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Nuclear Medicine Technology Degree |
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.
Nuclear Medicine Technology Course Sequence
Nuclear Medicine Technology Course Descriptions
Program Outcomes
Program Pre-requisites| Columbia Basin College | Bellevue Community College |
| PHYS& 121, PHYS& 122, and PHYS& 123 | PHYS 114, 115, and 116 |
| MATH& 141 | MATH& 141 |
| CHEM& 121, and CHEM& 131 | CHEM& 121, and CHEM& 131 |
| BIOL& 241/241L, and BIOL& 242/242L | BIOL& 241/241L, and BIOL& 242/242L |
| ENGL& 101 | ENGL& 101 |
Application and Acceptance
Acceptance to the Nuclear Medicine program is selective and competitive. Applications are available on December 1 each year and are due at the end of February. Applicants are screened according to academic performance and timely completion of pre-requisite courses and a two step interview process. The program chair makes the final selection of students after all transcript screening and interview evaluation is completed by the acceptance committee. Course work begins in the fall after acceptance.
Steps in the Application Process:
| 1. | Attend an Information Session (required to apply; no reservations necessary) |
| 2. | Make an appointment to observe at least two nuclear medicine departments, including at least one that is affiliated with the program. A form for documenting your visits is available on the program website: Bellevue Community College Nuclear Medicine Technology. Bring the completed form to the first interview. |
| 3. | Application packet must include the following: |
| | a. Transcripts from all colleges you have attended |
| | b. If you are not a current Bellevue Community College student, print and fill out the BCC application from the BCC website. Do NOT complete this application online. Please mail it with your completed Radiologic Sciences and Imaging programs application and other application documents. |
| | c. Radiologic Sciences and Imaging programs application |
| | d. Current resume |
| | e. Reference letter from an employer (not a professor unless you were employed by that person) |
| | f. A personal statement indicating why you are interested in becoming a nuclear medicine technologist |
| | g. $40 application fee |
| 4. | Mail application packet to:
Radiation and Imaging Sciences, A251
Bellevue Community College
3000 Landerholm Circle SE
Bellevue, WA 98007-6484 |
2009 Nuclear Medicine Technology Application (will be available in December 2008)
Information and Assistance
For more information regarding the Nuclear Medicine Technology program and application instructions, please visit: Bellevue Community College Nuclear Medicine Technology
For information or assistance in preparing for the Nuclear Medicine program, please contact the following:
Christina Martinez
Program Coordinator
Medical Imaging Technology Programs
(509) 544-8306
cmartinez@columbiabasin.edu
Health Sciences Division office
(509) 544-8300
For questions or comments about this page, please contact
Christina Martinez, Medical Imaging Program Coordinator, 509-544-8306
