Nuclear Medicine Technology Certificate

Our Program    How and When to Apply    Background Preparation    Clinical Experience    Faculty     Job Outlook

Become a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. A nuclear medicine technologist (NMT) uses radioactive compounds to acquire images of the functions of internal organs and to treat various diseases. As an NMT you will work closely with a nuclear medicine physician and directly with the patient. You will prepare and administer radioactive chemical compounds, perform patient imaging procedures using sophisticated radiation-detecting instruments, analyze specimens in the laboratory, and analyze patient information for physicians to use in diagnoses.

Our Program

Our three-semester certificate program includes classroom instruction, practice in skills lab and clinical experience with diagnostic imaging. You will learn the art and science of nuclear medicine technology. We help you acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes to be a technically skilled caring individual, a critical thinker and a problem solver. We provide many educational opportunities to facilitate personal development and community involvement.

Our NMT program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology.

How and When to Apply

We accept a limited number of students into the NMT program each fall. Applications to the NMT certificate program must be received by the Office of Admissions by July 1. Your admission into this program is on a competitive basis, so early application is encouraged.

Prospective students who are interested in the NMT Certificate may want to also consider admission to the Bachelor of Science in Health Science - Track Four at Mercy College.

Background Preparation

You must have a minimum of two years of college education in a health-related field or a bachelor’s degree to be considered. Your coursework in college level algebra, chemistry, English and physics must be completed before admission. Students are encouraged to take LAS courses at Mercy College to meet any unmet program requirements above.

Clinical Work Experience

You will experience direct patient contact during your clinical experience (called practicums) at Mercy Medical Center.  You will also work at Mercy affiliate locations and at many other leading health care organizations in central Iowa to gain hands-on learning throughout your course of study.

Faculty

Our NMT faculty team includes a full-time program chair as well as medical professionals in the clinical setting. As a student you will receive an exceptional level of personalized instruction.

Job Outlook

Once you have completed your NMT degree, you’ll have the knowledge and clinical experience needed to become a caring, ethical and competent nationally certified nuclear medicine technologist. Faster-than-average job growth is expected to arise as our population ages and experiences an increased need for diagnostic and treatment procedures.  For more details and statistics about specific roles and job opportunities go to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics website.