UNC Hospitals School of Nuclear Medicine Technology
Program Description
Nuclear medicine is the medical specialty that utilizes the nuclear properties of radioactive and stable nuclides for the diagnostic evaluation of the physiologic and/or anatomic conditions of the body and to provide therapy with radioactive sources. The nuclear medicine technologist is an allied health professional who, under the direction of an authorized user, is committed to applying the art and skill of diagnostic evaluation and therapeutics through the safe and effective use of radiopharmaceuticals and pharmaceuticals.
The University of North Carolina Hospitals through the Nuclear Medicine Section of Radiology sponsors a twelve-month program in Nuclear Medicine Technology. The Joint Review Committee on Education Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology accredits the program. Graduates are awarded a Certificate in Nuclear Medicine Technology by the University of North Carolina Hospitals and are eligible for national certification by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in Nuclear Medicine Technology and/or by The Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board.
List of Affiliates
- UNC Medical Center of Chapel Hill
- UNC Hillsborough
- UNC REX
- Cardinal Health
Program Goals
The overall objective of this program is to provide the student with the superior quality technical education necessary for becoming a well-trained, competent, certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist. The following goals and objectives are utilized to meet the overall objective:
- To provide an environment conducive to learning that will enable the student to become competent in their nuclear medicine training.
- To provide the nuclear medicine student technologist with quality educational experiences both academically and clinically.
- To strive to maintain departmental radiation, employee, and patient safety always.
- To constantly demonstrate outstanding patient care techniques.
- To provide continuous upgrades to the curriculum as clinical changes occur.
- Encourage students, staff, and faculty to participate in professional organizations and continuing education activities.
Program Accreditation and Development Committee
The program is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee for Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT) located at 2000 W. Danforth Rd., Suite 130 #203, Edmond, OK or www.jrcnmt.org.
Evaluations and Grading System
The University of North Carolina Hospitals School of Nuclear Medicine Technology and Molecular Imaging utilizes the following grading scale:
A 90- 100
B 80 - 89
C 70 - 79
D 60 - 69
F 59 or below
Any student making a “D” in any course will be placed on academic probation. To remove that probationary status,
the student must earn a minimum of a “C” on all courses the following semester. Failure to achieve a “C” in each course the following semester will result in automatic dismissal from the NMT Program. Grades are converted to a 4.0 scale for the purpose of standardization on the final transcript. You must make a 2.0 or higher to graduate from the program.
| COURSE AND NUMBER |
TITLE AND DESCRIPTION |
| NMT 320 AND 321 |
NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND INSTRUMENTATION I AND II
A discussion of the basics of nuclear physics and the instrumentation used to detect the presence of radioactivity in the nuclear medicine setting. FALL AND SPRING (2.0 hours per week) |
| NMT 321L |
NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND INSTRUMENTATION LAB A series of instrumentation experiments will be conducted during the spring semester after hours in the UNC Nuclear Medicine department. SUMMER SESSIONS I (2.0 hours per week) |
| NMT 322 |
CLINICAL MATHEMATICAL APPLICATIONS An introduction to the mathematical concepts utilized daily in the nuclear medicine clinical setting. FALL (2.0 hours per week) |
| NMT 330 |
CLINICAL NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGY An introduction to nuclear medicine technology including discussion of general imaging procedures, In Vivo lab procedures and therapeutic doses of radionuclides. Anatomy, physiology, metabolism, and pathology as related to each procedure is discussed and correlated to pertinent findings. FALL (4.0 hours per week) |
| NMT 331 |
SEMINARS IN NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGY I A continuation of NMT 330, Seminars in NMT I will continue to present the theory and application of procedures and techniques in nuclear medicine. SPRING (4.0 hours per week) |
| NMT 332 |
SEMINARS IN NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLGY II Prerequisite, completion of entire NMT curriculum. Final reviews to aid the student technologist in the preparation for taking the national certifying exams or registry. (Research presentation swill be made from work completed during the spring semester and summer sessions.) SUMMER SESSION II (37 hours) |
| NMT 334 |
RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS A study of the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of radiopharmaceutical dosage forms. Rules and regulations governing the possession and human use of these agents will be discussed. Mathematical calculations are stressed. FALL (3.0 hours per week) |
| NMT 335 |
RADIOBIOLOGY AND RADIATION PROTECTION Discussion of the principles and practices of radiobiology and radiation protection as they relate to the field of Nuclear Medicine Technology. SPRING (3.0 hours per week) |
| NMT 337 |
CARDIOVASCULAR NUCLEAR MEDICINE The course is an in-depth discussion of the patient, terminology, anatomy, physiology, pathology and procedures necessary for the acquisition and analysis of quality cardiovascular nuclear medicine studies. SPRING (2.0 hours per week) |
| NMT 340 |
PRACTICUM IN NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGY I Observation, performance, and technical evaluation of diagnostic procedures using radionuclides in the clinical laboratory. Students acquire clinical skills under the direct supervision of a radiologist and certified nuclear medicine technologist. FALL (24.0 hours per week) |
| NMT 341 |
PRACTICUM IN NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGY II A continuation of NMT 340. The student is expected to exhibit initiative in the performance of procedures. An investigational project is required. SPRING (24.0 hours per week) |
| NMT 342 |
INTERNSHIP IN NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGY Prerequisite, completion of all required course work and clinical practicum in general, cardiac and PET nuclear medicine. The remainder of the time is devoted to improving clinical skills at the UNC Clinical Facility as well as nearby affiliates (if applicable). Under general supervision of the Nuclear Medicine staff technologists, the student will have increased responsibility in procedural performance and evaluation as well as overall departmental management. SUMMER SESSIONS I AND II (37.5 hours per week) |
| NMT 343 |
SECTIONAL ANATOMY 1 This independent course allows the student to study Human Sectional Anatomy and provides the student with an introduction to basic anatomic structures and pathologies, as viewed through medical imaging. All sectional anatomy is presented using CT, MRI, and PET imaging. Proctored examinations will be given at regular intervals throughout the semester. FALL (1.5 hours per week) |
| NMT 344 |
SECTIONAL ANATOMY II This independent course allows the student to study Human Sectional Anatomy and provides the student with an introduction to basic anatomic structures and pathologies, as viewed through medical imaging. All sectional anatomy is presented using CT, MRI, and PET imaging. Proctored examinations will be given at regular intervals throughout the semester. SPRING (1.5 hours per week) |
| NMT 350 AND 351 |
NUCLEAR MEDICINE CONFERENCE I AND II This course provides discussion of nuclear images with emphasis on interpretation and correlation between image quality and technique. Review of current literature and presentation of journal articles to classmates, assures that the student will stay abreast of the ever evident changes occurring in the field. Spring semester will be a continuation of fall semester. FALL AND SPRING (2.0 hours per week) |
Academic Calendar
Classes begin either the first week of September or the last week of August (depending on the year) and run until the end of August.
Graduation and Certification Examinations
Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to sit for the:
Tuition and Fees
The UNC Hospitals Nuclear Medicine Technology Program is fully supported by the UNC Hospitals and does not require students to pay tuition.
Students will be required to purchase books, pay for SNM (Society of Nuclear Medicine) membership if required and to register for the ARRT and NMTCB Certification tests at the end of the program. Any other miscellaneous supplies will be the responsibility of the student. Scrub uniforms for the clinical area will be the responsibility of the student. The student is also responsible for his or her own health insurance.
Books: $600.00
Certification Exam: ARRT $200.00; NMTCB $175.00
Health Insurance: Variable
Uniforms: $150 - $300.00 depending on style
UNC Hospitals reserves the right to change fees without prior notice. Professional Liability Insurance coverage is taken care of by a group policy through the UNC Hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it true there is no tuition?
Yes, it is true that we do not charge tuition.
What are the costs of the program?
Each student is required to buy their own books, uniforms, health insurance and provide their own housing. Students who complete the program are also eligible to take the ARRT and NMTCB certification examinations.
SNM Membership - FreeBooks - $600.00
Certification Exam - ARRT $200.00 / NMTCB $175.00
Health Insurance - Variable Uniforms - $150 - $300.00 depending on style
Does the University provide housing and food?
No, the program is owned and operated by the hospital and has no affiliation to the University. Each student is responsible for their own housing and food while they are enrolled in the school.
How do I get to and from campus?
You are encouraged to use Chapel Hill Transit or Triangle Transit to get to and from campus. The university manages parking on campus and they do not offer permits to the program's students.
Can I take any of the courses part-time or online?
No, the program is an inclusive, thirty-five hour per week experience that must be completed from start to finish in its entirety.
Do I get paid for my clinical time in the program?
No, the clinical time is part of your training in the program and is a requirement for graduation and qualification for taking the certification exams.
What certification boards will I be qualified to take?
Upon completion of the program you will be eligible to take the NMTCB (Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board). If you complete all of the necessary competencies during your clinical training, you will also be eligible to take the ARRT certification test. For more information on the exams, please visit NMTCB.org, or ARRT.org.
When does the program begin and end?
Classes begin either the first week of September or the last week of August (depending on the year), and run until the end of the following August.
