Nuclear Medicine Technology

In Collaboration with Bellevue College

Nuclear medicine is a branch of radiology that uses radioactive materials to image the body and in some cases to cause a therapeutic effect. Nuclear medicine technologists prepare radioactive drugs and administer them to patients for imaging or therapeutic purposes. They work in hospitals, imaging centers and sometimes in physician offices.

The program is a full-time, six consecutive quarter (18-month) program beginning in the fall of each academic year. Students enroll at Bellevue College for the core of the program and take the required Nuclear Medicine course work via distance education at CBC. Students complete the required clinical internship at clinical facilities in the Tri-City area.
  • CBC, in collaboration with Bellevue College, offers the opportunity to obtain an Associate of Arts degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology to a limited number of students.

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 patient procedures and their risks
  • Take patient histories
  • Analyze the results of each study
  • Work with a number of radiation detection systems, including gamma cameras and positron emission tomography systems
  • Work with computers that analyze data from imaging studies in addition to those used for administrative tasks
  • Work directly with patients helping to ease their anxiety
  • 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.

This exciting healthcare field is experiencing faster than average growth as America’s population ages. Additionally, Washington State is one of the top paying state for this occupation!

Contact:  
Jennifer Prekeges, Bellevue College
Nuclear Medicine Technology Program Chair
Jennifer.prekeges@bellevuecollege.edu
425-564-2475
 

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 prerequisite 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 College Nuclear Medicine Technology. Bring the completed form to the first interview.

3. Apply for college admissions. If you are new to Bellevue College or have not attended in the last four academic quarters, you must apply for college admission in addition to applying to the program. Note: To avoid paying an additional fee for the college application, you should apply for the college through the Apply Online link on this website when you submit your Nuclear Medicine Technology program application.

4. Application packet must include the following:
      a. Transcripts from all colleges you have attended
      b. Radiologic Sciences and Imaging programs application
      c. Current resume
      d. Reference letter from an employer (not a professor unless you were employed by them)
      e. A personal statement indicating why you are interested in becoming a nuclear medicine technologist and;
      f. $40 application fee

5. Mail application packet to: 
    Radiation and Imaging Sciences, A242
    Bellevue College
    3000 Landerholm Circle SE
    Bellevue, WA 98007-6484

Most nuclear medicine technologists work in hospitals. However, some will work in:

  • Physician’s office
  • Medical and Diagnostic laboratories
  • Imaging clinics


In a hospital setting, a nuclear medicine technologist may advance into these positions:

  • Lead technologist
  • Nuclear medicine supervisor
  • Advanced medical imaging manager
  • Radiology department administrator


Other areas of practice that nuclear medicine technologists may move into, depending on education level and/or advanced training:

  • Health physics
  • Medical physics
  • Applications technologist (e.g., for a company selling nuclear medicine equipment)
  • Research
  • Faculty for a nuclear medicine technology program

 

contact

Health Science Building exterior