Nuclear Medicine
| Department of Dental and Imaging Technology |
(361) 698-2858 |
The Nuclear Medicine Technology Program combines academic study with clinical laboratory experience at affiliated hospitals. Graduates of the program may find employment in the areas of nuclear imaging, nuclear cardiology, radiopharmacy, and radiation quality control.
A Nuclear Medicine Technologist, skilled in the diagnostic and therapeutic use of radiopharmaceuticals, is a health care professional who either gives these materials to a patient orally or who injects these materials into a patient’s bloodstream so the materials will concentrate in a specific organ or system of the individual.
The technologist measures the structure and function of an organ in the body through photography with scintillation cameras and computers.
Del Mar College is an open admissions college; however, acceptance into the Nuclear Medicine Technology Program is by selection. Positions in this program are limited, so program faculty are not able to accept all applicants into the program who meet basic admission requirements. Admissions decisions will be made on the applicant’s ranking through a point system.
A student seeking entry into Nuclear Medicine Technology Program must file a specific program application form and complete additional admission procedures as required. Students may not take any of the major NMTT courses until accepted into the program.
A graduate of the Program who earns an Associate in Applied Science Degree is eligible to take the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Examination and/or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam. To practice in Texas, a Nuclear Medicine Technologist must be certified by the Texas Department of Health. A graduate of the program is eligible to receive a 1-year temporary certificate from the state.
Eligibility for certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) includes the following: Candidates must comply with the Rules of Ethics contained in the ARRT Standards of Ethics. One issue addressed by the Rules of Ethics is the conviction of a crime, including a felony, a gross misdemeanor or a misdemeanor with the sole exception of speeding and parking violations. For additional information, contact ARRT, 1255 Northland Drive, St.Paul, MN 55120-1155; (651) 687-0048.
In addition to the requirements of the College, applicants must provide the following information to the Nuclear Medicine Technology Program office before March 1 of the year admission is desired, and meet the following requirements:
- completed Nuclear Medicine Technology Program application portfolio;
- supply the Nuclear Medicine Technology Program and the Registrar’s Office with official copies of high school or GED transcripts and college transcripts;
- have a minimum grade point average of 2.0
- Hospital Site Visit documentation form properly signed and dated
- be eligible to make application to take the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board exam and/or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (Nuclear) exam
If admitted into the program, a background check and drug testing is required as mandated by our accrediting agency and clinical affiliates. A physical exam and current CPR card must be submitted prior to the first day of class.
Contact the program office for further information at (361) 698-2830.