Creation of a Master of Science Degree in Molecular Imaging & Therapeutics: One College's Experience

2685 Objectives The objective is to provide the process, requirements, successes, challenges, and future considerations in the creation of a graduate program in Molecular Imaging & Therapeutics from one college who received an SNMMI grant to establish a master’s degree program for nuclear medicine technologists. Methods One initiative of the SNMMI-TS is to increase professional and career opportunities for nuclear medicine technologists interested in preclinical and clinical imaging research. In order to support this effort, the ERF-SNMMI-TS established a Graduate School Program Grant to assist in the initial creation phase of graduate programs focused specifically on molecular imaging and therapeutics. The director and faculty of the nuclear medicine technology program established a planning advisory board to discuss the concept of a graduate program in molecular imaging and therapeutics. The individuals involved were currently working in preclinical and/or clinical imaging research settings in immediate and distant geographic areas around the country. The primary goal of initial meetings was to determine the knowledge and skills needed to perform in the role of an imaging research technologist/clinical research associate. The major outcome of these early conversations was to design a program with 2 tracks culminating in a Master’s of Science in Molecular Imaging and Therapeutics; the first for currently certified/registered technologists working in the field, and the second for post-baccalaureate students seeking initial certification in nuclear medicine technology. In addition to several new courses focused on advanced imaging techniques, the program design incorporated existing courses from the college’s program in Regulatory and Clinical Research Management. The program concept was supported by the advisory board, along with faculty from other departments at the college. The curriculum also capitalized on the college’s increasing commitment to digital pedagogy and hybrid/virtual classroom formats in order to increase geographic reach and overall program impact. A new program proposal was developed and submitted to administration for approval in the Fall 2014. Once accepted by the administration, program leadership presented the proposal to the Board of Trustees. Following final approval, the college applied for and received the ERF-SNMMI-TS Graduate Program School grant, and launched the program with an accelerated start date of January 2015 (spring semester). Results The program was first announced at the 2015 SNMMI Mid-Winter Meeting in San Antonio, Texas. Three track 2 students entered the program in January 2015. Four track 1 students and three track 2 students entered in September 2015. Additionally, two track 2 students registered to begin courses in January 2016, for a total of 12 students in the first year of the program. The projected number of track 2 students the first year was 10. Conclusions The graduate program is currently offered in a tradition on-campus/classroom format as well as a combination virtual/online option for students who are not in the New England area. The program is gaining recognition. The success has been with students who are currently involved in research or actively searching for new positions in preclinical and/or clinical imaging research. One significant barrier to program growth is a lack of understanding or education within the profession about the benefits of the master’s degree, including future job opportunities. Another challenge is the cost and time commitment associated with graduate-level education. More programs should be established to help the profession build the concept of graduate-level education in molecular imaging and therapeutics. A considerable commitment of time and financial resources is necessary to develop and implement a new program, but the benefits to the field of nuclear medicine technology have the strong potential to outweigh the associated costs.