According to the Society of Nuclear Medicine, radioactive imaging through nuclear medicine documents the function and structure of organs, as opposed to diagnostic radiology, which is based on anatomy. When substances called radiopharmaceuticals enter the body, the gamma rays emitted can be detected by external cameras, which work with computer systems to convert these rays into images of the particular part of the body being examined. In this way, nuclear medicine provides doctors with important diagnostic information that would otherwise be unavailable without the use of surgery or further testing.
Fayetteville Technical Community College, located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, offers a nuclear medicine technology program designed to give graduates all the clinical and didactic experience they'll need to enter the field, including the ability to properly perform clinical procedures. Additional areas of training include patient care, use of radioactive materials, operation of imaging and counting instrumentation and laboratory procedures. Upon graduation, students may be eligible to apply for certification exams through the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Pitt Community College is based in Greenville, North Carolina, and offers both diploma and degree programs in medicine technology. Pitt's nuclear medicine technology associate degree is a four-semester program that requires students to complete a CPR Healthcare Provider Certification (from either the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross). The college also offers a nuclear medicine technology associate degree and a nuclear medicine technology diploma. Pitt Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees.
Johnston Community College is located in Smithfield, North Carolina, approximately 30 miles east of Raleigh. The college offers both diploma and degree programs in nuclear medicine technology. Before students can apply to either program, they must first attend an information session about the program, which is considered mandatory in order to be considered for admission into Johnston Community College nuclear medicine technology program. Applicants must also complete a test of academic skills (TEAS) that gauges adeptness at reading, mathematics, science and English.