Mar 28, 2024  
PUBLISHED 2022-2023 Credit Catalog 
    
PUBLISHED 2022-2023 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.

Abbreviated Program Description


Learn how to use radioactive tracers and specialized equipment to help diagnose disease and injury. The program includes clinical practica and has a focus on patient care, physics, conventional and hybrid imaging and laboratory procedures. Accredited by Accreditation Canada. Graduates are eligible to challenge the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) certification exam to obtain national certification and the American Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board exam.

Program Overview


Fast Facts


  • This program should be completed full-time
  • Program Length:
    • Full-Time (6 Semesters)
  • This program is delivered in a blended format
  • Full-Time Intakes:
    • Fall
  • 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 require access to a personal computer with Internet in order to complete the required courses

Certain courses may be offered through Open Studies during the daytime, evenings, and/or weekends, as well as in a classroom, blended, or online format. 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


Students who experience success in this program and profession:

  • Have higher secondary and/or post-secondary grades
  • Are committed to the significant additional self-study required
  • Have effective communication skills in English
  • Possess basic to intermediate computer literacy, including the ability to use word processing, spreadsheets, and communication software
  • Are detail oriented and use critical thinking in practice
  • Are eager, persevere, and enjoy working in a team environment
  • Can handle unpleasant and stressful situations
  • Are in good health and physically fit, including the ability to
    • Lift heavy objects and patients
    • Stand for extended periods of time
    • Work in difficult positions
    • Employ strong finger and hand dexterity
    • See and hear well
  • Are mindful or safety precautions and proper ergonomics in order to reduce the risk of exposures and injury
    • Individuals with previous chronic or repetitive strain injuries have experienced re-injury or aggravation of these conditions in this program and/or as a technologist.

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 Outline


Total Credits 70.5


Program Outcomes


  1. Provide patient care to ensure comfort, safety, and dignity.
  2. Collaborate effectively within the inter-professional environment to achieve a high standard of patient service.
  3. Engage in the healthcare system with a comprehensive understanding of, and accountability towards, your impact.
  4. Produce, evaluate, process, and critique diagnostic digital images in NMT clinical settings.
  5. Perform, evaluate, process, and critique non-imaging procedures in a NMT clinical setting.
  6. Evaluate and guide the technical and professional development of students using educational institute guidelines.
  7. Use verbal, non-verbal, and written skills to communicate appropriately with patients, members of the healthcare team, and the public.
  8. Model professionalism by adhering to the professional code of ethics, legal and workplace standards, and by embracing a commitment to lifelong learning.
  9. Ensure the physical and psychological safety of patients, co-workers, and self while maintaining radiation safety standards.
  10. Competently operate and evaluate equipment performance to ensure accuracy of clinical procedures.
  11. Apply critical thinking and creativity to adapt to challenging situations in the workplace.

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