[ Center for the Health Professions ]

Nuclear Medicine Technology

Nuclear medicine is an exciting field that involves the diagnosis, treatment, and study of human disease through the use of radioactive pharmaceuticals. Elmhurst offers a four-year course of study in NMT in conjunction with Northwestern Memorial Hospital or the College of DuPage, where students spend their fourth year gaining valuable hands-on experience in this new and exciting medical field.

What does a nuclear medicine technologist do?
Will I need a graduate degree?
What should I major in?
What are the academic requirements?
What about advising?
How do I get certified?
Where can I find additional information?

What does a nuclear medicine technologist do?
Nuclear medicine technologists work with physicians and patients to create high-quality diagnostic images. Here are just some of the things you’ll do as an NMT:

• Prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals (radioactive chemical compounds)
• Perform patient imaging procedures using sophisticated radiation-detecting instrumentation
• Perform computer processing and image enhancement functions
• Provide image, data analysis and patient information to the physician for diagnostic interpretation
• Prepare patients for radioactive tracers and radioactive therapy
• Apply knowledge of radiation physics and safety regulations
• Use quality control techniques as part of the quality assurance program

Will I need a graduate degree?
No; you can enter the field of nuclear medicine without a master’s degree. However, you will need certification.

What should I major in?
Students preparing for careers in nuclear medicine major in biology.

What are the academic requirements?
You’ll complete three years of college credit at Elmhurst College, then spend your fourth year in clinical/academic education at Northwestern Memorial Hospital or through hospitals connected with the College of DuPage program. Alternatively, you may complete your B.S. degree in biology at Elmhurst and then complete a fifth year of clinical work through Northwestern Memorial Hospital or the College of DuPage hospital connections.

A minimum of 24 courses, with grades of C or higher and a grade-point average (cumulative and prerequisite science courses) of 2.50 must be completed before starting the clinical work at the hospital. Upon completion of the program, you will receive a certificate of qualification as a nuclear medical technologist and be eligible to take certifying examinations.

Required courses
BIO 250, 251, 303, 418 and four biology major electives
CHM 211, 212, 311
PHY 111, 112 or 121, 122
MTH 132, 345 or 346

Recommended courses
BIO 317
CHM 312, 315
MTH 151

What about advising?
Expert advising is an important part of the Center for the Health Professions. We’ll pair you with one of our expert advisors to match your specific academic and professional interests. Your advisor will work with you throughout your Elmhurst career, clearing obstacles and giving expert guidance. Want to know more? See Advisors.

How do I get certified?
When you complete your academic and clinical program, you’ll be eligible to take certifying examinations administered by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, and the Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.

Where can I find additional information?
You can start by checking the web site of Northwestern’s School of Nuclear Medicine Technology or the College of DuPage's site. In addition to information about the Elmhurst College affiliations, you will find links to additional resources. For more help, contact Elmhurst’s Center for the Health Professions.