Nuclear Medicine Technology

Affiliated with Montefiore The University Hospital for the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

This rewarding technology field involves collaboration and interactions with highly specialized people, the operation of sophisticated instruments, and excellent salaries. Nuclear Medicine is a branch of medical imaging that uses radioactive isotopes for the diagnosis and treatment of certain diseases.

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist prepares and administers the correct the radioisotope doses, positions the patients under the gamma camera and produces images that are then interpreted by a physician

.BCC’s affiliated clinical sites include Montefiore Medical Center, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York Presbyterian, St. Barnabas Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Under supervision, students perform scans of the liver, bone, brain, kidneys, and the heart and cardiovascular system. Several sites perform Position Emission Tomography. The Nuclear Medicine Technology program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT), nationally recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

The minimum acceptable cumulative G.P.A. for applying to the Nuclear Medicine Technology program is 2.7 (B-). For students transferring from another college, grades received from transferred courses will be used in the calculation of their effective index. Transferred courses may not include NMT designated courses.

Once students have been accepted to the Nuclear Medicine Program, students must pass each didactic NMT class with a C+ or better and each clinical class with a B- or better. If students do not receive the required minimum grade, they are subject to program dismissal. For full policies on NMT program admission, retention, and graduation, please consult the BCC Codification of Academic Rules and Regulations at http://www.bcc.cuny.edu/academics/academic-rules-regulations/

Upon the completion of the program at Bronx Community College, students are required to pass one of two national registry examinations to become identified as a Registered Nuclear Medicine Technologist and to practice as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. Further study in this field is possible in institutions offering a baccalaureate degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology. The program articulates with New York City College of Technology and SUNY Empire State College. Visit the Transfer Planning web site for more information.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Nuclear Medicine Technology program requirements, students will be able to:

1. Ensure appropriate sequence for multiple procedures and interact with appropriate health care personnel regarding special orders.

2. Inspect inventory of radiopharmaceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and supplies to ensure that adequate quantities are available to complete scheduled procedures.

3. Obtain pertinent medical history, including any previous imaging procedures, to assist in performing the study and physician interpretation.

4. Take appropriate measures to minimize radiation exposure to patient (i.e., Image Wisely, Image Gently).

5. Use appropriate precautions to minimize occupational radiation exposure (i.e., ALARA).

6. Verify that the radiopharmaceutical is correct for the procedure to be performed prior to administrating the dose.

7. Determine appropriate dosage to be administered.

8. Record patient and radiopharmaceutical information to comply with regulatory requirements.

9. Interpret results of instrumentation quality control tests to assure that performance standards are met.

10. Annotate images with information necessary for identification and interpretation.

Nuclear Medicine Graduate Outcomes

Percentage of Students Successfully Passing, on the First Attempt, the The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) Accreditation Exams:

Average Graduation Rate: 58%