Nuclear Medicine Technologist Working Conditions

Nuclear medicine technologists held about 20,700 jobs in 2014. About 69% of technologists are employed by hospitals with another 20% employed by physican offices.

Working conditions require that technologists be on their feet for long periods and be able to lift or turn patients who are disabled.

Although radiation hazards are an inherent working condition for this occupation, risks are minimized by the use of gloves and other shielding devices. Nuclear medicine technologists wear badges that measure radiation levels in the radiation area. Instruments monitor their radiation exposure and detailed records are kept on how much radiation they get over their lifetime. When preparing radioactive drugs, technologists use safety standards to keep the chance of radiation exposure low for patients, other healthcare workers, and themselves.

Like other healthcare workers, nuclear medicine technologists may be exposed to infectious diseases.

Because imaging is sometimes needed in emergencies, working conditions for some nuclear medicine technologists may include working evenings, weekends, or being on call.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition