Travel Nuclear Medicine Jobs

For jobs available on Vivian as of Wednesday, August 10th 2022, the average weekly salary for a Travel Nuclear Medicine Technologist is $2,473, but can pay up to $3,556 per week.

The agencies on Vivian that currently have the most Nuclear Medicine jobs are TotalMed Allied (34), KPG Allied (22), and Cross Country Allied (19).

Nuclear medicine technologists are highly specialized allied health professionals who work closely with nuclear medicine physicians helping to diagnose and evaluate serious conditions, including heart disease and cancer. NMTs specialize in preparing and administering small amounts of radioactive drugs to patients, which are traced through diagnostic scans for imaging or treatment purposes.

Nuclear medicine techs support physicians and other healthcare professionals in diagnosing and treating patients using nuclear medicine to provide information about the function and structure of every major organ system within the human body. NMTs work with radioactive drugs, called radiopharmaceuticals. Their primary tasks include preparing and injecting radiopharmaceuticals into patients and using sophisticated radiation-detecting equipment and scanners to capture vital diagnostic images. NMTs may also internally deliver prescribed doses of radiopharmaceuticals to precise areas of a patient’s body to treat certain medical conditions, such as tumors. Specific duties may include:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, NMTs who work in outpatient care centers earned the largest salaries in May of 2020. However, nuclear medicine techs also find plentiful and lucrative employment in private, community, and state hospitals; medical and diagnostic laboratories; various types of imaging clinics; and the private offices of physicians. NMTs may work at private or government research centers, public health institutions, and colleges or universities.

Good nuclear medicine techs are highly skilled at using technology and are extremely comfortable working with computers and operating large pieces of electronic equipment. They have superior analytical skills that help them understand anatomy and physiology to assess accurate dosages. Successful NMTs are detail-oriented with excellent critical thinking skills and precisely follow instructions to ensure patient safety and prevent radiation overexposure. They possess good interpersonal skills, including active listening and communication skills, which allow them to effectively interact with patients and work as part of a team. Good NMTs are also compassionate so they can reassure patients who are upset or stressed over upcoming procedures involving radiation.

Beginning a career as a travel nuclear medicine tech begins with education. NMTs typically need a two-year associate degree from an accredited nuclear medicine technology program. Many employers and an increasing number of states also require NMTs to be certified and/or licensed to practice. Currently, at least 30 states require NMT licensure. Most states accept Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) certification and/or American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification in place of a state examination. The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) maintains a listing of states that require licensure.

Nuclear Medicine Technologist may hold BLS - Basic Life Support, N (ARRT) - Nuclear Medicine Technology RT or CNMT (NMTCB) - Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist among others.