Nuclear Medicine TechnologyImage of Nuclear Image

 

At IPFW you may complete two years toward the Bachelor of Science in nuclear medicine technology. You must apply and be admitted to the nuclear medicine technology program at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) to complete the degree. Completion of IPFW course work does not guarantee admission to the IUPUI program. Graduates receive their degree from the IU School of Medicine.

Overview

Nuclear medicine is a medical specialty in which the nuclear properties of radioactive materials are used for diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Prerequisite Courses

Prior to entering IUPUI’s nuclear medicine technology program, the student must complete the minimum prerequisites. These prerequisites may be completed at IPFW. Students should consult with an IPFW health sciences advisor for appropriate courses and semester sequencing.

Suggested Electives

Math/science elective: Natural, mathematical or computer science, first aid, nature of cancer, and nutrition. IUPUI allows students to replace MA 153 and MA 154 with four credit hours of advanced calculus. Students must earn a total of 20 credit hours in physical and biological sciences.

IUPUI Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

 

Total Number of Prerequisite Credit Hours

60     These may be completed at IPFW.

Class Size

Seven each summer session II (late June).

Criteria Used for Selection of Class

Cumulative grade point average, mathematics and science grade point average, interview.

Application Deadline

November 15 of the year prior to desired entry.

Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average

2.80 on a 4.00 scale. This requirement is applied at the time of program application and must be maintained. The grades from all college courses taken, including remedial courses and courses that do not meet prerequisite requirements, are considered when calculating the minimum cumulative grade point average.

Minimum Specific Grade Point Average

2.50 on a 4.00 scale for life and physical science course work. This requirement is applied at the time of program application and must be maintained. The grades from all college life and physical sciences courses taken, including remedial courses and courses that do not meet prerequisite requirements, are considered when calculating the minimum specific grade point average.

Minimum Grade Requirement in a Stated Prerequisite Course

C (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or a composite grade for a two-course lecture/lab sequence.

Technical Standards

See IUPUI Health Professions Programs policy.

Interview

Qualified applicants must participate in an interview. Interviews are conducted in January or early February.

Clinical Observation

Applicants must observe in a nuclear medicine facility before the admission interview.

The details of your prerequisite course work should be discussed with an IPFW health sciences advisor. You are also encouraged to consult an advisor at the IUPUI campus to discuss the degree by calling (317)278-4752 or by e-mail at askhpp@iupui.edu. The most current program information is found at http://msa.iusm.iu.edu/hpp/.

At IPFW you may complete the following courses:

 

  • BIOL 105 - Medical Terminology Cr. 1.
  • ETCS 106 - Introduction to Computers Cr. 3.
  • ENG W131 - Elementary Composition I Cr. 3.
  • ENG W233 - Intermediate Expository Writing Cr. 3.
  • PSY 120 - Elementary Psychology Cr. 3.


Choose one of the following Credits: 3

  • COM 114 - Fundamentals of Speech Communication Cr. 3.
  • COM 212 - Approaches to the Study of Interpersonal Communication Cr. 3.


Choose one of the following Credits: 5-6

  • MA 159 - Precalculus Cr. 5.

 

Or select:

 

  • MA 153 - Algebra and Trigonometry I Cr. 3.
  • and
  • MA 154 - Algebra and Trigonometry II Cr. 3.


Choose one of the following sequences Credits: 8

  • BIOL 203 - Human Anatomy and Physiology Cr. 4.
  • and
  • BIOL 204 - Human Anatomy and Physiology Cr. 4.

 

Or select:

 

  • BIOL 215 - Basic Human Anatomy Cr. 4.
  • and
  • BIOL 216 - Basic Mammalian Physiology Cr. 4.


Choose one of the following sequences Credits: 6-8

  • CHM 111 - General Chemistry Cr. 3.
  • and
  • CHM 112 - General Chemistry Cr. 3.

 

Or select:

 

  • CHM 115 - General Chemistry Cr. 4.
  • and
  • CHM 116 - General Chemistry Cr. 4.


Choose one of the following Credits: 3-5

  • PHYS 131 - Concepts in Physics I Cr. 3.
  • PHYS 201 - General Physics I Cr. 5.
  • PHYS 218 - General Physics Cr. 4.
  • PHYS 220 - General Physics Cr. 4.


Electives:

·  Humanities elective  Cr. 3
·  Social/Behavioral science elective  Cr. 3
·  Electives to bring total credits in physical and biological science to a minimum of 20
·  General electives to bring total credits to 60

Total Credits: 60

 

A Suggested Plan of Study

The following is a suggested two-year plan for taking the Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Medicine Technology prerequisites. Variations of this schedule can be made. Please check with your advisor to be sure all admission requirements are met.

Semester 1 Courses
Credit Hours
ENG W 131
3 cr
MA 153
3 cr
CHM 115 ( See NOTE)
4 cr
COM 114 or 212
3 cr
Elective
3 cr
Total
16 cr
Semester 2 Courses
Credit Hours
ENG W233
3 cr
CHM 116 (See NOTE)
4 cr
MA 154
3 cr
*Math/Science elective
3-5 cr
BIOL 105
1 cr
Total
14-16 cr
Semester 3 Courses (IUPUI application by Nov 15 of year before application entry)
Credit Hours
PSY 120
3 cr
BIOL 203 or 215
4 cr
ETCS 106
3 cr
General electives
6 cr
Total
16 cr
Semester 4 Courses
Credit Hours
COM 114 or 212
3 cr
BIOL 119
4 cr
CHM 116
4 cr
Electives
3 cr
Total
14 cr

NOTE: Students can either take CHM 115 or 116 or CHM 111 and 112 plus an additional Physical and Biological Science course for the Elementary Chemistry I and II prerequisite requirements.

 

+Social/Behavioral Science elective (3 cr), Humanities elective (3 cr), and Medical Terminology (1-2 cr) can be completed either prior to or during the professional program. If these courses are not completed prior to entry, other electives must be completed to bring the total credit hours to 60 credits.

 

**Must have a minimum of 20 total credit hours from Physical and Biological Sciences.

 

 

Suggested Electives

*Math/Science elective: Any natural , mathematical or computer science, first aid, nature of cancer, or nutrition course. This could include biology, chemistry, physics, math, statistics, computer science, computer technology, first aid (HPER), human nutrition (HPER), or PSY B105 at IUPUI (if not already taken to fulfill the psychology requirements).

**IUPUI does allow students to replace MA 153 and MA 154 with four hours of advanced calculus.

 

For questions regarding IPFW course requirements, contact:

 

Student Success Center
IPFW - College of Health and Human Services

Wayne Williams, Advisor
Neff Hall Room 120B
Phone: (260)481-0144

 

For additional IUPUI information:
www.iupui.edu

Contact:

Professor Sarah Baker, Nuclear Medicine Admissions Advisor
IUPUI
Clinical Building 120
541 N Clinical Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5111
Phone: (317)274-3802
Fax: (317)274-4074
E-mail: ssbaker2@iupui.edu

Or
Judy Kosegi, Educational Director, Nuclear Medicine Technology Program
E-mail: jkosegi@iupui.edu

 

IUPUI Program Facts

Length of the Program

A new class begins Summer Session II each year and continues for 22 months.

Structure of the Program

The curriculum is designed for persons with no previous experience in nuclear medicine, although experienced technologists may apply for admission. During the junior year, students have classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday plus eight hours of clinical practicum on each Tuesday and Thursday and four hours on Friday mornings. Senior students have eight hours of clinical practicum on each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday plus classes on Tuesday and Thursday. Clinical practicums may also require some evening and off-hour assignments.

Design of the Professional Curriculum

The lecture material and clinical experiences are integrated.

Location of Clinicals

Students obtain clinical experience in the nuclear medicine areas of radiology departments located in University, Riley, Wishard and Veterans Administration hospitals. Other clinical education sites in the Indianapolis area may also be used.

Program Facilities

The nuclear medicine technology program is offered in Indianapolis at the Indiana University Medical Center. The offices, classrooms, and library are located on the first floor of the Clinical Building.

Opportunity for Students to Work

Some part-time employment may be available in the radiology departments at the Indiana University Medical Center. There are no restrictions on the hours a student may work during the program as long as work does not interfere with program requirements. However, the student must recognize that the professional curriculum requires approximately 25 to 35 clock hours per week of on-campus participation in classroom, laboratory, and clinical course work. Study time and completion of general education courses must also be considered. While most of the professional course activities are scheduled during daytime hours Monday through Friday, there are some clinical experiences that may require student participation during evenings or other off hours. Please contact the program for more information.

Employment Facts

Employment opportunities are available in hospitals, clinics, private industry, management, education, research facilities and government. Salaries of Nuclear Medicine Technologists vary according to location, employer, supplemental benefits, work experience, responsibilities and level of education. Average starting salaries range from $40,000 to $75,000 per year.

Graduates of the Program

The graduate Nuclear Medicine Technologist is qualified to provide patient diagnostic and therapeutic services using ionizing radiation in the form of gamma rays, X rays and beta rays. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree and are eligible to take the certification examination of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) to become certified as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist, R.T.(N) or C.N.M.T.

Credential Required to Practice

R.T.(N)(ARRT), Registered Nuclear Medicine Technologist or C.N.M.T. (NMTCB), Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist.

Licensure Requirements to Practice

State certification is required to operate an X-ray machine. The state accepts the ARRT Registry for Certification.

Program Accreditation

The bachelor degree program in nuclear medicine technology is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology.