Nuclear medicine combines Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, computer Technology and medicine in using radioactivity to diagnose and treat disease. Though there are many diagnostic techniques currently available, nuclear medicine uniquely provides information about both the structure and function of virtually every major organ system within the body.

It is this ability to characterize and quantify physiological function which separates nuclear medicine from other imaging modalities such as X-ray. Nuclear medicine procedures are safe, involve little or no patient discomfort and do not require the use of anaesthesia.

The Nuclear medicine technologist is a highly specialized healthcare professional who works closely with the nuclear medicine physician. Some of the technologist’s primary responsibilities are to:

Prepare and administer radioactive chemical compounds, known as radiopharmaceuticals perform patient imaging procedures using sophisticated radiation-detecting instrumentation, accomplish computer processing and image enhancement; analyse biologic specimens in the laboratory; provide images, data analysis, and patient information to the physician for diagnostic interpretation.

Nuclear medicine technologists play an integral role in the healthcare team, working with patients, physicists, nuclear pharmacists, computer specialists, nurses, secretaries and other healthcare professionals.

The field of nuclear medicine technology has grown significantly in the past few years. The demand for Nuclear Medicine Technologists will increase for diagnostic procedures, including nuclear medicine testing. In addition, advances in medical Technology will likely increase the diagnostic use of nuclear medicine. Employment opportunities exist in hospitals, universities, medical clinics and research centres across the country and abroad.

After further study in nuclear medicine, you may advance to positions such as chief technologist, research technologist or educator.