A bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology will prepare the student for a professional career as a nuclear medicine technologist. Nuclear medicine is the medical specialty that utilizes the nuclear properties of radioactive substances and stable nuclides to make diagnostic evaluations of the physiologic and/or anatomic conditions of the body and to provide therapy with unsealed radioactive sources. The nuclear medicine technologist is an allied health professional who, under the direction of an authorized user, is committed to applying the art and skill of diagnostic evaluation and therapeutics through the safe and effective use of radiopharmaceuticals and pharmaceuticals. The nuclear medicine technologist exhibits professionalism in the performance of duties, demonstrates an empathetic and instructional approach to patient care and maintains confidentiality of information as required. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: preparation, quality control testing and administration of radioactive compounds; execution of patient imaging procedures including computer processing and image enhancement; laboratory testing; patient interviews; instruction and preparation for administration of prescribed radioactive compounds for therapy; quality control; and radiation safety. The nuclear medicine technologist applies knowledge of radiation physics and safety regulations to limit the radiation exposure to the general public, patients, fellow workers and self to as low as reasonably achievable. Professional growth and development are achieved through appropriate utilization of new technologies, participation in continuing education and involvement in research to enhance the quality of patient care.
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology spend three years at York College followed by a clinical year at one of the affiliated clinical instruction facilities* of the Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences. Admission to York College does not guarantee admission to the clinical instruction facilities clinical year. Students follow the prescribed courses of study for the first three years at the College. The student must earn a minimum of 2.0 in each of the required supporting courses with an average of 2.5 in science and mathematics as well as a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher in order for the College to recommend the student for the clinical year. At the end of the fall semester of the junior year, the student applies for the clinical year through the Coordinator of Nuclear Medicine at York College. The Admissions Committee of the Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences decides which students will be accepted into the clinical year and also designates the clinical facility assignment. The student will then be required to complete the required number of shadowing hours at the assigned clinical facility. It is a common trend in healthcare that employees will not be allowed to use tobacco and must remain tobacco free. Since the applicants to this program work within the guidelines of various healthcare facilities, applicants must be aware of the possibility of the requirement to be “tobacco-free”. These guidelines are determined by the clinical site, not the College, and the student will be expected to follow said guidelines to be successful in their clinical rotation.
The clinical year begins in August and is 12 months in duration. Three days per week are devoted to clinical practice and one day per week is spent in classroom instruction. This will involve commuting one day a week to the Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences for classroom instruction and commuting to the clinical facility three days per week.
Upon successful completion of the Nuclear Medicine Technology program, a Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology from York College and a Certificate in Nuclear Medicine Technology from the Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences will be awarded. This qualifies the individual to take one of the national registry examinations** in order to become a Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT).
* Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Nuclear Medicine Technology. The affiliated clinical instruction facilities may include University of Maryland St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Good Samaritan Hospital, Lancaster General Hospital, Lehigh Valley Hospital, Memorial Hospital of York, Meritus Medical Center, Peninsula Regional Medical Center, Reading Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital and WellSpan York Hospital. Clinical seat availability is limited and varies each academic year. Clinical assignments will be made upon acceptance into the program.
** Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB), or American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Requirements for Graduation:
To be eligible for graduation, students majoring in Nuclear Medicine Technology must complete a minimum of 120 credits, achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.0, satisfy the College’s residency requirements, and complete the General Education Requirements of the College. A minimum grade of 2.0 is required for First Year Seminar and all courses taken as part of Foundations. Courses used to complete General Education Requirements may not be taken on a pass/fail basis.
The General Education Requirements of the college require students to successfully complete First Year Seminar, Foundations, Disciplinary Perspectives, and a Constellation. Students who enter the college with 30 credit hours completed will not take a First Year Seminar course and therefore must take an additional 3 credits for graduation. Transfer students that are awarded 60 or more credits upon acceptance to York College will not be required to complete a Constellation.
In addition, students majoring in Nuclear Medicine Technology must earn a minimum grade of 2.0 in all major requirements with an average of 2.5 in science, math, and required major courses.
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