Nuclear Medicine Technologist

About

A nuclear medicine technologist performs nuclear medicine procedures while under the supervision of a physician who is authorized by an Iowa license to possess and use radioactive materials. Procedures might include 1) administration of any radiopharmaceutical to human beings for diagnostic purposes, 2) administration of radioactive material to human beings for therapeutic purposes, 3) use of radioactive material for diagnostic purposes involving transmission or excitation, or 4) quality control and assurance. This involves administering the radiopharmaceutical and operating the cameras which detect and map the radioactive drug in the patient\\’s body.

Code Citation Code of Iowa, Chapter 136C.3

Who Applies Any individual wishing to practice nuclear medicine technology in the State of Iowa.

When To Apply After completion of academic requirements and passing required examination.

Initial Requirements Applicants must: 1. Be at least 18 years old. 2. Have a high school education or equivalent and the ability to perform necessary duties without constituting a hazard to the health or safety of patients, self, other health care workers, or the general public. 3. Have completed an approved course that allows the applicant to sit for a National Certification Board examination. These courses must be approved by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine or the Iowa Department of Public Health. 4. Pass one of the following National Certification Examinations: American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) – Nuclear Medicine Primary Exam – Nuclear Medicine Technologists Certification Board (NMTCB).

Duration One year.

Processing Time Two to four weeks.

Fee Structure Application: $100 Renewal: $75

Renewal Requirements Twenty-four hours of continuing education are required biennially for certification renewal.

Exam Upon completion of formal training, the technologist must pass an examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board.

Additional Information Any individual wishing to practice nuclear medicine technology to administer radioactive materials in the State of Iowa.