What You Need to Know About Nuclear Medicine Technologist Occupation Description : Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques. A Day in the Life of a Nuclear Medicine Technologist Detect and map radiopharmaceuticals in patients’ bodies, using a camera to produce photographic or computer images. Administer radiopharmaceuticals or radiation intravenously to detect or treat diseases, using radioisotope equipment, under direction of a physician. Train or supervise student or subordinate nuclear medicine technologists. Prepare stock radiopharmaceuticals, adhering to safety standards that minimize radiation exposure to workers and patients. Add radioactive substances to biological specimens, such as blood, urine, or feces, to determine therapeutic drug or hormone levels. Measure glandular activity, blood volume, red cell survival, or radioactivity of patient, using scanners, Geiger counters, scintillometers, or other laboratory equipment. What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist? When polled, Nuclear Medicine Technologists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs: Critical Thinking : Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Active Listening : Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. Speaking : Talking to others to convey information effectively. Writing : Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. Reading Comprehension : Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. Monitoring : Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. Minimum Requirements Responsibilities for the position include preparing and administering radioactive isotopes, conducting various studies, and adhering to safety standards. J-18808-Ljbffr