Online Nuclear Medicine Technologist Programs: School Comparison

Types of Online Nuclear Medicine Programs

Nuclear medicine technology programs are available from colleges and universities throughout the U.S. Although most are campus-based, a few programs offer some or all of their didactic course fully or partially online. Both associate and bachelor’s degrees and professional certificates are offered, and each is designed to accommodate students at different points along their academic and career paths.

What You’ll Learn in a Nuclear Medicine Technologist Program Online

Nuclear medicine technologists prepare and give doses of radiopharmaceuticals (radioactive drugs) to patients and operate sophisticated equipment that creates images used in the diagnosis and treatment of a range of illnesses and diseases. Online nuclear medicine programs provide students with the education and training needed to carry out those duties in a consistent, responsible, safe, and effective manner.

As a nuclear medicine technology student, expect to attain the following professional goals:

Clinical Competency

Demonstrate proficiency of the full range of entry-level nuclear medicine technology clinical knowledge and skills, including a comprehensive understanding of physical principles associated with nuclear medicine technology, preparation of radiopharmaceuticals, operation of nuclear medicine equipment, established safety practices, and critical thinking and problem solving.

Practice competent critical thinking and problem-solving skills as demonstrated in the ability to utilize facts and data and to practice knowledge in assessing problems and finding solutions related to nuclear medicine imaging procedures.

Communication Skills

Possess oral and written communication skills appropriate to professional nuclear medicine technologist practice when interacting with patients and their families as well as professional colleagues in the nuclear medicine department.

Professional and Ethical Practice

Recognize established professional and ethical principles, and commitment to their practice at all times when carrying out all nuclear medicine technologist duties and responsibilities.

Lifelong Learning

Commit to lifelong learning, maintenance, and improvement of nuclear medicine technologist skills as demonstrated through participation in continuing education programs and other profession-related activities.

FAQs About Online Nuclear Medicine Programs

How much do online nuclear medicine technologist programs cost?

The total cost associated with online nuclear medicine programs varies substantially from program to program, due mainly to type of program (associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or certificate) and whether the school is public or private (private school programs tend to be more expensive).

We’ve listed the current tuition prices for three nuclear medicine technologist programs online below to give you an idea of what you might pay.

Augusta University

BS in Nuclear Medicine Technology

Total Credits: 128

$295.47/credit

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

BS in Nuclear Medicine Technology – Fast Track

Total Credits: 60

$1,275/credit

PITT Community College

AAS in Nuclear Medicine Technology

Total Credits: 68

$76/credit

Can I complete my nuclear medicine technologist training 100% online?

While you’ll be completing some or all your didactic coursework online, you’ll still need to attend some classes in person as well due to the hands-on nature of the subject. You’ll also be required to complete in-person training, typically at clinical practice sites in and around the school’s campus or in your local area.

Is financial aid available for online nuclear medicine technologist training programs?

Several financial aid options are typically available to students in online nuclear medicine programs, the most common of which is the student loan. Student loans can come a variety of sources, including:

• Public and private sources
• Institutions
• Federal government

Other popular funding sources for undergrad programs include:

• Scholarships and grants
• Work study
• Employer tuition reimbursement programs

Find out more about funding your online nuclear medicine technologist education by visiting EduMed’s financial aid and radiology tech scholarships pages.

Accreditation for Online MRI Tech Training Programs

Accreditation assures that degree and certificate programs and the schools offering them meet standards of academic quality. When it comes to online MRI programs, there are two basic types of accreditation to consider:

• Institutional accreditation: concerns the soundness of postsecondary schools overall
• Programmatic accreditation: vets specific degree and certificate programs themselves

Institutional accreditation is an absolute must for any online or in-person MRI tech school, and is handled by several independent national and regional accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Programmatic accreditation of U.S. MRI programs, however, is overseen by two accrediting organizations:

• Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
• American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT)

Accreditation information for online MRI programs can usually be found on a school’s website. You can also confirm institutional accreditation by visiting the websites of the various accrediting agencies. Current MRI tech programmatic accreditation status can also be found by checking ARMRIT’s approved program list and this JRCERT program search engine.

Employment and Salary Outlook for Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Nuclear Medicine Technologist Licensing and Certifications

Specific licensure requirements vary by state, but there are currently at least 30 states that license nuclear medicine technologists. Professional certification and registration may be obtained by one of two organizations:

• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART)
• Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB)

Regardless of license requirements, many employers prefer to hire nuclear medicine technologists that are AART or NMTCB certified. That’s why you should strongly consider only those nuclear medicine technologist online programs that prepare you for certification and registration eligibility.

For detailed information on licensing and registration requirements by state, visit the SNMMI’s Nuclear Medicine Technologist Requirements by Jurisdiction webpage. Also, confirm your state’s licensing requirements with the proper state agency before enrolling in any online nuclear medicine program.

Related Degrees

The Best Nuclear Medicine Technologist Programs

These are the best nuclear medicine technologist programs for this school year in terms of accreditation, affordability, and flexibility. These programs give you a good idea of what to look for in a quality program as you choose one that’s right for you, and all of them are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT).

Online Resources for Nuclear Medicine Technologist Students and Professionals

• American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT)
• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
• American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC)
• American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)
• HOSA Future Health Professionals
• Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT)
• Lambda Nu (National Honor Society for Radiologic and Imaging Sciences)
• Nuclear Medicine Technologists Facebook Group
• Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB)
• Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging (SNMMI)
• World Molecular Imaging Society (WMIS)