Conversation with a Nuclear Medicine Technician

My Conversation With A Nuclear Medicine Technician

                I interviewed my cousin, who is a Nuclear Medicine Technician and an MRI Technician. Those fields intertwine with my interests of becoming an radiographer technician. Actually after talking to him, I am considering learning how to use Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computer Topography as well. His insight is very valuable, and I am grateful to be able to have this conversation with my cousin.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

By accident, he took nursing courses in Miami. A friend interested in him in this new field. It was an accelerated course in Nuclear Medicine. He would finish classes sooner and make more money. He liked it because not a lot of people knew about it. At a Society Medicines meeting, he learned about MRI technology, he felt it was the future of imaging so he decided to take classes to prepare himself for the future. He also said it is good to have more than one thing under your belt.

      Can you tell me about a typical day on the job?

He comes in the morning and does quality control to check equipment and make sure everything is working properly.  He goes to the hot lab and checks the dose calibrator.  At this point, he is ready to start receiving patients. While with a patient, he would inject the patient with an isotope, and wait until the patient comes back for scanning. Nuclear medicine techs use a Gamma Camera to view the isotopes moving within the patient’s body.  When you come you have to put a badge on that measures how much radiation you have been exposed to. When you leave the hospital, you leave the badge there as well. Before going to lunch or leaving for the day you must test your hand, feet, and clothes using a survey meter to detect if you have any radiation on you.

      What is your favorite part of the job?

Interacting with other members of staff (doctors and technician) that work together as a team.

What is your least favorite part of the job?

Inconsiderate patients. My cousin said you must stay professional, keep cool, and remain courteous.

      What surprised you the most when you started working in this field?

How laid back the job is. While looking at images or waiting for scanners, you are sitting back.

      How do you see the industry developing in the future?

Tet MR is new technology that is coming out. It’s a new camera and there are only two in USA. Nuclear medicine has died down a lot. MRI is going to lead the way; the only problem with the MRI is that it is like being in a coffin, which may be hard for patients. Cardiologist is keeping nuclear medicine alive. They are trying to use MRI and CT to view the heart. Something like cancer though only using nuclear medicine is the only way to see if the cancer spread for example. Nuclear medicine isn’t really used in times of emergency, just for check-ups.

      What advice would you want to give someone who wants to get started in this field?

Study MRI, it’s the future. It is used during check-ups and for emergency situations. It also doesn’t expose you to radiation. Once you are licensed, the board contacts you and invites you to meetings and seminars. You have to continue your education and take accredited courses. You also must network.

      What are employers looking for when hiring people in this line of work?

You need a certified license and schooling.  You have to be knowledgeable and a very professional individual and reliable. You have your own life and the patients’ lives at stake when working in this field. You also need to be poised and responsible. You need common sense, and you have to be careful.  Finally, you need someone who follows the ALARA principle, which is an acronym for As Low as Reasonably Achievable for the safety of patients and oneself.   

--Tyrone Sterling