This may include evening or weekend hours in departments which operate on an extended schedule. Opportunities for part-time and shift work are also available. In addition, technologists in hospitals may have on call duty on a rotational basis. Because technologists are on their feet much of the day, and may lift or turn disabled patients, physical stamina is important. Although there is potential for radiation exposure in this field, it is kept to a minimum by the use of shielded syringes, gloves, and other protective devices.
Technologists also wear badges that measure radiation levels.
Because of safety programs, however, badge measurements rarely exceed established safety levels. Employment Nuclear medicine technologists held about 13,000 jobs in 1996. Almost 9 out of 10 jobs were in hospitals. The rest were in physicians' offices and clinics, including imaging centers. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Nuclear medicine technology programs range in length from 1 to 4 years and lead to a certificate, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree.