There are four different types of nuclear medicine technologist jobs: product sales, working for a hospital, research, and teaching. Nuclear medicine technologists provide an important health related service. Using specialized equipment and radiopharmaceuticals, they can take high quality images of internal organs, allowing doctors and oncologists to make treatment decisions and diagnosis much earlier than previously possible. Nuclear medicine can be used to take flat images, treat cancer tumors, evaluate organ function, and create three-dimensional diagnostic information.
In order to qualify for any of the different nuclear medicine technologist jobs, post-secondary education is necessary. There are programs available at the university, community college, and career college levels. University programs are more theoretical in focus, and provide opportunities to obtain master's and doctoral degrees in this field. A college program is typically more skills focused, providing training in the processes and techniques used to work with radioisotopes and other nuclear technologies.
Product sales and management are popular nuclear medicine technologist jobs for outgoing people. Positions are available at the imaging equipment company, radioisotope and radiopharmaceutical supply company, as well as all the related services and products for this type of equipment. These positions require training in this field to understand the equipment, what it does, and explain important features to users.
There are a broad range of nuclear medicine technologist jobs available in the health services sector. Technologists work in cancer treatment centers, diagnostic clinics, and in hospitals. The quality of images available with this technology has increased demand for this service. The only restriction is related to the expense of the equipment.
Many nuclear medicine technologist jobs are research focused. There are opportunities to work in both private companies and research institutes for candidates with excellent academic credentials and good ideas. Part of the responsibility of a researcher is to manage the administrative processes surrounding research grants. In addition to the actual work, many invest significant time looking for, applying, and managing their funding.
Teaching is another area with excellent nuclear medicine technologist jobs. Positions are available for instructors at local community or career colleges, teaching courses to nurses, technicians, and other support staff. In order to become an effective instructor, many people complete a certificate program in adult education. Learning the most effective way to teach adults can be a huge help when making this career transition.
People who report the greatest satisfaction in nuclear medicine technologist jobs enjoy working with technology, problem solving, and working independently. The types of positions available vary by industry and level of education. The more education you have completed, the more options you have available.
Most nuclear medicine technologist jobs have a broad range of career advancement opportunities available. Regardless of the industry where initial experience is obtained, all technical skills are transferable to other areas of the health sciences. The only restrictions to promotion are based on working experience.