Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NMT)

  • Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NMT)

Nuclear medicine technologists prepare and administer radioactive substances using a variety of equipment to perform diagnostic tests on patients.

Work Activities/Work Locations

Nuclear medicine technologists work in hospitals, physician’s offices and clinics. They are trained to perform diagnostic studies on patients under the supervision of a physician. Nuclear medicine technologists work with imaging equipment such as gamma cameras and are skilled in using radioactive substances in the human body to obtain pictures of organs, tissues, and other areas. They keep records and reports of studies and procedures. They interact with patients and physicians on a regular basis. Nuclear medicine technologists usually work 40 hours a week and may need to work evenings or weekends.

Education: 4 years

 Patient Interaction: Medium

 Physical Activity: Medium

 Salary: $72,824

 Job Growth: Low

Related Careers

Radiologic Technologist (RT)


Radiation Therapy (RTT)


Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NMT)


Getting Started

High school students should study mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology. A high school diploma or equivalent is required for entry into a program. Formal training is offered through hospitals, colleges, universities and vocational/technical schools. Students can enroll in programs that last from 1 to 4 years, and receive either a certificate, associate degree or bachelor’s degree. Individuals with prior experience in the health field such as Medical Technologists or Radiologic Technologists, may enroll in the 1-year programs. Course work in a nuclear medicine technology program covers anatomy, physiology, radiation exposure and protection, procedures, radiopharmaceutical use, and imaging techniques. Upon completion of an accredited program, graduates must pass an examination and meet other requirements before becoming registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board. 

American Board of Nuclear Medicine
4555 Forest Park Boulevard, Suite 119
St. Louis, MO, 63108-2173
314/367-2225
www.abnm.org/

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
1255 Northland Dr.
St. Paul, MN, 55120-1155
651/687-0048
www.arrt.org

American Society for Radiation Oncology
8280 Willow Oaks Corporate Dr., Suite 500
Fairfax, VA, 22031
703/502-1550 or 800/962-7876
www.astro.org

American Society of Radiologic Technologists
15000 Central Ave. SE
Albuquerque, NM, 87123-3909
505/298-4500 or 800/444-2778
www.asrt.org

Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology
2000 W. Danforth Rd., Suite 130, #203
Edmond , OK, 73003
405/285-0546
jrcnmt.org/

Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board
3558 Habersham
Northlake, Building I
Tucker, GA, 30084-4009
404/315-1739 or 800/659-3953
www.nmtcb.org

Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
1850 Samuel Morse Dr.
Reston, VA, 20190
703/708-9000
www.snm.org

Career Outlook

Number Employed in 2014 (Wisconsin): 320
Number Employed in 2014 (U.S.): 20,700
Expected Employment in 2024 (U.S.): 21,000
Percent Employment Growth (2014-2024): 2%
Expected Annual Openings: 420
Median Salary in 2014 (Wisconsin): $72,824

Salary information is located at Career One Stop

Wisconsin AHEC Health Careers Information Center provides the most current salary information available from CareerOneStop. CareerOneStop will have a lapse between when the information is gathered and when it is released.