Nuclear medicine technologists
SOC Code: 29-2033Also known as:
Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT), Isotope Technician, Isotope Technologist, Medical Radiation Dosimetrist, Nuclear Cardiology Technologist
Median Annual Salary
$97,020
+3.0% growth (2024-2034)
900
Openings/Year
20K
Current Jobs
What Nuclear medicine technologists Do
Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.
💰 Salary
$97,020
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.0%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Associate's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
900
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
20,000
Projected Employment (2034)
20,600
Related Careers
Radiation therapists
$101,990 •
+1.9% growth
Radiologists
N/A •
+2.7% growth
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians
$67,260 •
+3.0% growth
Radiologic technologists and technicians
$77,660 •
+4.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Writing
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Administer radiopharmaceuticals or radiation intravenously to detect or treat diseases, using radioisotope equipment, under direction of a physician.
- Detect and map radiopharmaceuticals in patients' bodies, using a camera to produce photographic or computer images.
- Process cardiac function studies, using computer.
- Calculate, measure, and record radiation dosage or radiopharmaceuticals received, used, and disposed, using computer and following physician's prescription.
- Record and process results of procedures.
- Produce a computer-generated or film image for interpretation by a physician.
- Prepare stock radiopharmaceuticals, adhering to safety standards that minimize radiation exposure to workers and patients.
- Explain test procedures and safety precautions to patients and provide them with assistance during test procedures.
- Perform quality control checks on laboratory equipment or cameras.
- Dispose of radioactive materials and store radiopharmaceuticals, following radiation safety procedures.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Associate's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Associate's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Nuclear medicine technologists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a nuclear medicine technologists:
Nuclear Medical Technology/Technologist
596 degrees awarded •
65 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Nuclear medicine technologists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become nuclear medicine technologists.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | La Crosse, WI | 17 | B |
| 2 | University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA | 8 | B |
| 3 | University at Buffalo | Buffalo, NY | 8 | B |
| 4 | Saint Louis University | Saint Louis, MO | 7 | B |
| 5 | Indiana University-Indianapolis | Indianapolis, IN | 4 | B |
| 6 | University of Mississippi | University, MS | 2 | B |
| 7 | Oakland University | Rochester Hills, MI | 1 | B |
| 8 | Houston Community College | Houston, TX | 21 | C+ |
| 9 | GateWay Community College | Phoenix, AZ | 20 | C+ |
| 10 | Ferris State University | Big Rapids, MI | 20 | C+ |
| 11 | University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | Cincinnati, OH | 20 | C+ |
| 12 | Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts | San Jose, CA | 19 | C+ |
| 13 | Molloy College | Rockville Centre, NY | 18 | C+ |
| 14 | Oregon Institute of Technology | Klamath Falls, OR | 16 | C+ |
| 15 | MCPHS University | Boston, MA | 15 | C+ |
| 16 | Loma Linda University | Loma Linda, CA | 12 | C+ |
| 17 | Miami Dade College | Miami, FL | 11 | C+ |
| 18 | Weber State University | Ogden, UT | 11 | C+ |
| 19 | Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science | Rochester, MN | 10 | C+ |
| 20 | Tarrant County College District | Fort Worth, TX | 9 | C+ |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nuclear medicine technologists make?
The median annual salary for nuclear medicine technologists is $97,020.
What education do nuclear medicine technologists need?
Most nuclear medicine technologists positions require a associate's degree.
Common degree programs include Nuclear Medical Technology/Technologist.
Is becoming nuclear medicine technologists a good career choice?
Nuclear medicine technologists is projected to see +3.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for nuclear medicine technologists?
Top colleges for aspiring nuclear medicine technologists include
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, University of Iowa, University at Buffalo, Saint Louis University, Indiana University-Indianapolis.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to nuclear medicine technologists?
Nuclear medicine technologists may also be known as: Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT), Isotope Technician, Isotope Technologist, Medical Radiation Dosimetrist, Nuclear Cardiology Technologist, Nuclear Medical Technologist, Nuclear Medicine PET-CT Technologist (Nuclear Medicine Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomography Technologist), Nuclear Medicine Technician, Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NMT), Nuclear Technologist, PET Technologist (Positron Emission Tomography Technologist), Radiation Safety Officer, Radioisotope Technician, Radioisotope Technologist, Registered Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Staff Nuclear Medicine Technologist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.