Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Nuclear medicine technologists prepare and administer radioactive materials to patients for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic treatment. They work in hospitals, imaging centers, and clinics, using specialized equipment to track how radioactive isotopes move through the body. Technologists calculate precise doses, monitor patients during procedures, and ensure safety protocols are followed.
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A day in the work
Nuclear medicine technologists begin by preparing radioactive solutions in shielded labs, calculating doses based on physician orders and patient factors. They greet patients, explain procedures, and administer radioactive materials intravenously or orally. Throughout the day, they operate imaging equipment like gamma cameras and PET scanners to capture images of organ function. Technologists monitor patients for reactions, maintain detailed records, and may perform quality control tests on equipment. Administrative tasks include scheduling, documenting results, and communicating findings to radiologists.
Who this work suits
Holland code RIC. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
If you enjoy solving technical problems and understanding how systems work, this career suits you. You likely appreciate hands-on laboratory work combined with direct patient interaction, and you're comfortable with precision tasks that require accuracy and attention to detail. Your interest in the investigative side means you'd find satisfaction in troubleshooting equipment issues and understanding the science behind imaging results.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold an associate degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Supervisory Nuclear Medicine Technologist · Veterans Health Administration · Las Vegas, Nevada · $118464–$154007
- Supervisory Nuclear Medicine Technologist · Veterans Health Administration · Oklahoma City, Oklahoma · $107408–$139633
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist · Veterans Health Administration · Atlanta, Georgia · $100107–$130146
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $136,820 | $162,380 | $178,190 | 1,500 |
| Washington | $109,620 | $126,200 | $137,840 | 320 |
| Hawaii | $114,420 | $125,650 | $128,780 | 30 |
| New Jersey | $108,180 | $124,280 | $129,170 | 540 |
| Oregon | $104,210 | $122,100 | $129,820 | 180 |
| New York | $104,450 | $118,650 | $128,200 | 890 |
| Massachusetts | $105,490 | $118,250 | $131,800 | 380 |
| Connecticut | $107,920 | $117,150 | $125,980 | 170 |
| Colorado | $104,860 | $116,990 | $128,360 | 200 |
| District of Columbia | $103,950 | $116,630 | $150,860 | 30 |
| Utah | $104,080 | $111,770 | $121,670 | 120 |
| Nevada | $101,160 | $109,150 | $118,140 | 120 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT) — Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board
- Registered Technologist - Nuclear Medicine Technology (RTN) — American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
- Nuclear Cardiology Technologist (NCT) — Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board
- Nuclear Medicine Advanced Associate (NMAA) — Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board
- Registered Technologist - Sonography (RTS) — American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
- Registered Technologist - Radiography (RTR) — American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against nuclear medicine technologists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-2033.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.