PUBLISHED 2023-2024 Credit Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Nuclear Medicine Technology
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Program Description
Nuclear medicine technology uses radiopharmaceuticals (radioactive drugs) and specialized equipment to help diagnose and treat diseases. The Nuclear Medicine Technology (NMT) program trains students as nuclear medicine technologists, ready to work with patients and medical staff in clinical nuclear medicine settings.
Students will complete studies in patient communication and management, professional practice, radiation physics, computed tomography, anatomy and physiology, radionuclide instrumentation, nuclear medicine procedures, radiopharmacy, quality control, clinical integration, phlebotomy and intravenous injections, and radiation safety. They will also learn about instrumentation, dosimetry, pathology, advanced computers, research and clinical integration. Additionally, students will complete three clinical practica where they rotate through all areas of nuclear medicine, applying what they have learned while in these clinical settings.
Fast Facts
- Based on the availability of the practicum sites, students may have to travel or re-locate to anywhere in Alberta (and in some circumstances outside of Alberta) in order to complete their practica
- Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practicum, including pre-practicum requirements as outlined by the program, and relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary
- Students require access to a personal computer with Internet in order to complete the required courses
All courses must be completed within the program completion timeframe. Please be advised that for the purpose of student loans, full-time student status requires that learners are enrolled in a minimum of 60% of a full course load per semester.
Your Career
Graduates find work as nuclear medicine technologists in hospitals, community clinics, private laboratories, research and teaching institutions. In order to find employment, many graduates must relocate across Canada or to the United States.
Student Success
Job expectations for success in this profession include: - Fine motor skills
- Critical thinking
- Effective communication (speaking, reading, writing, and listening)
- Able to work independently
- Able to participate in classroom, lab, and practicum activities as scheduled by the program
- Adaptable
- Able to work well under stress
- Able to use technology
- Attention to detail
- Able to maintain professional behaviour; emotional self-regulation
- Able to wear Personal Protective Equipment for extended periods of time
- Able to work extended hours, including nights and/or weekends and shift work
- Able to tolerate the sight of human blood and tissue
- Able to assist in transporting, lifting, and positioning of patients and/or equipment
- Able to meet the physical demands of the job (e.g. spend most hours working on your feet, walking, repetitive bending, repetitive tasks)
- Able to tolerate latex and disinfection chemicals
- Comfortable with performing patient care procedures which may be sensitive or performed in close proximity
Prospective students are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for Nuclear Medicine Technology, as well as the governing body’s competency profile for the profession, to ensure that they are able to successfully demonstrate the skills required to achieve all the competency-based objectives for the program and profession. Credentials
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Nuclear Medicine Technology diploma.
Graduates are eligible to challenge the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) certification exam which is a requirement for registration and employment for registered nuclear medicine technologists in Canada. Graduates are eligible to challenge the American Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board exam.
Accreditation
The Nuclear Medicine Technology program delivered by SAIT is accredited by Accreditation Canada. The program also works closely with our Diagnostic Imaging Advisory Committee to ensure that our curriculum continues to meet or exceed provincial and national accreditation standards.
Progression
The progression requirement for students taking credit courses is a Term GPA and Total Institutional GPA of 2.0, with the exception of English Language Foundations and Academic Upgrading programs.
Admission Requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- At least 60% in Math 30-1, or at least 70% in Math 30-2, AND,
- At least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1, AND,
- At least 60% in Chemistry 30, AND,
- At least 60% in either Biology 30 or Physics 30 or Math 31.
Successful applicants must meet or exceed a score of 50% in the School of Health and Public Safety’s Entrance Testing Process.
All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
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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