Online Nuclear Medicine Technologist Programs: School Comparison
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
Healthcare Education Nursing Advanced Nursing Nursing Nursing Ed.An in-demand, high-paying healthcare career in nuclear medicine is possible, even accessible, through flexible online courses. To get started in helping patients through radiopharmaceuticals, use this EduMed guide to explore hybrid online nuclear medicine programs, your potential future salary prospects, and necessary licensing steps.
Expert Advice: Choosing the Nuclear Medicine Technology Program that Fits Your Career
These nuclear medicine technology programs are all strong options for students entering one of healthcare’s most specialized fields. At this level, fit matters in specific ways: the clinical training environment, the equipment students train on, and the network of employers connected to a program all shape the experience. Our healthcare professionals share what they’d prioritize.
Check Local Openings Before Enrolling
Nuclear medicine is one of the smaller allied health fields and the job market is extremely local. You might struggle to find jobs in a smaller suburb while a nearby city has strong demand. Before committing to a program, I recommend looking at job postings within driving distance of where you live or hope to live, because the national employment outlook for this field tells you very little about what you’ll find in your area.
Treat Clinical Rotations as Interviews
Nuclear medicine is a smaller field than many other healthcare professions, but school admission can still be competitive. You’ll need strong grades in science courses, and a background in healthcare might help you stand out. Clinical rotations often double as extended job interviews, so treat every site as a networking opportunity and make a strong impression from the very beginning.
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.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
BS in Nuclear Medicine Technology – Fast Track
Total Credits: 60
$1,275/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.
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.
Associate Degrees
An associate degree in nuclear medicine technology provides students with no prior education or certification in radiology or any closely related technologist field the quickest route to licensure and professional certification.
Features:
- Requires two years of study
- First year consists of general education courses
- Second year includes nuclear medicine-specific coursework and hands-on training
- Admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED and, in some cases, completion of a small number of prerequisite science and healthcare-related college-level courses
Example Programs:
Bachelor’s Degrees
An online nuclear medicine technology bachelor’s degree is a great choice for individuals seeking to become certified nuclear medicine technologists while also planning for career advancement into leadership positions in the healthcare field.
Features:
- Includes general education and major-specific courses
- Courses may be taken fully online or in hybrid formats
- Provides hands-on training at clinical sites in the school’s or student’s local area
- Option of standard (four-year) or accelerated (two-year to three-year) courses of study, depending on the amount and type of previously completed transferable college-level coursework
Example Programs:
Certificate Programs
Nuclear medicine technology certificates are for current healthcare professionals seeking the specialized education and training needed to become certified nuclear medicine technologists.
Features:
- Can take one year to complete
- Consists strictly of didactic coursework and in-person clinical training (no general education)
- Provides eligibility for licensure and/or certification and registration as a nuclear medicine technologist
- Admissions requirements may include an associate or bachelor’s degree and current certification (or certification eligibility) in a radiologic or medical imaging field
Example Programs:
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.
Common Courses in Online Nuclear Medicine Programs
Clinical Procedures
Courses covering clinical procedures give a comprehensive survey of the anatomical, biological, and physiological aspects of imaging procedures employed in nuclear medicine clinical practice. Specific topics covered over a series of courses under the clinical procedure title include:
- Nuclear cardiology
- Lung imaging
- Skeletal imaging
- Liver and hepatobiliary imaging
- Renal imaging
- Infection and tumor imaging
- Endocrinology
- Non-imaging procedures
Instrumentation
Instrumentation courses survey the various types of nuclear medicine instrumentation starting with a discussion of radiation detection theory and its application to imaging equipment. Instrumentation types covered include:
- Scintillation cameras
- PET/CT and SPECT imaging systems
- Pulse-height analyzers
- Geiger counters
- Dose calibrators
Additional topics include safe practices, quality assurance, and equipment methodology.
Nuclear Medicine Physics
Nuclear medicine physics studies the basic principles of radiation physics as they apply to nuclear medicine technology practice with an emphasis on concepts including:
- Radioactivity
- Radiation detection
- Physiologic imaging
- Radiation safety
Students develop a solid understanding of radioactive decay, including the equations related to the decay of radioactivity, and the ability to compare and contrast nuclear medicine and physiologic imaging.
Radiopharmacology
Through the use of lab demonstrations and exercises, students learn basic theory concerning radiopharmacy and radiopharmacology and the production and use of radiopharmaceuticals in nuclear medicine practice. Specific topics include:
- Radionuclide production
- Radiation safety
- Dosage forms
- Operation of equipment
- Quality control procedures
- Applicable laws and regulations
Internship/Practicum/Clinical Training
Due to the nature of nuclear medicine technology practice as well as the specific requirements for ARRT and NMTCB certification and registration, all nuclear medicine technologists programs include substantial hands-on training with nuclear medicine equipment that must be completed in-person at program-affiliated clinical facilities in either the school’s or student’s local area.
Clinical training requirements may be titled in program curriculums as practicums, internships, or simply as clinical practice experiences.
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 Technologists
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 20,000 | 20,600 | 600 | 3% | 900 |
| Alabama | 420 | 450 | 30 | 7% | 20 |
| Arizona | 620 | 710 | 90 | 15% | 40 |
| Arkansas | 290 | 320 | 30 | 10.7% | 20 |
| California | 1,700 | 2,000 | 300 | 17.6% | 100 |
| Colorado | 220 | 240 | 30 | 12.4% | 20 |
| Connecticut | 210 | 220 | 10 | 6.1% | 10 |
| Delaware | 100 | 110 | 10 | 10.7% | 0 |
| Florida | 2,030 | 2,280 | 240 | 12.1% | 120 |
| Georgia | 610 | 690 | 70 | 12.1% | 40 |
| Hawaii | 40 | 50 | 0 | 7% | 0 |
| Idaho | 80 | 100 | 20 | 19.3% | 10 |
| Illinois | 770 | 860 | 90 | 11.7% | 40 |
| Indiana | 320 | 330 | 10 | 2.5% | 20 |
| Iowa | 180 | 200 | 20 | 8.8% | 10 |
| Kansas | 240 | 250 | 10 | 2.5% | 10 |
| Kentucky | 240 | 260 | 20 | 7.9% | 10 |
| Louisiana | 220 | 220 | 0 | 0% | 10 |
| Maine | 100 | 110 | 10 | 8.2% | 0 |
| Maryland | 380 | 390 | 10 | 2.1% | 20 |
| Massachusetts | 390 | 390 | 0 | 0.5% | 20 |
| Michigan | 640 | 690 | 50 | 7.9% | 30 |
| Minnesota | 230 | 240 | 20 | 6.6% | 10 |
| Mississippi | 200 | 210 | 10 | 7% | 10 |
| Missouri | 400 | 420 | 20 | 4.5% | 20 |
| Montana | 50 | 60 | 0 | 10% | 0 |
| Nebraska | 120 | 130 | 0 | 3.3% | 10 |
| Nevada | 140 | 170 | 30 | 20.1% | 10 |
| New Hampshire | 80 | 90 | 10 | 10.1% | 0 |
| New Jersey | 810 | 870 | 60 | 7.8% | 40 |
| New Mexico | 70 | 70 | 10 | 8.8% | 0 |
| New York | 1,090 | 1,150 | 60 | 5.3% | 50 |
| North Carolina | 620 | 680 | 50 | 8.5% | 30 |
| North Dakota | 60 | 60 | 0 | 9.1% | 0 |
| Ohio | 920 | 920 | 0 | -0.3% | 40 |
| Oklahoma | 280 | 280 | 0 | 1.4% | 10 |
| Oregon | 240 | 250 | 10 | 4.1% | 10 |
| Pennsylvania | 870 | 890 | 20 | 1.9% | 40 |
| Rhode Island | 60 | 60 | 0 | 3.2% | 0 |
| South Carolina | 310 | 330 | 20 | 5.5% | 20 |
| South Dakota | 190 | 220 | 30 | 14.7% | 10 |
| Tennessee | 420 | 420 | 0 | 0% | 20 |
| Texas | 1,160 | 1,320 | 150 | 13.2% | 70 |
| Utah | 140 | 170 | 30 | 22.5% | 10 |
| Vermont | 30 | 30 | 0 | 0% | 0 |
| Virginia | 470 | 460 | 0 | -1.1% | 20 |
| Washington | 380 | 440 | 60 | 16.8% | 30 |
| West Virginia | 180 | 210 | 30 | 16.4% | 10 |
| Wisconsin | 480 | 510 | 20 | 4.8% | 20 |
| Wyoming | 20 | 20 | 0 | 13.6% | 0 |
Source: Projections Central, 2024-2034
Nuclear Medicine Technologists
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $78,080 | $101,370 | $134,500 |
| Alabama | $64,150 | $82,630 | $100,310 |
| Arizona | $81,030 | $100,130 | $123,130 |
| Arkansas | $58,130 | $83,670 | $103,220 |
| California | $122,760 | $162,380 | $200,990 |
| Colorado | $94,950 | $116,990 | $132,580 |
| Connecticut | $98,800 | $117,150 | $129,720 |
| Delaware | $83,190 | $100,470 | $122,490 |
| District of Columbia | $96,160 | $116,630 | $150,860 |
| Florida | $80,070 | $97,310 | $110,640 |
| Georgia | $75,490 | $100,880 | $125,760 |
| Hawaii | $108,140 | $125,650 | $130,220 |
| Idaho | $83,550 | $104,630 | $123,990 |
| Illinois | $84,590 | $104,950 | $122,800 |
| Indiana | $85,140 | $103,230 | $119,310 |
| Iowa | $80,090 | $92,890 | $105,970 |
| Kansas | $55,310 | $64,610 | $104,100 |
| Kentucky | $75,360 | $95,470 | $117,540 |
| Louisiana | $69,040 | $87,670 | $105,050 |
| Maine | $80,820 | $99,500 | $113,730 |
| Maryland | $87,120 | $104,150 | $122,930 |
| Massachusetts | $88,470 | $118,250 | $148,900 |
| Michigan | $75,000 | $95,400 | $101,680 |
| Minnesota | $96,440 | $107,380 | $119,650 |
| Mississippi | $64,880 | $83,340 | $101,800 |
| Missouri | $76,660 | $98,010 | $118,120 |
| Montana | $62,340 | $100,490 | $107,830 |
| Nebraska | $58,130 | $104,320 | $124,410 |
| Nevada | $97,640 | $109,150 | $136,520 |
| New Hampshire | $103,570 | $107,890 | $123,450 |
| New Jersey | $101,830 | $124,280 | $140,340 |
| New Mexico | $74,820 | $98,400 | $125,230 |
| New York | $96,870 | $118,650 | $134,400 |
| North Carolina | $67,080 | $85,240 | $103,980 |
| North Dakota | $76,250 | $102,640 | $115,390 |
| Ohio | $80,620 | $97,570 | $105,990 |
| Oklahoma | $72,110 | $90,640 | $103,490 |
| Oregon | $101,080 | $122,100 | $132,510 |
| Pennsylvania | $75,270 | $94,570 | $118,110 |
| Rhode Island | $99,230 | $104,000 | $133,890 |
| South Carolina | $76,820 | $90,230 | $102,760 |
| South Dakota | $39,090 | $82,010 | $101,940 |
| Tennessee | $68,640 | $84,470 | $108,020 |
| Texas | $81,330 | $101,170 | $124,530 |
| Utah | $91,570 | $111,770 | $129,590 |
| Virginia | $84,600 | $101,820 | $120,070 |
| Washington | $102,970 | $126,200 | $158,740 |
| West Virginia | $65,570 | $76,460 | $101,300 |
| Wisconsin | $77,380 | $98,450 | $118,560 |
| Wyoming | $78,580 | $81,900 | $119,660 |
Source: Nuclear Medicine Technologists, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Data does not reflect school-specific information.
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
Online Radiation Therapy Programs
What does a radiation therapist do? They work as members of oncology teams operating equipment that delivers concentrated radiation treatments to remove or shrink a patient’s tumors.
Program details: Becoming a certified radiation therapist requires completion of a JRCERT-accredited degree or certificate program, many of which feature some or all of their didactic courses online. All programs include hands-on training at clinical facilities in or around the school’s or student’s local area.
Online Sonography & Ultrasound Tech Schools
What does a sonographer or ultrasound technologist do? They operate medical equipment that employs soundwaves to produce images used by doctors to diagnose and treat a variety of illnesses and diseases.
Program details: Sonography and ultrasound technology bachelor’s and associate degrees and professional certificates combining online didactic coursework and in-person clinical training are available.
Online MRI Tech Programs
What does an MRI technologist do? They operate magnetic resonance imaging scanners that, like sonography and ultrasound equipment, produce images that help diagnose and treat a range of medical conditions.
Program details: Certificate, bachelor’s degree, and associate degree programs are available that feature fully-online or partially online didactic courses along with hands-on training at clinical practice sites.
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)
