Updated on: Tuesday, January 24, 2012
I am studying class 12 bio science group, I would like to know about career opportunities in nuclear medicine and nuclear medicine technology
K. Sai Lakshmi, Erode
Ans: Nuclear medicine combines chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer technology, and medicine in using radioactivity to diagnose and treat disease. Though there are many diagnostic techniques currently available, nuclear medicine uniquely provides information about both the structure and function of virtually every major organ system within the body.
It is this ability to characterize and quantify physiologic function which separates nuclear medicine from other imaging modalities, such as x-ray. Nuclear medicine procedures are safe, they involve little or no patient discomfort and do not require the use of anaesthesia
Nuclear medicine technologists play an integral role in the health-care team, working with patients, physicists, nuclear pharmacists, computer specialists, nurses, secretaries and other health-care professionals
The field of nuclear medicine technology has grown significantly over the past few years. Career opportunities for nuclear medicine technologists are very good.
With the growth of the middle-aged and elderly populations, demand will increase for diagnostic procedures, including nuclear medicine testing. In addition, advances in medical technology will likely increase the diagnostic use of nuclear medicine.
Nuclear medical technologists are employed in hospitals, universities, medical clinics and research centers across the country and in many other countries as well.