Nuclear Medicine Technologists

These professionals work directly with patients and medical equipment to perform diagnostic, tracer, and therapeutic studies. Day-to-day tasks include calculating radioactive doses, preparing stock solutions, and subjecting patients to radiation under the direction of radiologists. They also perform laboratory procedures such as red cell survival, blood volume, and fat absorption studies.

Succeeding in this role requires a strong background in medicine, biology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Technologists must be skilled in active listening, speaking, reading comprehension, and critical thinking to ensure patient safety and accurate results. Because they work closely with the public, strong customer service skills and social perceptiveness are essential. The job demands high attention to detail, cautiousness, and dependability, as workers must follow strict safety standards when handling radioactive materials. They must also be comfortable using computers and specialized medical equipment, documenting information, and maintaining cooperative relationships with supervisors and peers.

To enter this field, individuals typically need an associate's degree, vocational training, or related experience. The most common college majors that lead to this career are in the allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions.

While preparation requirements can vary, some states list a license for this work. Additionally, professionals can earn voluntary credentials to demonstrate their expertise. Relevant certifications include the Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist credential from the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board, as well as the Certified Medical Dosimetrist credential from the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board.

The median annual pay for nuclear medicine technologists is $101,370. Earnings can vary based on experience and location, with the lowest 10% of workers earning less than $78,080 and the highest 10% earning more than $134,500.

There are 17,080 people employed in this field. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 4.4%, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth, along with normal turnover, is expected to result in about 800 job openings each year.