Nuclear Medicine Technology, B.S.

Saint Louis University's Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Medicine Technology (NMT) prepares graduates for entry-level positions as nuclear medicine technologists.

Nuclear medicine is a medical specialty that uses safe, painless and cost-effective techniques to image the body and treat disease. Nuclear medicine uses very small amounts of radioactive materials to diagnose and treat diseases using gamma or PET/CT scanners. Nuclear medicine imaging is unique in that it documents organ function and structure. It is a method of gathering information that may otherwise be unavailable, require surgery or necessitate more expensive diagnostic tests.

Today, nuclear medicine offers procedures that are helpful for a broad span of medical specialties, from pediatrics to cardiology and oncology. There are almost 100 different nuclear medicine imaging procedures available that include every major organ of the human body.

Advantages to earning your B.S. in Nuclear Medicine Technology at Saint Louis University include:

• Opportunities to participate in professional conferences with faculty and fellow students
• Medically relevant coursework ideal for pre-professional studies
• Pre-medicine and pre-physician assistant curriculum options
• Student-tailored educational curriculum and individual mentorship by faculty in the NMT profession
• Strong science curriculum which aids in preparation for immediate job placement as well as a future graduate-level education
• Exceptional clinical preceptors and training sites located conveniently within the St. Louis metropolitan area

Curriculum Overview

SLU's nuclear medicine program includes all basic sciences, as well as an intensive NMT curriculum that includes 1,000 hours of clinical practicum. The nuclear medicine technology program also offers curriculum tracks in pre-physician assistant and pre-medicine. Upon completing the program, the graduate is eligible for national certification to become a certified nuclear medicine technologist (CNMT).

Nuclear medicine technology students are encouraged to join and participate in the functions of the Saint Louis University Clinical Health Sciences Club.

Clinical and Research Opportunities

Professional coursework in the nuclear medicine technology program is concentrated in the last year and a half of study. Students in the NMT program have opportunities to conduct research and produce projects and papers that are acceptable for publication and could be presented at professional conferences.

Careers

The benefits of SLU's nuclear medicine technology program also include several career opportunities. Graduates can work as technologists in hospitals and clinics. Students may seek positions in information technology, health care administration, sales and training, radiopharmacy labs, teaching and other related fields.

Nuclear medicine provides an excellent pre-med curriculum. About 20% of graduates proceed to graduate school, with about 50% of the remaining class enrolling in graduate school within five years of employment. Many students attend graduate school part-time, with assistance from their place of work.

Career advancement opportunities from the position of staff technologist may lead to areas of administration, education, sales or research.

A nuclear medicine technologist has many responsibilities that encompass a wide range of skills. Some responsibilities include:

• Preparing, calibrating and administering radioactive chemical compounds, known as radiopharmaceuticals.
• Performing diagnostic imaging procedures using radiation-detection technology.
• Administering radioactive tracers used to image the organs of the human body.
• Operating imaging technology, laboratory and computer instrumentation.
• Providing images, data analysis and patient information to the physician for diagnostic interpretation.
• Assisting the physician in theranostic procedures.

The median annual wage for nuclear medicine technologists was $82,080 in 2020 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Admission Requirements

Freshmen Applicants

Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

Admission criteria include:

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70 on a 4.00 scale.
• Saint Louis University has a test-optional admission process for all undergraduate programs. Applicants may submit standardized test scores, but those who choose not to will not be disadvantaged in any way in the admission process. 

Transfer Applicants 

The minimum college transfer GPA is 2.70/4.00.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: Awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need. In addition to University scholarships, the Doisy College of Health Sciences offers a scholarship to sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students.
• Financial Aid: Provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, applicants should apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

For more information, see the Doisy College Scholarship page.

Accreditation

The Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology
820 W. Danforth Rd. #B1
Edmond, OK 73003
405-285-0546
http://jrcnmt.org

Additional Accreditation Information (PDF)

JRCNMT Graduate Outcomes Report

1. Graduates will be able to demonstrate the Jesuit value of Cura Personalis as they perform diagnostic imaging procedures.
2. Graduates will be able to demonstrate effective communication when speaking with both patients and other healthcare professionals in the nuclear medicine department.
3. Graduates will be able to use knowledge, facts and data to assess problems and find solutions as they relate to nuclear medicine imaging procedures.
4. Graduates will be able to demonstrate the ability to translate didactic knowledge into clinical practice as a nuclear medicine technologist.
5. Graduates will be able to exhibit professional characteristics expected of nuclear medicine technologists.

Students in Saint Louis University's nuclear medicine technology major take the following courses. 

Standard Track

Pre-Medicine Track

Pre-Physician Assistant and PA Scholar Track

Second Degree Option for Students with Bachelor's Degree

Total semester credits vary based on applicable courses complete in undergraduate program. A specific course plan is individually designed for each applicant.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.70 to remain in good standing.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester.  Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Standard Track

Pre-Medicine Track

Program Notes

Curriculum is designed to address SLU’s School of Medicine requirements and is subject to change. If applying to a medical school at another institution, please consult its website for specific requirements.

Pre-Physician Assistant and PA Scholars Track

Program Notes

Pre-PA: Curriculum is designed to address SLU’s physician assistant program requirements and is subject to change. If applying to a physician assistant program at another institution, please consult its website for specific requirements.
PA Scholars: Upon completion of the bachelor’s degree, students will proceed directly into SLU’s graduate-level physician assistant program.

Second Baccalaureate Degree Track

Courses to Be Taken at Saint Louis University

Program Notes

Successful completion leads to a second baccalaureate degree in nuclear medicine technology. This option is for a student who already possesses a bachelor’s degree and is motivated to become a practicing nuclear medicine technologist in an accelerated time frame.

To be considered for the second baccalaureate degree option, the applicant must have satisfactorily completed a baccalaureate degree, with a minimum GPA of 2.7 (on a 4.0 scale), including the prerequisite courses listed above.

The applicant must complete the application for the professional year and submit official transcripts of prior college work through the SLU admission website at https://www.slu.edu/apply. 

The applicant must show satisfactory evidence of good character and physical ability to perform functions of the nuclear medicine technologist. All applicants must meet the professional performance and technical standards required by the profession. Students must also successfully complete a drug screen and criminal background check prior to the start of the professional year.

Application to the second baccalaureate option is via a competitive application process with admission granted on a space-available basis. The selection process includes a personal interview for qualified applicants.

Selection Factors: Among the parameters considered by the selection committee are:

• Applicant’s academic potential as evidenced by previous performance in college
• Specific motivation toward the pursuit of a health care profession
• Evidence of sound judgment
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Job shadowing of a nuclear medicine department is highly recommended

Apply for Admission

Contact Doisy College of Health Sciences:
Julie Miller
Recruitment Specialist
314-977-2570
dchs@health.slu.edu