PUBLISHED 2024-2025 Credit Catalog
Nuclear Medicine Technology
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Our Nuclear Medicine Technology program is an in-depth journey into nuclear medicine, focusing on diagnosing and treating diseases.
You will learn using sophisticated diagnostic software and equipment and apply your skills in real-world clinical settings across various nuclear medicine departments.
In this program, you will:
- prepare and utilize radioactive drugs for imaging procedures
- develop skills to effectively communicate with patients
- learn ethical and professional standards in clinical settings
- learn the principles of radiation and radiology and how to protect yourself, patients and staff
- gain expertise in diagnostic CT imaging
- study the body systems and their functions
- gain an understanding of instrument measuring and imaging radioactivity
- learn how to perform patient imaging procedures and theragnostics
- ensure the quality and safety of nuclear medicine equipment and processes
- learn how to perform blood draws, establish IV access and administer injections
- apply knowledge of pathophysiology as it relates to clinical procedures.
Our course curriculum meets the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) national competency profile requirements. Graduates are eligible to write the CAMRT national certification exam.
Once certified and licensed, you will be prepared to work as a nuclear medicine technologist in diverse healthcare environments, including hospitals, community clinics, private laboratories, or research and teaching institutions.
If you want to contribute to providing positive patient outcomes and optimal patient care, this program is for you.
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Traits, skills and aptitudes
Those in nuclear medicine technology tend to be objective, methodical and innovative.
You need:
- fine motor skills
- a high degree of responsibility and integrity
- patience and flexibility
- 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
- an eye for detail and accuracy
- good organizational skills
- good problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
- the ability to work well in a team setting
- the ability to manage stress well, maintain professional behaviour and regulate your emotions
- a desire for lifelong learning
- a tolerance for the sight of human blood and tissue
- to be physically able to assist in transporting, lifting, and positioning patients and equipment
- comfortable with performing patient care procedures which may be sensitive or performed in close proximity
Nuclear medicine technologists wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for long periods. This includes exposure to latex and disinfection materials.
They may also work extended hours and shift work, including nights and weekends.
You are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for nuclear medicine technologists to ensure you can successfully meet the occupational requirements for the program and profession.
Practicum, co-op and work integrated learning opportunities
You will complete required practicum placements during this program.
You will be assigned practicum placements. While we will strive to assign your practicum location based on your preference, it is not guaranteed. It may be necessary for you to travel or relocate outside the city. Special considerations will not be accommodated.
In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, you will be required to provide specific documentation before you can participate in your practicum. Find out what requirements you need for this program.
Accreditations, designations or certifications
This program is accredited through Accreditation Canada, and meets the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) national competency profile requirements. This program also works closely with our Diagnostic Imaging Provincial Advisory Committee.
Graduates are eligible to challenge the CAMRT certification exam, which is a requirement for registration and employment for registered nuclear medicine technologists in Canada. Graduates can also challenge the American Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board exam.
Credential
Upon successful completion of this program, you’ll be awarded a SAIT Nuclear Medicine Technology diploma.
Not open to international applicants
This program is not available to international applicants at this time.
Related careers
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Potential careers (NOC):
- Medical radiation technologists (32121)
Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada
Application process
Before applying to this program, you must complete the necessary entrance tests.
Refer to Health and Public Safety entrance testing to find the required tests and deadlines and instructions on how to book your exams.
Program outline
The Nuclear Medicine Technology diploma requires 72 credits (25 courses) to complete.
The program spans two and a half years.
Suggested schedule of study
Progression
You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.
To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Books and supplies
Books and supplies are approximately $2,600 in the first year and $1,200 in the second year.
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
A laptop (non-Android) or Apple tablet is required. A mobile phone is not a suitable alternative.
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore’s website. Booklists are created by semester and available approximately two weeks before classes begin.
Required uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you’ll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.
You will also require a uniform for some classes, which includes:
- scrubs
- a white lab coat with full-length sleeves and at least mid-thigh length
- closed-toe and heel shoes, runners or duty shoes.
Additional fees
- A fee is associated with obtaining a police information check, including a vulnerable sector check, payable to the police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
- You must have your immunizations reviewed by the SAIT Health Clinic. There is a $75 charge to review vaccine history. Any vaccines you need to be administered will result in additional charges.
- A fee of approximately $50 to $100 is associated with an electronic student permit checking submission required for clinical practicum placements, payable to Synergy Gateway through the Verified software platform.
- A fee is associated with the CompTracker application used in this program.
- You are responsible for additional expenses related to your practicum, including pre-practicum requirements and relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary.
- Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) exam fees are approximately $175.
- Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) certification exam fees are approximately $840, with an additional exam administration fee.
- The Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists registration fee is approximately $100.
Health and Public Safety program advising
For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please contact our School of Health and Public Safety.
Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Program outcomes
- Provide patient care to ensure comfort, safety, and dignity.
- Collaborate effectively within the inter-professional environment to achieve a high standard of patient service.
- Engage in the healthcare system with a comprehensive understanding of, and accountability towards, your impact.
- Produce, evaluate, process, and critique diagnostic digital images in NMT clinical settings.
- Perform, evaluate, process, and critique non-imaging procedures in a NMT clinical setting.
- Evaluate and guide the technical and professional development of students using educational institute guidelines.
- Use verbal, non-verbal, and written skills to communicate appropriately with patients, members of the healthcare team, and the public.
- Model professionalism by adhering to the professional code of ethics, legal and workplace standards, and by embracing a commitment to lifelong learning.
- Ensure the physical and psychological safety of patients, co-workers, and self while maintaining radiation safety standards.
- Competently operate and evaluate equipment performance to ensure accuracy of clinical procedures.
- Apply critical thinking and creativity to adapt to challenging situations in the workplace.
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