Nuclear Medicine Technology

Definition
Under supervision, prepares, measures, administers radiopharmaceuticals in diagnostic and
therapeutic studies, and performs nuclear medicine procedures on patients of all ages utilizing
various types of imaging equipment.

Distinguishing Characteristics
Nuclear Medicine Technologists perform a wide variety of exacting technical tests and procedures
using radioactive materials and the operation of radiation detection devices. Incumbents receive
supervision from a technical supervisor, but receive direction from a physician who establishes
protocols, reviews procedures, and interprets results.

Typical Tasks
• Perform a full range of nuclear medicine prescribed imaging techniques such as brain, liver,
kidney scans and thyroid activity measurements used in medical diagnosis and evaluation;
• Calibrate and draw up radiopharmaceutical materials and administer it by mouth, injection, or
other means to patients;
• Formulate radiopharmaceutical materials from pre-prepared kits;
• Evaluate recorded images for technical quality;
• Operate cameras that detect and map the radioactive drug in a patient’s body;
• Calculate data to include results of patient studies and radioactive decay;
• Process computerized image data to include function curves and reconstructed SPECT images
and accurately transfer images to the Picture Archive Communication System (PACS);
• Prepare and maintain records concerning radiopharmaceutical receiving, dispensing, and
disposal activities;
• Administer thyroid therapy to patients that have undergone prior clinical and nuclear medicine diagnosis;
• Ensure decay of pharmaceutical and calculate for correct dosage using dose calibrator;
• Observe patient dosage to ensure proper treatment under direct supervision of a radiologist;
• Monitor therapy patient’s room for radioactivity and review room upon discharge;
• Assume care for physical and psychological needs of patients for all ages during examination;
• Schedule patients for exams and explain test procedures, as necessary;
• Initiate life support measures for patient, if necessary;
• Formulate radiopharmaceutical materials from pre-prepared kits;
• Assist in administering therapeutic procedures;
• Research patient chart for evaluation and/or procedure planning;
• Draw blood for diagnostic nuclear medicine tests;
• Calibrate equipment and instruments to maintain quality control standards;
• Calculate the strength of radioactive materials;
• Monitor work areas for radioactivity;
• Clean/store contaminated instruments and gloves;
• Instruct student technologists, residents and physicians in nuclear medicine techniques;
• Accurately bill procedures performed in nuclear medicine;
• Keep informed on new technical developments;
• Maintain inventory of supplies;
• Maintain compliance with radiation safety policies and documentation that keep the radiation
dose to workers and patients as low as reasonably achievable;
• Perform other related duties as required.

Employment Standards
Successful completion of a recognized Nuclear Medicine training program, and certification by the
State of California to practice as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT) upon appointment.
Possession of current certification in CPR and Basic Life Support.
Sufficient education, training and experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge and
abilities listed below.

Knowledge of:
• Principles, procedures, practices, terminology and equipment used throughout the Nuclear
Medicine Department;
• Proper safety precautions and procedures involved in handling specimens, equipment,
instruments and supplies used in nuclear medicine;
• General knowledge of radioactive materials commonly used in a hospital;
• Precautions necessary for patient and staff in use of radioactive materials;
• Phlebotomy techniques;
• Basic computer skills.

Ability to:
• Perform standard diagnostic procedures using radioactive isotopes and to prepare reports
resulting from such procedures;
• Comprehend and carry out technical medical instructions with accuracy;
• Perform required sequences of exacting procedures with accuracy and necessary speed;
• Use and adjust radiation counting equipment;
• Accurately measure extremely small quantities of liquid samples;
• Withdraw blood samples from patients and perform required tests;
• Keep accurate records of receipt, use and disposal of all radioactive materials;
• Troubleshoot, document, and communicate equipment problems;
• Calibrate instruments and equipment;
• Deal with patients sympathetically and tactfully.