special safety attire, such as
shielded gloves and badges and other devices.
Technologies and radiopharmaceuticals change regularly. NMTs must keep
up to date with changes in their field. "We practice lifelong learning," said
Lisa Betts. Betts is the clinical coordinator for the nuclear medicine technology
program.
The SNMTS website says that nuclear medicine technology has become much
more complex since 1997.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is an emerging field in nuclear medicine
technology. PET scans produce a three-dimensional image or map of functional
processes in the body.
Communication is important in this field. NMTs explain procedures to patients
of all ages. Sometimes they use a translator to communicate with people who
do not speak English. They also communicate with physicians, team members
and patients' families.
"You have to be comfortable working with the public," Betts says. Betts
points out that nuclear medicine technologists must lift weights of up to
40 pounds and must sometimes help patients get out of a wheelchair or stretcher.
"You must be able to see the computer screen clearly," she adds, "And you
need to be able to hear a patient who calls for help if your back is turned."
"The people we attract need an interest in both technology and people,"
says Wade Sharpe. He's an associate chair of a medical radiations sciences
program. "There are both aspects to the profession." He adds that NMTs work
with computers and troubleshoot machines. At the same time, they must be empathetic
to patient needs and good at working in teams with colleagues and other professionals.
NMTs work weekdays. They could be on-call evenings and weekends. Many NMTs
work with temporary agencies. They might travel to various locations where
they work alone without a physician's supervision.