Performs or assists in performing diagnostic examinations using radionuclides and radiopharmaceuticals, and administers radionuclides and radiopharmaceuticals for therapeutic purposes under the direction of specialist Medical Practitioners. Registration or licensing is required.
Previously referred to in ASCO as:
2391-15 Radiographer - Nuclear Medicine Technologist
新西兰注册。（此领域绝对紧缺技能资格：专门从事医疗放射疗法或医学影像学的保健科学学士学位，或者核医学学士或研究生学位。）
NZ registration. (Qualifications in this area of absolute skill shortage are: Bachelor in Health Science specialising in Medical Radiation Therapy
OR specialising in Medical Imaging
OR Bachelor or Post-Graduate degree in Nuclear Medicine)
What’s it like to be a Nuclear Medicine Technologist?
Nuclear medicine technologists are highly skilled medical imaging experts that
use radioactive materials to diagnose physiological and metabolic changes
within the body and treat diseases.
Nuclear medicine technologists work as part of a team with other health
professionals and medical staff.
How much can I expect to earn?
Full-time employed Nuclear Medicine Technologist earn an average of $1344 per
week. The [average annual salary for this job is $69888 excluding super.]
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.
This job also involves:
Mainly indoor work
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than
three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed
area protected from the weather.
Reading or writing
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may
be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as
letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or
writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and
symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing
skills.
This occupation offers jobs at the following skill levels:
Professional Jobs
Jobs in this group usually require completion of a recognised Bachelor Degree,
or extensive relevant experience. Some jobs also require post-graduate study,
such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master Degree.
Study requirements
At school, you can study these subject(s) to get a good foundation for this
occupation:
Biology
School subjects that include some aspect of BIOLOGY provide a useful
background to these jobs. In some cases a biology-related subject is a pre-
requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Chemistry
School subjects that include some aspects of CHEMISTRY provide a useful
background to these jobs. In some cases a chemistry-related subject is a pre-
requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Computing Studies
School subjects that include some aspect of COMPUTING STUDIES provide a useful
background to these jobs. In some cases a computer studies-related subject is
a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Mathematics
School subjects that include some aspect of MATHEMATICS provide a useful
background to these jobs. In some cases a mathematics-related subject is a
pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Physics
School subjects that include some aspect of PHYSICS provide a useful
background to these jobs. In some cases a physics-related subject is a pre-
requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Duties and tasks of a Nuclear Medicine Technologist
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 that 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 ensure their comfort, privacy and safety needs are met during the procedure
deliver findings of procedures to medical practitioners
provide diagnosis and treatment for cancer patients
perform laboratory procedures, including blood and specimen collection and quality control testing
make sure that radioactive materials are handled, stored and disposed of in a safe manner
perform routine quality control and testing procedures on instrumentation, radiopharmaceuticals, data, images and computing systems
initiate and participate in research programmes and in the development of new techniques
supervise and educate 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.