Nuclear Medicine Technology

Provided by Bellevue College

Nuclear medicine is a branch of radiology that uses radioactive materials to image the body and in some cases to cause a therapeutic effect. Nuclear medicine technologists prepare radioactive drugs and administer them to patients for imaging or therapeutic purposes. They work in hospitals, imaging centers and sometimes in physician offices.

Upon successful program completion, students are eligible for national certification exams as well as Washington state licensure. Students who are not located in Washington state should verify that this program meets the educational requirements for licensure in their state or contact the Bellevue College staff for more information.

This exciting healthcare field is experiencing faster than average growth as America’s population ages. Additionally, Washington State is one of the top paying state for this occupation!

Contact:  
Jennifer Prekeges, Bellevue College
Nuclear Medicine Technology Program Chair
Jennifer.prekeges@bellevuecollege.edu
425-564-2475
 

Application and Acceptance

Acceptance to the Nuclear Medicine program is selective and competitive. Applications are available on December 1 each year and are due at the end of February. Applicants are screened according to academic performance and timely completion of prerequisite courses and a two-step interview process. The program chair makes the final selection of students after all transcript screening and interview evaluation is completed by the acceptance committee. Course work begins in the fall after acceptance.

Steps in the Application Process:
1. Attend a virtual Information Session.

2. Make an appointment to observe at least two nuclear medicine departments, including at least one that is affiliated with the program. A form for documenting your visits is available on the program website: Bellevue College Nuclear Medicine Technology. Bring the completed form to the first interview.

3. Apply for college admissions. If you are new to Bellevue College or have not attended in the last four academic quarters, you must apply for college admission in addition to applying to the program. Note: To avoid paying an additional fee for the college application, you should apply for the college through the Apply Online link on this website when you submit your Nuclear Medicine Technology program application.

4. Application packet must include the following:
      a. Transcripts from all colleges you have attended
      b. Radiologic Sciences and Imaging programs application
      c. Current resume
      d. Reference letter from an employer (not a professor unless you were employed by them)
      e. A personal statement indicating why you are interested in becoming a nuclear
 medicine technologist and;
      f. $40 application fee

5. Mail application packet to: 
    Radiation and Imaging Sciences, A242
    Bellevue College
    3000 Landerholm Circle SE
    Bellevue, WA 98007-6484

Most nuclear medicine technologists work in hospitals. However, some will work in:

  • Physician’s office
  • Medical and Diagnostic laboratories
  • Imaging clinics


In a hospital setting, a nuclear medicine technologist may advance into these positions:

  • Lead technologist
  • Nuclear medicine supervisor
  • Advanced medical imaging manager
  • Radiology department administrator


Other areas of practice that nuclear medicine technologists may move into, depending on education level and/or advanced training:

  • Health physics
  • Medical physics
  • Applications technologist (e.g., for a company selling nuclear medicine equipment)
  • Research
  • Faculty for a nuclear medicine technology program

 

contact

  • Email:hsc@xyschool.net

  • Phone:509-544-8300

  • Address:891 Northgate Dr., Richland, WA 99352

  • Office Hours:Monday to Thursday: 7am to 4:30 pm,Friday: 7 am to noon

Health Science Building exterior