Nuclear medicine uniquely provides information about the structure and function of virtually every major organ system within the body. It is this ability to characterize and quantify physiologic function at the molecular level, which separates nuclear medicine from other imaging modalities.

With the development of new radiopharmaceuticals, treatments and the exciting technology of PET/MRI, PET/CT and SPECT/CT hybrid imaging, the nuclear medicine field has grown significantly over the past years and is expected to grow even more in the future.

Daily tasks of a nuclear medicine technologist include:

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

Technology and systems in the field of nuclear medicine technology are changing so rapidly that directors of the program encourage those interested in the field to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Benedictine University is one of the few colleges or universities that offers a program in Nuclear Medicine Technology. At Benedictine, you will benefit from:

• A strong science curriculum balanced with courses in the humanities and social sciences
• A superb location near many outstanding medical facilities
• A suburban setting with easy access to Chicago.

In the Nuclear Medicine Technology program, you will complete your first three years of course work at Benedictine University. You should complete all college graduation requirements during these three years while maintaining a grade point average of 2.8 or above. During your junior year, you must apply to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for your clinical education. The admissions process is competitive. During your senior year, you will complete a 13-month, 36 semester credit-hour clinical education curriculum.

When you complete this curriculum, you will be awarded the B.A in Biology-Allied Health, and a certificate of qualification as a nuclear medical technologist. You will 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.