Nuclear Medicine Technology
See Also: Nuclear Medicine Pre-Health Guide
Nuclear Medicine combines chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer technology and medicine in using radioactive materials to diagnose and treat disease. Nuclear Medicine’s unique ability to characterize and quantify physiological functions separates it from other imaging systems such as X-ray. Technologists’ responsibilities include patient interviews and instruction; preparation, quality control testing, and administration of radioactive compounds for diagnosis and therapy; execution of patient imaging procedures; computer processing and image enhancement; laboratory testing of biological specimens; and radiation safety.
Once you are admitted to the Nuclear Medicine program, you will complete a minimum of 90 hours of credit, including the college’s Basic Skills and Distribution requirements and the University General Education Requirement. After the first three years of course work, you may apply for a final year of study at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville. Students who complete the nuclear medicine technology program at UTMCK receive the Bachelor of Science with a major in pre-professional programs and a concentration in nuclear medicine technology from the College of Arts and Sciences.
Admission to the nuclear medicine technology program at UTMCK is at the discretion of the admissions committee of that department; successful completion of the three-year curriculum does not ensure your admission to the program.
For more information about Nuclear Medicine, please visit the UT Medical Center Department of Radiology.