Nuclear Medicine Program

The Profession

Nuclear medicine imaging technologists use the nuclear properties of radioactive and stable nuclides to acquire patient data for interpretation by the nuclear medicine physician in reaching diagnostic evaluations of the anatomic and physiologic conditions of the body and to provide patient therapy.  When caring for patients, the nuclear medicine imager acquires knowledge of the patient's history to facilitate optimum diagnostic results, instructs and prepares the patient prior to and during procedures, performs procedures and records anatomical and physiological data, and acts appropriately when encountering emergency patient conditions.  Nuclear medicine technologists use their technical skills as well as their knowledge of radiation physics and safety regulations to limit radiation exposure, prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals intravenously and orally, measure the quantity and distribution of radionuclides deposited in the patient or in a patient specimen, perform in-vivo and in-vitro diagnostic procedures, employ quality assurance methods in all procedures and laboratory settings, and participate in research activities. To learn more about nuclear medicine imaging, visit the Society of Nuclear Medicine's web site or download their brochure.

The Certificate Program

The Nuclear Medicine Imaging Technology Program at the University of New Mexico is a full-time 12-month curriculum of classroom and clinical training which leads to a Certificate in Nuclear Medicine Technology.  Students are admitted once a year, with classes beginning in the Fall semester (late August).  This training provides the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform complex diagnostic procedures involving the in-vitro and in-vivo use of radiopharmaceuticals using state-of-the-art nuclear instrumentation.  The program will continue its accreditation through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. Upon successful completion, students are eligible to take the national certifying examination administered by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).  

Admission Procedure

The application deadline is January 31st of each year for classes beginning the following Fall.  Applicants may request an application packet beginning in October which includes the three required reference forms.  Undergraduate students may apply while still enrolled in course work if all prerequisites will be completed before beginning the Program in the Fall.  Application is made directly to the Radiologic Sciences department; a separate application to the University of New Mexico is required only if accepted into the program.  Applicants who appear to be best qualified will be invited for an interview with the program selection committee, and final selections will be made from the group of candidates interviewed.  The Program's selection process does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of sex, age, race, religion, creed, or national origin.

Admission Requirements for the Certificate Program

Six to eight students are admitted to the Nuclear Medicine Imaging Program each year and the majority of applicants accepted are New Mexico residents.  Selection criteria consist of grade point average, health care experience (including volunteer work), references, and an interview with the program selection committee.

1. Applicant must meet the University of New Mexico admission requirements (refer to UNM catalog).
2. Applicant must have a minimum overall GPA of  2.5 in post-secondary course work.
3. Completed application form (pdf), three references (pdf), and accompanying letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and mid-term grades (prerequisite courses only) must be received by the Radiologic Sciences department by January 31 prior to summer admission. Our online application and reference forms can be downloaded and printed via Adobe Acrobat Reader.
4. Prerequisites for the Certificate program and the degree plan for the Bachelor of Sciences degree are available upon request.
5. Applicant may be required to participate in a personal interview with the program selection committee.

The Bachelor Of Science In Radiologic Sciences

(Concentration in Nuclear Medicine)

Students have the option of completing a BS degree program in Radiologic Sciences, Concentration in Nuclear medicine. Students can select from one of three emphases: Management, Computed Tomography, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The degree program provides the student with all the necessary skills for advancement in the field.
 

Admission Procedure For The Baccalaureate Degree

Students who choose either the Computed Tomography or Magnetic Resonance Imaging emphases must apply by June 1 to be considered for entry into these emphases. Applicants should submit an application form and three letters of recommendation to the Radiologic Sciences Department. The Program's selection process does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of sex, age, race, religion, creed, or national origin.
 

Admission Requirements

Applicant must meet the University of New Mexico admission requirements (refer to UNM catalog).

1. Applicant must have a minimum overall GPA of  2.5 in post-secondary course work.
2. Applicant must have completed a certified nuclear medicine program and be certified as a nuclear medicine technologist.
3. For the Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging, applicant must submit a completed application, three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts must be received by the Radiologic Sciences department by June 1 prior to fall admission.
4. A degree plan for the Bachelor of Sciences degree is available upon request.
5. Applicant may be required to participate in a personal interview with the program selection committee.