### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Nuclear Medicine Technologists Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            									
							
				                                                
                                            




            			nuclear medicine technologists imageNuclear medicine technologists operate equipment that creates images of areas of a patient’s body.							
						Quick Facts:     Nuclear Medicine Technologists2023     Median Pay
            						$92,500     per year
										$44.47     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Associate's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    18,100Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    0% (Little or no change)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    100What Nuclear Medicine Technologists Do
                                                
                        
                        
Nuclear medicine technologists prepare and administer radioactive drugs for imaging or treatment.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Most nuclear medicine technologists work in hospitals. Some work in physicians’ offices, diagnostic laboratories, or imaging clinics. Most nuclear medicine technologists work full time.
            
                                                How to Become a Nuclear Medicine Technologist
                                                
                        
Nuclear medicine technologists typically need an associate’s degree from an accredited nuclear medicine technology program. Formal education programs in nuclear medicine technology or a related healthcare field lead to a certificate, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree. Most nuclear medicine technologists become certified, and some must be licensed.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for nuclear medicine technologists was $92,500 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of nuclear medicine technologists is projected to show little or no change							 from 2022 to 2032.
						Despite  limited  employment growth, about 800 openings for nuclear medicine technologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for nuclear medicine technologists.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of nuclear medicine technologists with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about nuclear medicine technologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Nuclear Medicine Technologists Do 
            

			Nuclear medicine technologistsMost nuclear medicine technologists work in hospitals.			
Nuclear medicine technologists prepare radioactive drugs and administer them to patients for imaging or treatment. They provide technical support to physicians or others who diagnose, care for, and treat patients and to researchers who investigate uses of radioactive drugs. They also may act as emergency responders in the event of a nuclear disaster.
Duties
Nuclear medicine technologists typically do the following:
Explain medical procedures to the patient and answer questions
Follow safety procedures to protect themselves and the patient from unnecessary radiation exposure
Prepare radioactive drugs and administer them to the patient
Maintain and operate imaging equipment
Keep detailed records of procedures
Follow procedures for radiation disposalNuclear medicine technologists work with radioactive drugs, known as radiopharmaceuticals, to help physicians and surgeons diagnose a patient’s condition. For example, they may inject radiopharmaceuticals into the bloodstream of a patient with foot pain and then use special scanning equipment that captures images of the bones; a radiologist interprets the scan results, based on the concentration of radioactivity appearing in the image, to identify the source of the patient’s pain.
Nuclear medicine technologists also deliver radiopharmaceuticals in prescribed doses to specific areas, such as tumors, to treat medical conditions. Internal radiation treatment may be used in conjunction with, or as an alternative to, surgery.
In the event of a radioactive incident or nuclear disaster, some nuclear medicine technologists may be involved in emergency response efforts. These workers’ experience with radiation detection and monitoring equipment may be useful during a response to events that involve radiological materials.
The following are types of nuclear medicine technologists:
***Nuclear cardiology technologists*** use radioactive drugs to obtain images of the heart. Patients may exercise during the imaging process while the technologist creates images of the heart and blood flow.
***Nuclear medicine computed tomography (CT) technologists*** use radioactive isotopes in combination with x-ray imaging to create two-dimensional or three-dimensional pictures of the inside of the body.
***Positron emission tomography (PET) technologists*** use a machine that creates a three-dimensional image of a part of the body, such as the brain. They also use radiopharmaceuticals to measure body functions, such as metabolism.
Some nuclear medicine technologists support researchers in developing nuclear medicine applications for imagery or treatment.
 Work Environment
			Nuclear medicine technologistsSome radiopharmaceuticals are given intravenously to treat cancers, blood diseases, or other illnesses.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Nuclear medicine technologists held about 18,100 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of nuclear medicine technologists were as follows:
        Hospitals; state, local, and private
                69%Offices of physicians
                14Medical and diagnostic laboratories
                7Outpatient care centers
                2Technologists are on their feet for long periods and may need to lift or turn patients who are ill or injured.
Injuries and Illnesses
Although radiation hazards exist in this occupation, they are minimized by the use of gloves and other shielding devices. Nuclear medicine technologists wear badges that measure radiation levels in the radiation area. Instruments monitor their radiation exposure and detailed records are kept on how much radiation they get over their lifetime. When preparing radioactive drugs, technologists use safety procedures to minimize radiation exposure to patients, other healthcare workers, and themselves.
Like other healthcare workers, nuclear medicine technologists may be exposed to infectious diseases.
Work Schedules
Most nuclear medicine technologists work full time. Some nuclear medicine technologists work irregular hours, such as evenings or weekends. They also may be on call, especially if they work in hospitals.
 How to Become a Nuclear Medicine Technologist

			Nuclear medicine technologistsNuclear medicine technologists can earn specialty certifications that show their proficiency in specific procedures or equipment.			
Nuclear medicine technologists typically need an associate’s degree from an accredited nuclear medicine technology program. Formal education programs in nuclear medicine technology or a related healthcare field lead to a certificate, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree. Most nuclear medicine technologists become certified, and some must be licensed.
Education
High school students interested in nuclear medicine technology should take courses in math and sciences, including biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physics.
Nuclear medicine technologists typically need an associate’s degree in nuclear medicine technology to enter the occupation. Bachelor’s degrees also are common. Some technologists complete an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree program in a related health field, such as radiologic technology or nursing, followed by a 12-month certificate program in nuclear medicine technology.
Nuclear medicine technology programs often include courses in human anatomy and physiology, physics, chemistry, radioactive drugs, and computer science. In addition, these programs include clinical experience—practice under the supervision of a certified nuclear medicine technologist and a physician or surgeon who specializes in nuclear medicine.
Graduating from a nuclear medicine program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology may be required for licensure or by an employer.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Most nuclear medicine technologists become certified. Although certification is not required for a license, it fulfills most of the requirements for state licensure. Licensing requirements vary by state. For specific requirements, contact the state’s health board.
Some employers require certification, regardless of state regulations. Certification usually involves graduating from an accredited nuclear medicine technology program. Certification is available from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB).
In addition to receiving general certification, technologists may earn specialty certifications that show their proficiency in procedures or equipment. A technologist must pass an exam offered by the NMTCB to earn certification in positron emission tomography (PET), nuclear cardiology (NCT), or computed tomography (CT).
Technologists also may be required to have one or more other certifications, such as in basic life support (BLS), advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS), or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Important Qualities
***Ability to use technology.*** Nuclear medicine technologists work with computers and large pieces of electronic equipment and must be comfortable operating them.
***Analytical skills.*** Nuclear medicine technologists must understand anatomy, physiology, and other sciences to assess whether dosage is accurate.
***Compassion.*** Nuclear medicine technologists must be able to reassure patients who are stressed or upset.
***Detail oriented.*** Nuclear medicine technologists must follow instructions precisely to ensure correct dosage and prevent overexposure to radiation.
***Interpersonal skills.*** Nuclear medicine technologists interact with patients and often work as part of a team. They must be able to communicate effectively with their supervising physician.
***Physical stamina.*** Nuclear medicine technologists must stand for long periods and be able to lift and move patients who need help.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Nuclear Medicine TechnologistsMedian annual wages, May 2023Nuclear medicine technologists$92,500  Health technologists and technicians$51,250  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for nuclear medicine technologists was $92,500 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $69,300, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $123,910.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for nuclear medicine technologists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Outpatient care centers
                $139,320Medical and diagnostic laboratories
                93,830Hospitals; state, local, and private
                93,450Offices of physicians
                85,280Most nuclear medicine technologists work full time. Some nuclear medicine technologists work irregular hours, such as evenings or weekends. They also may be on call, especially if they work in hospitals.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                Nuclear Medicine TechnologistsPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Health technologists and technicians7%  Total, all occupations3%  Nuclear medicine technologists0%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of nuclear medicine technologists is projected to show little or no change				 from 2022 to 2032.
			
			Despite  limited  employment growth, about 800 openings for nuclear medicine technologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Among other medical uses, nuclear imaging is common in detecting, staging, and evaluating treatment for different types of cancers. Nuclear medicine technologists will continue to be needed to administer these tests due to the growing number of people entering older age groups, in which cancer is more prevalent.
However, declining use of nuclear imaging may dampen employment demand for technologists over the decade.
			

                        Employment projections data for     nuclear medicine technologists, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Nuclear medicine technologists**
			29-2033
			18,100
			18,200
			0
			100
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Nuclear medicine technologists **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of nuclear medicine technologists. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Biological Technicians**
            Biological technicians help biological and medical scientists conduct laboratory tests and experiments.
            Bachelor's degree
            $51,430**Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians**
            Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians operate special equipment to create images or to conduct tests.
            Associate's degree
            $80,850**Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians**
            Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians perform medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
            Bachelor's degree
            $60,780**Medical Dosimetrists**
            Medical dosimetrists calculate doses of radiation and design and oversee treatment plans for patients with cancer and other serious diseases.
            Bachelor's degree
            $132,880**Nuclear Technicians**
            Nuclear technicians assist physicists, engineers, and other professionals in nuclear research and nuclear energy production.
            Associate's degree
            $101,740**Radiation Therapists**
            Radiation therapists administer doses of radiation to patients who have cancer or other serious diseases.
            Associate's degree
            $98,300**Radiologic and MRI Technologists**
            Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images.
            Associate's degree
            $76,020
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about nuclear and radiologic medicine, visit
American Board of Nuclear Medicine
American Board of Radiology
American College of Nuclear Medicine
Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
For a list of accredited programs in nuclear medicine technology, visit
Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology
For more information about certification for nuclear medicine technologists, visit
Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
CareerOneStop
For a career video on nuclear medicine technologists, visit
Nuclear Medicine Technologists

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Nuclear Medicine Technologists
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nuclear Medicine Technologists, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nuclear-medicine-technologists.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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