Nuclear Medicine Technology - Columbia Basin College

Nuclear Medicine Technology from Columbia Basin College is a Campus Associate Nuclear Engineering degree that prepares you for a Engineering career. Program Overview Nuclear medicine is the medical specialty that utilizes the nuclear properties of radioactive and stable nuclides to make diagnostic evaluations of the physiologic and/or anatomic conditions of the body and to provide therapy with unsealed radioactive sources. A nuclear medicine technologist is an allied health professional who, under the direction of an authorized user, is committed to applying the art and skill of diagnostic evaluation and therapeutics through the safe and effective use of radionuclides. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: preparation, quality control testing, and administration of radioactive compounds; execution of patient imaging procedures including computer processing and image enhancement; laboratory testing; patient interviews; instruction and preparation for administration of prescribed radioactive compounds for therapy; quality control; and radiation safety. Columbia Basin College, in collaboration with Bellevue Community College, offers the opportunity to obtain an Associate of Arts degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology to a limited number of students. The program is a full-time, six consecutive quarter (18 month) program beginning in the fall of each academic year. Students enroll at Bellevue Community College for the core of the program and take the required Nuclear Medicine course work at Columbia Basin College . Students complete the required clinical internship at clinical facilities in the Tri-City area. The curriculum prepares students in all aspects of nuclear medicine technology. In addition to performing a wide variety of imaging and therapeutic procedures, students learn to prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals, explain the procedures and their risks, take patient histories, and analyze the results of each study. Students work with a number of radiation detection systems, including gamma cameras and positron emission tomography systems. They also work with computers that analyze data from imaging studies in addition to those used for administrative tasks. Most importantly, students work directly with patients helping to ease their anxiety as well as provide important test result information for physician diagnosis of their ailments. Upon successful program completion, students are eligible for national certification exams as well as Washington state licensure. View more details on Columbia Basin College . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Nuclear Engineering courses.