Nuclear Medicine

Bachelor’s degree

Nuclear medicine is an important field for diagnosing and treating cancer, among other medical issues. Technologists use radioactive tracers to conduct imaging tests like CT and PET scans. These images can be used to assess the function and state of health of many of the body’s internal organs. In some cases, similar compounds may be used to treat some forms of cancer.

The Bachelor of Health Science in Clinical & Diagnostic Sciences with an emphasis in Nuclear Medicine prepares you to become a licensed nuclear medicine technologist.

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Nuclear Medicine is a branch of medicine specializing in the use of radionuclides for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. It uses extremely small amounts of radioactively labeled compounds (most often injected into a vein in the arm) in order to produce clinical images used to assess the function and state of health of many of the body’s internal organs; in some cases similar compounds may be used to treat some forms of cancer.

Length of study

  • Pre-professional Phase — 2 years to complete general education requirements of MU and program prerequisites
  • Professional Phase — 24 months (2 years) to complete the professional phase

Professional certification

Graduates are eligible to sit for board exams through NMTCB and ARRT. More about NMTCB credentialing.

Careers in nuclear medicine

Most nuclear medicine technologists work in hospitals. Some work in physicians’ offices, diagnostic laboratories, or imaging clinics. The median annual wage for nuclear medicine technologists was $78,760 in May 2021.

Course work

Students typically begin the Nuclear Medicine program fall semester of their junior year.

Curriculum

Learn about required courses and other program requirements, including a sample semester-by-semester plan of study.

Advising worksheet

Students may use the Nuclear Medicine advising worksheet as a guide, but advising through the School of Health Professions Student Services is highly recommended

Admission

Important dates

  • Program entrance date — Fall semester (typically junior year)
  • Application deadline — Dec. 1 of each year

To apply for the program, you must complete the general education requirements, major prerequisites and be a college sophomore in good standing prior to starting the Nuclear Medicine program. Certain requirements may be waived for those applicants with a previous bachelor or associate of arts degree.

Make an appointment with a Health Sciences Student Services advisor for additional information on general education and program prerequisites.

High school seniors and first-semester MU freshmen may be eligible to apply for early admission to the Nuclear Medicine program.

Admission and application

Learn more about admissions criteria and how to apply.

Costs and financial aid

Get cost estimates and information about funding your education.

Accreditation

JRCNMT Accredited Program Badge

The University of Missouri Nuclear Medicine program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology

JRCNMT
820 W. Danforth Rd., #B1
Edmond, OK 73003
(405) 285-0546
mail@jrcnmt.org

Program outcomes and student learning objectives

Certification Boards

Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB)
3558 Habersham at Northlake, Building I
Tucker, GA 3008-4009
(404) 315-1739
board@nmtcb.org

American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)
15000 Central Ave. SE
Albuquerque, NM 87123-3909
(800) 444-2778
memberservices@asrt.org

University of Missouri Institutional Accreditation is provided by
The Higher Learning Commission
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602-2504
(800) 621-7440