Nuclear Medicine Technology | Westmoreland County Community College, Youngwood, Pennsylvania

Make a Difference in Patient Care Through Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

What Will I Learn?

Westmoreland's Nuclear Medicine Technology Degree and Diploma programs will prepare you for a rewarding career as a nuclear medicine technologist. Through hands-on training and classroom instruction, you will learn to safely handle radioactive materials and operate specialized imaging equipment used to diagnose and treat various medical conditions. Special emphasis is placed on patient care, safety protocols, and collaboration within healthcare teams.

This program is primarily online. Students will need to complete several in-person clinical preceptorships. The Program Director will work with students to find a clinical preceptorship in their location, but the college does not guarantee that such a placement can be found at all locations.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successfully completing this program, you will be able to:
  • Apply foundational knowledge of nuclear physics, radiation safety, radiopharmaceuticals, and human anatomy in clinical practice.
  • Operate and maintain nuclear medicine equipment, including gamma cameras and PET/CT scanners.
  • Safely prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals following regulatory guidelines.
  • Provide compassionate patient care, communicate effectively, and respond appropriately to emergencies.
  • Evaluate diagnostic images for accuracy and collaborate with healthcare teams on patient care.
  • Demonstrate professionalism, ethical conduct, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
  • Perform clinical procedures and accurately document patient data during supervised clinical experiences.

  • Prepare for national certification exams (NMTCB or ARRT) and entry-level employment in the field.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of a Nuclear Medicine Technology program typically find roles in hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, research institutions, and outpatient care facilities. The program will equip you with the technical, medical, and interpersonal skills needed to succeed in a high-demand healthcare field.

What Will I Earn?

If you plan to stay in the region, there are many occupations related to this program degree and certificates. In the 10-county region* surrounding Westmoreland County Community College, the earnings for occupations in this field range from $30.94 - $48.53 per hour, with an average hourly wage of $38.44. 
 
It is important to remember that wages vary based on level of education, experience, job location and other factors. 
 
Source: Data provided by Lightcast™ (https://lightcast.io/) 2023.1
* 10-county region includes Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington and Westmoreland.
 

Basic Application Process - Health Professions

  • Complete and submit an Application for Admission to
    the college.
  • Receive a College Login:  24-48 business hours after applying, you will receive a college login.
  • Log into Westmoreland:  Use your login to access "MyWestmoreland" from the top of any page on the college website. 
  • Complete the Health Professionals Program Application.
  • Download the Nuclear Medicine Technology, AAS Application Checklist or Nuclear Medicine Technology, Diploma Application Checklist for details on additional requirements.
  • Submit official transcript from all secondary schools attended, graduate equivalency degree (GED) programs and any other formal educational program beyond high school.
  • Application Deadline: November 1
  • Acceptance Notification: November 15