Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Nuclear medicine uses radioactive substances, called radiopharmaceuticals, and gamma cameras to image body anatomy and function, and treat disease. Since the human body handles substances differently in the presence of disease or pathology, nuclear medicine technologists introduce radioactive substances bound to complexes that healthy bodies usually handle in a particular way. Then they produce images of where those substances actually go. For example, tracers and tagged compounds may accumulate in "hot spots" or be completely absent in "cold spots". Different tracers and tagged compounds are used to image or treat different organs, glands or physiological processes. For example, nuclear medicine may be used to:

• investigate kidney, heart, lung or thyroid function
• image blood flow
• evaluate bones
• detect cancer or infection
• treat some cancers and other diseases.

In general, nuclear medicine technologists:

• ensure the safety of patients, staff and visitors to the nuclear medicine department
• review patient records
• prepare and administer radioactive substances to patients by mouth or injection
• operate special equipment that detects and maps the distribution of radioactivity in patients' bodies
• assist and work with patients during test procedures
• process biological samples to determine test results
• review and process images to ensure quality results
• calibrate and check equipment for correct functioning
• comply with radiation safety standards for sealed and unsealed sources and radiation-generating equipment.

Nuclear medicine technologists work in hospitals and clinics. They are on their feet for much of the time and routinely may be required to handle items that weigh up to 20 kilograms. Working hours may include shift work and on-call shifts. Strict attention to safety procedures is required to avoid accidental exposure to radiation or body fluids.

Nuclear medicine technologists need the following characteristics:

• a sense of responsibility and a high degree of integrity
• patience and adaptability
• sensitivity to the needs of ill and injured people
• good communication skills and the ability to put people at ease
• an interest in science and technology
• the ability to maintain a high level of accuracy in their duties
• good organizational skills
• good problem solving and critical thinking skills
• the ability to work well in a team environment
• good stress management skills
• a desire for lifelong learning.

They should enjoy using equipment to perform tasks requiring precision, having procedures and standards for their work, and compiling information for research data and statistics.

Above-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.

Nuclear medicine technologists are employed in hospitals and clinics. Experienced technologists may take additional training or a bachelor's degree to move into teaching or administration positions.

Nuclear medicine technologists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 3215: Medical Radiation Technologists. In Alberta, 94% of people employed in this classification work in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Over 2,400 Albertans are employed in the Medical radiation technologists occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 3.9% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 94 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As nuclear medicine technologists form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for nuclear medicine technologists.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists (ACMDTT) website: www.acmdtt.com

Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) website: www.camrt.ca

Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: www.hsaa.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.