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What is a nuclear medical technologist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

Nuclear medical technologists use radioactive medicinal materials to aid with medical care and diagnosis and support patients with the administration of radioactive materials. They generate photos and run experiments that help to detect those illnesses and disorders. They may also be responsible for helping physicians use radioactive chemicals or radiopharmaceuticals to cure the disease.

Radioactive medicine has many applications, including the production of diagnostic imaging photographs of the internal organs of the patient in a technique called positron emission tomography or PET scan. This is usually performed by a nuclear medical technician. After reviewing the treatment with patients and describing its dangers and intent, these professionals provide a specified volume of radiation therapy to the patient, either by inhalation, oral or intravenous administration.

Since nuclear medical technologists work with potentially hazardous materials, it is critical that those who aspire for this profession undergo adequate training and certification. This career requires a minimum of an associate degree, and advanced certification is a required prerequisite for many employers. Professionals need to show excellent leadership and management skills to succeed in this area.

ScoreNuclear Medical TechnologistUS Average
Salary
4.0

Avg. Salary $51,715

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
9.6

Growth rate 2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.2
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.46%

Asian 9.87%

Black or African American 8.01%

Hispanic or Latino 8.54%

Unknown 3.20%

White 69.92%

Gender

female 49.23%

male 50.77%

Age - 47
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47
Stress level
9.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.9

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.7

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Nuclear medical technologist career paths

Key steps to become a nuclear medical technologist

  1. Explore nuclear medical technologist education requirements

    Most common nuclear medical technologist degrees

    Bachelor's

    56.1 %

    Associate

    29.8 %

    Master's

    10.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific nuclear medical technologist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Radiology20.65%
    PET12.49%
    Radiopharmaceuticals11.32%
    ALARA7.78%
    Radiation Safety7.01%
  3. Complete relevant nuclear medical technologist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New nuclear medical technologists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a nuclear medical technologist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real nuclear medical technologist resumes.
  4. Research nuclear medical technologist duties and responsibilities

    • Manage departmental recovery activities after installation of upgrades affecting the LIS affect.
    • Perform general and cardiac Spect imaging studies.
    • Conduct thyroid function tests for triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxin (T4).
    • Develop new safety procedures for radiology departments and research laboratory.
  5. Prepare your nuclear medical technologist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your nuclear medical technologist resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a nuclear medical technologist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable nuclear medical technologist resume templates

    Build a professional nuclear medical technologist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your nuclear medical technologist resume.
    Nuclear Medical Technologist Resume
    Nuclear Medical Technologist Resume
    Nuclear Medical Technologist Resume
    Nuclear Medical Technologist Resume
    Nuclear Medical Technologist Resume
    Nuclear Medical Technologist Resume
    Nuclear Medical Technologist Resume
    Nuclear Medical Technologist Resume
    Nuclear Medical Technologist Resume
  6. Apply for nuclear medical technologist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a nuclear medical technologist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first nuclear medical technologist job

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Average nuclear medical technologist salary

The average nuclear medical technologist salary in the United States is $51,715 per year or $25 per hour. Nuclear medical technologist salaries range between $27,000 and $96,000 per year.

Average nuclear medical technologist salary
$51,715 Yearly
$24.86 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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