DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA
29-2033 Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Occupational Description:
Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.| Percentiles | |||||||||
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| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| Minnesota | 310 | 28 | $37.34/hr | $0.67/hr | $29.93/hr | $33.03/hr | $37.86/hr | $42.63/hr | $45.50/hr |
| U S | 20,480 | 369 | $34.52/hr | $0.14/hr | $24.64/hr | $29.23/hr | $34.20/hr | $40.30/hr | $45.48/hr |
| *SE = Standard error, a measure of the statistical reliability of the estimate. | |||||||||
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| Occupation (click title for details) | OES | Projections | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Median Wage | % Change 2010 - 2020 | |
| Dental Hygienists | 4,630 | $33.61/hr | 24.8% |
| Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | 3,780 | $29.11/hr | N/A |
| Physician Assistants | 1,620 | $46.12/hr | 31.7% |
| Anesthesiologists | 1,260 | >$80.00/hr | 30.2% |
| Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians | 910 | $27.07/hr | 29.0% |
| Optometrists | 710 | $43.97/hr | 30.9% |
| Radiation Therapists | 400 | $34.16/hr | 23.4% |
Tasks for Nuclear Medicine Technologists
- Administers radiopharmaceuticals or radiation to patient to detect or treat diseases, using radioisotope equipment, under direction of physician.
- Calculates, measures, prepares, and records radiation dosage or radiopharmaceuticals, using computer and following physician's prescription and x-rays.
- Measures glandular activity, blood volume, red cell survival, and radioactivity of patient, using scanners, Geiger counters, scintillometers, and other laboratory equipment.
- Maintains and calibrates radioisotope and laboratory equipment.
- Disposes of radioactive materials and stores radiopharmaceuticals, following radiation safety procedures.
- Develops treatment procedures for nuclear medicine treatment programs.
- Positions radiation fields, radiation beams, and patient to develop most effective treatment of patient's disease, using computer.