The Nuclear Medicine Technology program at the University of St. Francis combines chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer technology, and biology in using radioactivity to diagnose and treat disease. Nuclear medicine uniquely provides information about both the structure and function of virtually every major organ system within the body. And the best part? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2017 median pay for nuclear medicine technologists was $75,660 per year. The bureau also estimates employment for nuclear medicine technologists to increase by 10% by 2026, which is faster than the average growth for all occupations. In other words, it’s a great time to study nuclear medicine technology!
Classes at the University of St. Francis are small, with an average class consisting of about 16 students. That means you’ll be part of an intimate community of students and work closely with professors, allowing for deeper learning. It’s the ideal environment for a budding nuclear medicine technologist, and this major is recommended for anyone interested in pursuing a career in the allied health profession.
Accreditations
The University of St. Francis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Testimonial
“USF has given me an unforgettable experience. Faculty members have allowed me to grow both intellectually and as a person. Each professor has supported me and my goals, and was more than willing to help me achieve anything I set my mind to. I was pushed and motivated to learn, grow, and become a better person. This incredible support system has surrounded me with an incredible group of colleagues, mentors, and friends.”
–Autumn Lee
What Can You Do With This Degree?
The Nuclear Medicine Technology program prepares students for a successful career as a nuclear medicine technologist. Most nuclear medicine technologists work full-time in a hospital setting.
The medical technologist performs a wide range of clinical laboratory tests and procedures on various body fluids and tissues to determine the presence or absence of disease, to monitor response to treatment, and to aid in health maintenance. Some of the primary responsibilities of the nuclear medicine technologist include preparing and administering radio-pharmaceuticals, performing patient imaging procedures, and providing images, data analysis, and patient information to the physician for diagnostic interpretation.
Grow Through Real-World Experience
The Bachelor of Science degree program in Nuclear Medicine Technology is a 3+1 program, which means it includes three years of sciences and liberal education at the University of St. Francis followed by a 12-month professional phase at a hospital school approved by the American Medical Association. In this phase, students will get ample hands-on experience that will best prepare them for careers in nuclear medicine technology. A 2.5 grade point average in biology and chemistry course work is minimally required for acceptance into a hospital’s professional program, and students will have to apply to the professional program while completing the first portion of the program at the University of St. Francis.
Learn more about this major in USF's College of Arts & Sciences Podcast!
