Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis

The graduate nuclear medicine technologist is qualified to provide patient diagnostic and therapeutic services using ionizing radiation in the form of gamma rays, X rays, and beta particles. These radiations emanate from radioactive materials. Nuclear medicine technologists perform patient organ imaging and counting procedures, and some therapeutic applications of radioactive materials. Effective nuclear medicine technologists use principles of radiation protection as they prepare and administer radioactive materials for a variety of examinations. They are capable of performing quality control procedures on the instrumentation and radioactive materials. Nuclear medicine technologists also assist physicians in clinical procedures, give intravenous injections, draw blood, assess the technical quality of the studies, and provide basic patient care. The nuclear medicine technologist must function as a member of the health care team.