Undergraduate
Nuclear Medicine Technology
Robert Morris University offers the only four-year nuclear medicine program in the Pittsburgh area. Designed to reflect the Institute of Medicine's vision for the future of health care, the program emphasizes both digital technology and new imaging applications.
The nuclear medicine program is organized in imaging studies tracks that provide specific instruction in areas such as nuclear medicine technology, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Each is meant to prepare you for the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or American Registry of Radiological Technologists (ARRT) certification exam. You can also pursue additional certifications in imaging technologies such as MRI, CT, and positron emission tomography (PET). RMU's experienced faculty members will work closely with you to help your fulfill additional clinical requirements, and our excellent facilities will give you the kind of hands-on experience that will enable you to hit the ground running upon graduation.
Goals of the nuclear medicine technology program:
- Educate individuals to become high quality nuclear medicine technologists.
- Prepare students to achieve satisfactory results on the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Boards and the American Registry of Radiological Technologists.
- Develop professionals who become future leaders in the ever-changing field of nuclear medicine.
- Fulfill the need for nuclear medicine technologists in the local and regional communities.
Employment prospects for nuclear medicine technologists are excellent. The U.S. Department of Labor projects faster than average growth in this sector through 2014 as the population ages and technology continues to evolve. Western Pennsylvania is home to nearly 75 hospitals, and since RMU is the first and only school in the region offering a four-year degree in this field, our graduates will hold a strong competitive advantage in the local job market.
About two-thirds of all nuclear medicine technologist jobs are in hospitals; the rest are in physicians’ offices or in medical and diagnostic laboratories. Employment in this field is expected to increase by 16 percent through 2018, thanks advances in technology, the development of new treatments, and an increase in the number of primary users of diagnostic and treatment procedures (i.e., middle-aged people and the elderly).
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Statistics for Nuclear Medicine Technologists taken from the Occupational Outlook Handbook - Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2009. |
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Profile by Industry |
Employment |
Annual Mean Wage |
|
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals |
13,970 |
$67,750 |
|
Offices of Physicians |
5,110 |
$71,070 |
|
Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories |
1,410 |
$68,150 |
|
Outpatient Care Centers |
340 |
$65,210 |
|
Employment Services |
220 |
$60,630 |
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According to Payscale.com, the U.S. national average salary in 2009 for a nuclear medicine technologist with one to four years of experience ranged from $40,834 to $65,985. |
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To receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology at Robert Morris University, students must earn a total of 128.0 credit hours.
Each course in the Nuclear Medicine Technology major is a prerequisite for the subsequent course.
If a student earns a non-passing grade in any one course with the NMED prefix, the student will be dismissed from the Nuclear Medicine Technology program.
Below is a typical four-year course of study for nuclear medicine technology students, including major requirements and electives. Your own schedule will vary based on your own interests.
| FRESHMAN/Fall Semester | FRESHMAN/Spring Semester |
| Chemistry I (plus lab) | Physics for Allied Health (plus lab) |
| College Math | General Psychology |
| Principles of Biology (plus lab) | A & P I (plus lab) |
| Communication Skills I | Communication Skills II |
| SOPHOMORE/Fall Semester | SOPHOMORE/Spring Semester |
| A & P II (plus lab) | Nuclear Medicine Physics |
| Survey of Economics | Healthcare Informatics |
| Communication Skills II | Communication Skills IV |
| Principles of Sociology | Microbiology (plus lab) |
| Statistics | Pathophysiology |
| JUNIOR/Fall Semester | JUNIOR/Spring Semester |
| Instrument Tech & Techniques | Radiopharmacy Techniques |
| Eval and Instruction | Nuc. Med. Tech & Techniques |
| Radiopharmacy | Fundamentals of Health Care Admin |
| Pharmacodynamics | Instrumentation QC I |
| Humanities: Art and Music | PET Tech and Techniques |
| Radiation Safety in Nuc. Med. | Radiation Biology |
| Summer Term |
|
| Clinical Practice I | |
| Instrument & QC II | |
| Computer Apps in Nuc. Medicine | |
| Seminar I | |
| SENIOR/Fall Semester | SENIOR/Spring Semester |
| Nuclear Cardiology | History/Political Science |
| Clinical Practice I | CT Technology |
| Clinical Practice II | MRI Technology |
| Clinical Practice III | Literature |
| Clinical Practice IV | Advanced Imaging Modalities |
| Seminar I | |
| PET Clinical Practice and Research |
Our curricula are designed to enhance student knowledge in all aspects of nuclear medicine technology. Integration of the didactic curricula with the clinical comprises the essential component of this degree. We are committed to equip students with the opportunity to enhance their applied knowledge and increase their abilities to emerge as leaders in the field of nuclear medicine technology.
RMU recognizes the evolving needs of the health care delivery systems by offering the student academic concentrations, didactic courses and appropriate laboratory courses compatible with the standards set forth by the Joint Review Commission on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology. We have created a unique atmosphere conducive to student learning in which the student experiences a hands-on approach in our newly constructed Nuclear Medicine Learning Lab.
As a result of this practical experience, the student will be prepared for transition to diverse clinical venues. Additionally, the student will receive appropriate training with the use of radiopharmaceuticals to diagnose and treat some diseases.
The faculty of the nuclear medicine technology program recognizes the evolving needs of the health care delivery systems by offering the student academic concentrations, didactic courses and appropriate laboratory courses compatible to the standards set forth by the Joint Review Commission on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology.
The SNHS faculty members are committed to providing opportunities for the students to be fully engaged in their college experience. Our high quality, practicing faculty members are acutely aware of the current healthcare environment and provide expert guidance for students navigating through the changing milieu of best practice for their patients.
Scholarships are available based upon academic achievement.
For freshmen, high school grade point average and ACT/SAT scores are used. For transfer students, the cumulative grade point average of all college courses is used. Scholarships range from $1000 per year up to full tuition. (To calculate your scholarship eligibility, click here.)
Higher education is an investment in your future.
At Robert Morris University, we will work closely with you to show you how to finance your education through a combination of need-based financial aid, scholarships, and financing strategies to make your education attainable. RMU has one of the lowest tuition rates of all private institutions in the state, but we know that financing your education can be complicated, and your family might need help in understanding your options.
Talk to us—we can help!
Email us at finaid@rmu.edu
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