Nuclear Medicine
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:
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· Humanities elective Cr. 3 |
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Total Credits: 60 |
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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.
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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.
