Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Nuclear medicine technologists use radioactive materials to diagnose physiological changes and treat diseases.
Nuclear medicine technologists may perform the following tasks:
- maintain and operate equipment such as gamma cameras and computing systems, to acquire images and process and analyse patient data
- prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals as tracers to demonstrate the function of organs in the body
- explain procedures to patients and enquire about previous diagnostic studies and medication, making sure they receive the correct preparation for the procedure
- check the patient's medical status and make sure that the patient's comfort, privacy and safety needs during the procedure are met
- give findings of procedures to medical practitioners
- provide treatment for cancer patients
- perform laboratory procedures including blood and specimen collection and quality control testing
- make sure that there is safe handling, storage and disposal of radioactive materials
- perform routine quality control and testing procedures of instrumentation, radiopharmaceuticals, data, images and computing systems
- initiate and participate in research programs and in the development of new techniques
- supervise students.
Specialisations:
With experience and sometimes further training, nuclear medicine technologists may specialise in computer programming, bone mineral densitometry, or scanning techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) and ultrasound.
Nuclear medicine technologists work as part of a team with other health professionals and medical staff.
Personal Requirements:
- interest and aptitude in science
- able to work accurately
- responsible and patient nature
- sympathetic and understanding approach
- able to work independently or as part of a team.
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