Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine uses trace amounts of radioactive materials to help diagnose and treat diseases. Nuclear medicine technologists operate equipment that detects and maps the radioactive trace within a patient’s body to create diagnostic images, which are then produced on a computer screen or film for diagnosis by the healthcare team.
Nuclear medicine can be utilized to obtain information about the structure and function of virtually every major organ system of the body. It is this ability to characterize physiological function that distinguishes nuclear medicine from other imaging modalities.
FCC offers both AAS and Certificate tracks in Nuclear Medicine Technology. Both tracks lead to board certification and employment in nuclear medicine.
The Nuclear Medicine Technology Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT).
JRCNMT can be contacted at 2000 W. Danforth Rd., Suite 130 #203, Edmond, OK 73003 (405) 285-0546, (405) 285-0579 (fax) or jrcnmt@coxinet.net.
The Program
Program Goals
Program Benefits
Skills You Will Learn
Skills You Will Need
Criteria for Student Selection
Transfer Note
Clinical Facilities
Growth Potential & Estimated Salaries
Financial Aid/Scholarship Opportunities
Gainful Employment Program Reporting (Certificate program)
Apply for admission to the program
Please refer to the catalog for curriculum requirements.
Program Description
FCC students will complete twenty-one months of training in an academic and clinical environment with the aim to develop a well rounded, competent, professional entry level Nuclear Medicine Technologist. Nuclear medicine technologists perform procedures to assist physician in the diagnosis and treatment of patients, using highly specialized imaging equipment. Nuclear medicine technologists work in hospitals, physicians' offices and diagnostic imaging centers. Upon completion, graduates will be eligible to sit for either or both Nuclear Medicine Technology certification exams. The Nuclear Medicine Program strives for an atmosphere that values intellectual curiosity, the pursuit of knowledge and academic freedom and integrity.
Program Mission
The Nuclear Medicine Technology Program prepares graduates to address the health care needs of a diverse and dynamic population. We promote excellence among students, graduates and faculty and foster a commitment to lifelong learning.
Program Goals
FCC will provide students with gratifying learning experiences and career opportunities in a learning environment that will enable them with:- the ability to competently perform responsibilities regarding patient care, quality control, diagnostic procedures, radiopharmaceuticals, radionuclide therapies, in vivo diagnostic testing, in vitro diagnostic testing, transmission imaging and radiation safety.
- critical thinking skills essential in the practice of nuclear medicine technology.
- a high level of ethical and professional standards.
- the ability to facilitate the needs of the community to understand nuclear medicine technology.
- effective communication techniques required to interact successfully with patients and other members of the health care team.
- values for a commitment to lifelong learning.
- the ability to represent cultural diversity.
Program Benefits
- Study in small cohort of 15 students
- Learn from nuclear medicine professionals who bring real-world experience to the classroom
- Combine scientific research techniques with hands-on application
- Attain your own learning objectives
Skills You Will Learn
Knowledge in learning activities associated with- Patient care
- Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures
- Radiation safety
- Radiopharmacy
- Instrumentation
- Quality control
- Manipulation of clinical data
- Performing phlebotomy
Skills You Will Need
- Communication skills sufficient to teach others, explain procedures, interact with others and convey information in writing
- Provide services with compassion and respect
- Provide care without discrimination
- Confidentiality in accordance with state and federal regulations
- Compliance with laws and regulations
- Ability to recognize emergency situations and take appropriate actions
- Emotional stability to assume responsibility for actions, provide patients with emotional support, adapt to environmental stress, and monitor own emotions
Criteria for Student Selection
- Complete application for admission to FCC and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Program and all application criteria
- NMT application available January-March online
Click here for a PDF of admission criteria
For complete admission requirements, see our Admissions page concerning Special Programs of Study in the Student Catalog.
Transfer Note
FCC has articulation agreements with the following institutions for students graduating with an A.A.S. in Nuclear Medicine Technology and who are looking for transfer opportunities. For more information, contact the Counseling & Advising Office at 301.846.2471.
- University of Baltimore- B.S. Health Systems Management
- University of Baltimore at Shady Grove- B.S. Health Systems Management
Clinical Facilities
Didactic instruction is held on campus while clinical instruction takes place at one of our affiliated clinical sites. Current affiliated sites include: Frederick Memorial Hospital, Community Radiology, Montgomery General Hospital, Northwest Hospital Center, Baltimore Washington Medical Center, Union Memorial Hospital, Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, Washington Adventist Hospital, Inova Leesburg, and Chambersburg Hospital. Students will complete over 1200 clinical contact hours.
Growth Potential & Estimated Salaries
Employment opportunities are expected to grow faster than the average in the next decade. Entry-level salaries in the local area are projected to be around $55,000; salaries in metropolitan areas may start around $60-64,000.
Financial Aid/Scholarship Opportunities
FCC participates in federal, state and local financial aid programs. Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid, and for scholarships offered by the college and community. Financial aid applications are available in the financial aid office, A105, or online at www.fasfa.ed.gov. The scholarship application is available at www.frederick.edu.
