This occupation is part of the Healthcare Practitioner and Technical cluster
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About the Job
Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.
It is also Called
- Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT)
- Isotope Technician
- Isotope Technologist
- Medical Radiation Dosimetrist
- Nuclear Cardiology Technologist
- Nuclear Medical Technologist
- Nuclear Medicine Technician
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist
- Radiation Safety Officer
- Radioisotope Technician
What They Do
- Administer radiopharmaceuticals or radiation intravenously to detect or treat diseases, using radioisotope equipment, under direction of a physician.
- Detect and map radiopharmaceuticals in patients' bodies, using a camera to produce photographic or computer images.
- Produce a computer-generated or film image for interpretation by a physician.
- Calculate, measure, and record radiation dosage or radiopharmaceuticals received, used, and disposed, using computer and following physician's prescription.
- Perform quality control checks on laboratory equipment or cameras.
- Maintain and calibrate radioisotope and laboratory equipment.
- Dispose of radioactive materials and store radiopharmaceuticals, following radiation safety procedures.
- Process cardiac function studies, using computer.
- Prepare stock radiopharmaceuticals, adhering to safety standards that minimize radiation exposure to workers and patients.
- Record and process results of procedures.
Interests
People who work in this occupation generally have the interest code: IRS.
This means people who work in this occupation generally have Investigative interests, but also prefer Realistic and Social environments.
Work Values
People who work in this occupation generally prize Relationships, but also value Support and Achievement in their jobs.
Things They Need to Know
- Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Medicine and Dentistry - Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
- Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Things They Need to Be Able to Do
- Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Education Required
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Wages
In 2012, the average annual wage in California was $91,920 with most people making between $62,290 and $121,620
Outlook
During 2010, this occupation employed approximately 1,600 people in California. It is projected that there will be 1,800 employed in 2020.
This occupation will have about 20 openings due to growth and about 30 replacement openings for approximately 50 total annual openings.
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