Nuclear Medicine Technician: A Great, Lucrative Career

Career opportunities in all medical professions are growing, due to advancing technology and the aging population of Baby Boomers. You can start a good-paying career in the medical field as a Nuclear Medicine Technician. With only a two-year Associate's Degree, you could be making well over $50,000 per year in this profession.

The median salary for Nuclear Medicine Technicians is about $54,000 per year. Most of these technicians make between $48,0000 and up to $80,000 per year. The basic requirements are an Associate Degree, but four-year Bachelor's Degrees are offered in some universities. Liscensure is also required in most of the United States. You can contact the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board for licensing information.

If you already have an Associate's Degree in a medical profession, you may be able to simply get a one-year certificate to qualify as a Nuclear Medicine Technician. Professions like Radiological Technicians and Diagnostic Medical Sonographers can more easily decide to specialize in this career. Advancement is also possible. Nuclear Medical Technicians can advance, usually by experience and further schooling, to positions such as supervisor, chief technologist, or department administrator.

A Nuclear Medicine Technician works primarily in public and private hospitals, physician's offices, and in medical laboratories. Nuclear Medicine Technicians administer radiopharmaceuticals to patients by injection, orally, and intravenously. Radiopharmaceuticals are drugs made of radioactive compounds that collect in organs and tissues of the body, which will show up in x-rays, in order to diagnose certain diseases and conditions. The Technician also operates the diagnostic and detection equipment.

This medical position does have safety issues involved, as radioactive materials are dangerous to work with. To ensure the safety of the Technician, including protection from radiation exposure, every possible safety measure and form of protection are used. Specially shielded syringes, gloves, and other protective equipment and devices are needed. Badges that detect levels of radiation are also worm by the Nuclear Medicine Technician.

If you are looking for a well-paying career in the medical field, with plenty of potential for advancement, becoming a Nuclear Medicine Technician might be the right choice for you. Career possibilities also include instruction in nuclear medicine technology in universities and colleges, radiation safety officers in medical facilities, and also sales positions in medical equipment and manufacturing companies.