Nuclear Medicine Technologists

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Career Profile

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

What they do

Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.

Also Called: Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT), Nuclear Cardiology Technologist, Nuclear Medicine PET-CT Technologist (Nuclear Medicine Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomography Technologist), Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NMT), Radiation Safety Officer, Registered Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Staff Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT), Nuclear Cardiology Technologist, Nuclear Medicine PET-CT Technologist (Nuclear Medicine Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomography Technologist), Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NMT), Radiation Safety Officer, Registered Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Staff Nuclear Medicine Technologist

MO Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
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$76,660
Starting Salary (2025)
$98,010
Median Salary (2025)
3.0%
Projected Job Growth
360
MO Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Administer radiopharmaceuticals or radiation intravenously to detect or treat diseases, using radioisotope equipment, under direction of a physician.
Detect and map radiopharmaceuticals in patients' bodies, using a camera to produce photographic or computer images.
Dispose of radioactive materials and store radiopharmaceuticals, following radiation safety procedures.
Explain test procedures and safety precautions to patients and provide them with assistance during test procedures.
Maintain and calibrate radioisotope and laboratory equipment.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail
Concern for Others
Dependability
Cooperation
Integrity
Independence

What key skills are needed for this job?

Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Speaking
Monitoring
Writing
Reading Comprehension

Expected Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Common Activities

Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 3

Medium Preparation Needed

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Associate's degree 63%
  • Bachelor's degree 22%
  • Post-baccalaureate certificate 6%
  • Post-secondary certificate 4%
  • Professional degree 4%
  • Other 2%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Radiation Therapists
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.