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Nuclear Medicine Technology, B.S.

ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø's Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Medicine Technology (NMT) prepares graduates for entry-level positions as nuclear medicine technologists.

Nuclear medicine is a medical specialty that uses safe, painless and cost-effective techniques to image the body and treat disease. Nuclear medicine uses very small amounts of radioactive materials to diagnose and treat diseases using gamma cameras or PET/CT scanners. Nuclear medicine imaging is unique in that it documents organ function and structure. It is a method of gathering information that may otherwise be unavailable, require surgery or necessitate more expensive diagnostic tests.

Program Highlights

Today, nuclear medicine offers procedures that are helpful for a broad span of medical specialties, from pediatrics to cardiology and oncology. There are almost 100 nuclear medicine imaging procedures available that include every major organ of the human body.

The advantages of earning your B.S. in Nuclear Medicine Technology at ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø include:

  • Student-tailored educational curriculum and individual mentorship by faculty in the NMT profession
  • Exceptional clinical preceptors and training sites located conveniently within the St. Louis metropolitan area
  • Strong science curriculum which aids in preparation for immediate job placement as well as a future graduate-level education
  • Medically relevant coursework ideal for pre-professional studies
  • Pre-medicine and pre-physician assistant curriculum options
  • Opportunities to participate in professional conferences with faculty and fellow students

Curriculum Overview

SLU's nuclear medicine technology program includes all basic sciences, as well as an intensive NMT curriculum that includes 1,000 hours of clinical practicum. Upon completing the program, the graduate is eligible for national certification to become a certified nuclear medicine technologist (CNMT).

Nuclear medicine technology students are encouraged to join and participate in the functions of the ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø Clinical Health Sciences Club.

Clinical and Research Opportunities

Professional coursework in the nuclear medicine technology program is concentrated in the last year and a half of study. Students in the NMT program have opportunities to conduct research and produce projects and papers that are acceptable for publication and could be presented at professional conferences.

Careers

The benefits of SLU's nuclear medicine technology program also include several career opportunities. Graduates can work as technologists in hospitals and clinics. Students may seek positions in information technology, health care administration, sales and training, radiopharmacy labs, teaching and other related fields.

Nearly 20% of graduates proceed to graduate school, with about 50% of the remaining class enrolling in graduate school within five years of employment. Many attend graduate school part-time with assistance from their place of work.

Career advancement opportunities from the position of staff technologist may lead to areas of administration, education, sales or research.

A nuclear medicine technologist has many responsibilities that encompass a wide range of skills. Some responsibilities include:

  • Preparing, calibrating and administering radioactive chemical compounds, known as radiopharmaceuticals.
  • Performing diagnostic imaging procedures using radiation-detection technology.
  • Administering radioactive tracers used to image the organs of the human body.
  • Operating imaging technology, laboratory and computer instrumentation.
  • Providing images, data analysis and patient information to the physician for diagnostic interpretation.
  • Assisting the physician in theranostic procedures.

The mean annual wage for nuclear medicine technologists was $85,300 in 2022 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø Requirements

Freshmen Applicants

Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø criteria include:

  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70 on a 4.00 scale.
  • ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø has a test-optional admission process for all undergraduate programs. Applicants may submit standardized test scores, but those who choose not to will not be disadvantaged in any way in the admission process.Ìý

Transfer ApplicantsÌý

The minimum college transfer GPA is 2.70/4.00.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students, along with the following:

  • You must demonstrateÌý.
  • Proof of financial support must include:
    • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding your time at ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø.
    • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of your study at the University.
  • Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Tuition

Tuition Cost Per Year
Undergraduate Tuition $54,760

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø education:

  • Scholarships: Awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need. In addition to University scholarships, the Doisy College of Health Sciences offers scholarships to sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students.
  • Financial Aid: Provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, applicants should apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For more information, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

Accreditation

The Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology
820 W. Danforth Rd. #B1
Edmond, OK 73003
405-285-0546

Additional Accreditation Information (PDF)

  1. Graduates will be able to demonstrate the Jesuit value of cura personalis as they perform diagnostic imaging procedures.
  2. Graduates will be able toÌýdemonstrate effective communication when speaking with both patients and other healthcare professionals in the nuclear medicine department.
  3. Graduates will be able to use knowledge, facts, and data to assess problems and find solutions as they relate to nuclear medicine imaging and computed tomography (CT) procedures.
  4. Graduates will be able toÌýdemonstrate the ability to translate didactic knowledge into clinical practice as a nuclear medicine technologist.
  5. Graduates will be able toÌýexhibit professional characteristics expected of nuclear medicine technologists.

Students must earn a "C-" or better in math/stat, science (BIO, CHEM, PHYS, HSCI 3300/3310/3400/3410) and program-specific (NMT prefix) courses.

University Undergraduate Core32-35
Foundation
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý1240
&²¹³¾±è;Ìýµþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory
4
°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1080
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1085
Principles of Chemistry 1 Lecture
and Principles of Chemistry 1 Lab
4
°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1480
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1485
Principles of Chemistry 2 Lecture
and Principles of Chemistry 2 Lab
4
·¡±·³Ò³¢Ìý1900Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research3
±á°ä·¡Ìý1600Embodiment, Life, and Death in Context3
±á±õ²ÑÌý4750Fundamentals of Clinical Medicine3
±á³§°ä±õÌý2000The U.S. Health Care System3
±á³§°ä±õÌý2100Health Care Management3
±á³§°ä±õÌý2200Medical Terminology3
±á³§°ä±õÌý3200Aspects of Health Law3
±á³§°ä±õÌý3300
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý±á³§°ä±õÌý3310
Anatomy & Physiology I
and Anatomy & Physiology I Lab
4
±á³§°ä±õÌý3400
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý±á³§°ä±õÌý3410
Anatomy and Physiology Lecture II
and Anatomy & Physiology II Lab
4
±á³§°ä±õÌý3700Research Methods3
²Ñ´¡°Õ±áÌý1320Survey of Calculus3
±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1220
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1235
General Physics I
and General Physics I Lab
4
±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1240
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1255
General Physics II
and General Physics II Lab
4
±Ê³§³ÛÌý1010General Psychology3
´Ç°ùÌý³§°¿°äÌý1100 Introduction to Sociology
³§°Õ´¡°ÕÌý1300Elementary Statistics with Computers3
Nuclear Medicine Technology
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4000Nuclear Medicine Procedures I3
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4100Radiation Protection3
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4310Radiation Physics2
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4320Radiochemistry and Radiopharmacy3
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4330Nuclear Med Instrumentation3
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4340Nuclear Medicine Technology Procedures II3
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4350Nuclear Medicine Information Systems3
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4430Emerging Technologies3
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4700Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practicum I4
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4710Nuclear Medicine Senior Seminar I1
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4800Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practicum II2
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý490012
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4910Senior Seminar II2
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý49601
Total Credits120

Continuation Standards

Nuclear Medicine Technology students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.70/4.00

Second Degree Option for Students with Bachelor's Degree

Total semester credits vary based on applicable courses complete in undergraduate program. A specific course plan is individually designed for each applicant.

Students must earn a "C-" or better in math/stat, science (BIO, CHEM, PHYS, HSCI 3300/3310/3400/3410) and program-specific (NMT prefix) courses.

Transfer Credits56
Prerequisite Courses
°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1080
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1085
Principles of Chemistry 1 Lecture
and Principles of Chemistry 1 Lab
4
°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1480
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1485
Principles of Chemistry 2 Lecture
and Principles of Chemistry 2 Lab
4
±á³§°ä±õÌý3300
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý±á³§°ä±õÌý3310
Anatomy & Physiology I
and Anatomy & Physiology I Lab
4
±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1220
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1235
General Physics I
and General Physics I Lab
4
±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1240
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1255
General Physics II
and General Physics II Lab
4
²Ñ´¡°Õ±áÌý1320Survey of Calculus3
±á°ä·¡Ìý1600Embodiment, Life, and Death in Context (or other approved Medical Ethics)3
±á³§°ä±õÌý3400
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý±á³§°ä±õÌý3410
Anatomy and Physiology Lecture II
and Anatomy & Physiology II Lab
4
Nuclear Medicine Technology
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4000Nuclear Medicine Procedures I3
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4100Radiation Protection3
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4310Radiation Physics2
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4320Radiochemistry and Radiopharmacy3
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4330Nuclear Med Instrumentation3
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4340Nuclear Medicine Technology Procedures II3
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4350Nuclear Medicine Information Systems3
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4430Emerging Technologies3
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4700Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practicum I4
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4710Nuclear Medicine Senior Seminar I1
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4800Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practicum II2
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý490012
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4910Senior Seminar II2
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý49601
Total Credits131

Continuation Standards

Nuclear Medicine Technology students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.70/4.00

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollmentÌýunless otherwise noted. Ìý

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
µþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý1240
&²¹³¾±è;Ìýµþ±õ°¿³¢Ìý1245
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution
and Principles of Biology I Laboratory (satisfies °ä°¿¸é·¡Ìý3800)
4
°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1080
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1085
Principles of Chemistry 1 Lecture
and Principles of Chemistry 1 Lab
4
°ä°¿¸é·¡Ìý1000 Ignite First Year Seminar 2 or 3
·¡±·³Ò³¢Ìý1900 Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research (satisfies °ä°¿¸é·¡Ìý1900) 3
ÌýCredits13-14
Spring
°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1480
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1485
Principles of Chemistry 2 Lecture
and Principles of Chemistry 2 Lab
4
COREÌý1500 Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community 1
COREÌý1200 Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication 3
±á³§°ä±õÌý2200 Medical Terminology 3
²Ñ´¡°Õ±áÌý1320 Survey of Calculus 3
±Ê³§³ÛÌý1010
or ³§°¿°äÌý1100
General Psychology (satisfies COREÌý3600)
or Introduction to Sociology
3
ÌýCredits17
Year Two
Fall
±á°ä·¡Ìý1600 Embodiment, Life, and Death in Context (or any other approved medical ethics) 3
±á³§°ä±õÌý2000 The US Health Care System 3
±á³§°ä±õÌý3300
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý±á³§°ä±õÌý3310
Anatomy & Physiology I
and Anatomy & Physiology I Lab
4
±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1220
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1235
General Physics I
and General Physics I Lab
4
ÌýCredits14
Spring
COREÌý1700 Ultimate Questions: Philosophy 3
COREÌý2500 Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation 0
±á³§°ä±õÌý3400
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý±á³§°ä±õÌý3410
Anatomy and Physiology Lecture II
and Anatomy & Physiology II Lab
4
±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1240
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1255
General Physics II
and General Physics II Lab
4
³§°Õ´¡°ÕÌý1300 Elementary Statistics with Computers (satisfies COREÌý3200) 3
ÌýCredits14
Year Three
Fall
±á±õ²ÑÌý4750 Fundamentals of Clinical Medicine 3
±á³§°ä±õÌý3200 Aspects of Health Law 3
±á³§°ä±õÌý3700 Research Methods (Critical course: Ìýsatisfies COREÌý4000) 3
COREÌý3400 Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture 3
ÌýCredits12
Spring
COREÌý2800 Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression 2-3
±á³§°ä±õÌý2100 Health Care Management 3
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4000 Nuclear Medicine Procedures I 3
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4100 Radiation Protection 3
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4350 Nuclear Medicine Information Systems 3
ÌýCredits14-15
Year Four
Fall
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4310 Radiation Physics 2
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4320 Radiochemistry and Radiopharmacy 3
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4330 Nuclear Med Instrumentation 3
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4340 Nuclear Medicine Technology Procedures II 3
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4700 Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practicum I (Reflection-in-Action in development) 4
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4710 Nuclear Medicine Senior Seminar I (CP3 in development) 1
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4800 Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practicum II (taken in the Winter Session) 2
ÌýCredits18
Spring
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4430 Emerging Technologies 3
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4900 Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practicum III 12
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4910 Senior Seminar II 2
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4960 Capstone in Nuclear Medicine 1
ÌýCredits18
ÌýTotal Credits120-122

Second Baccalaureate Degree Option

Foundation Courses
Theology or Religion3
Medical Ethics3
Written Composition3
COREÌý1200Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication3
Arts (Fine, Performing, Art History or equivalent)3
Humanities3
Natural or Applied Science3
Social or Behavioral Science3
Quantitative Reasoning3
Humanities or Social/Behavioral Science3
Pre-Requisite Requirements
°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1080
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1085
Principles of Chemistry 1 Lecture
and Principles of Chemistry 1 Lab
4
°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1480
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý°ä±á·¡²ÑÌý1485
Principles of Chemistry 2 Lecture
and Principles of Chemistry 2 Lab
4
±á³§°ä±õÌý3300
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý±á³§°ä±õÌý3310
Anatomy & Physiology I
and Anatomy & Physiology I Lab
4
±á³§°ä±õÌý3400
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý±á³§°ä±õÌý3410
Anatomy and Physiology Lecture II
and Anatomy & Physiology II Lab
4
±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1220
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1235
General Physics I
and General Physics I Lab
4
²Ñ´¡°Õ±áÌý1320Survey of Calculus3
±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1240
&²¹³¾±è;Ìý±Ê±á³Û³§Ìý1255
General Physics II
and General Physics II Lab
4
HCEÌý1700Death, Disability, Disease, and the Meaning of Life (or other approved Medical Ethics)3
Total Credits60

Courses to Be Taken at ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4310 Radiation Physics 2
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4320 Radiochemistry and Radiopharmacy 3
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4330 Nuclear Med Instrumentation 3
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4340 Nuclear Medicine Technology Procedures II 3
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4700 Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practicum I 4
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4710 Nuclear Medicine Senior Seminar I 1
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4800 Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practicum II (Taken in Winter Session) 2
ÌýCredits18
Spring
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4000 Nuclear Medicine Procedures I 3
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4100 Radiation Protection 3
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4350 Nuclear Medicine Information Systems 3
ÌýCredits9
Year Two
Spring
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4430 Emerging Technologies 3
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4900 Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practicum III 12
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4910 Senior Seminar II 2
±·²Ñ°ÕÌý4960 Capstone in Nuclear Medicine 1
ÌýCredits18
ÌýTotal Credits45

Second Degree Option Notes

Successful completion leads to a second baccalaureate degree in nuclear medicine technology. This option is for a student who already possesses a bachelor’s degree and is motivated to become a practicing nuclear medicine technologist in an accelerated time frame.

To be considered for the second baccalaureate degree option, the applicant must have satisfactorily completed a baccalaureate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7 (on a 4.0 scale), including the prerequisite courses listed above.

The applicant must complete the application for the professional year and submit official transcripts of prior college work through the SLU admission website.

The applicant must show satisfactory evidence of good character and physical ability to perform the functions of the nuclear medicine technologist. All applicants must meet the professional performance and technical standards required by the profession. Students must also successfully complete a drug screen and criminal background check prior to the start of the professional year.

Application to the second baccalaureate option is via a competitive application process, with admission granted on a space-available basis. The selection process includes a personal interview for qualified applicants.

Selection Factors

Among the parameters considered by the selection committee are:

  • Applicant’s academic potential as evidenced by previous performance in college
  • Specific motivation toward the pursuit of a health care profession
  • Evidence of sound judgment
  • Interpersonal and communication skills
  • Job shadowing in a nuclear medicine department is highly recommended

2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution.Ìý

Apply for ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø

Contact Doisy College of Health Sciences
Recruitment specialist
314-977-2570
dchs@health.slu.edu