Employment of nuclear medicine technologists is projected to grow 2 percent from 2014 to 2024, slower than the average for all occupations.
An aging population may lead to the need for nuclear medicine technologists who can provide imaging to patients with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease. Moreover, the number of individuals who have access to health insurance is expected to continue to increase because of federal health insurance reform. This reform may increase the demand for medical imaging services, including those provided by nuclear medicine technologists.
However, employment growth may be tempered as many medical facilities and third-party payers encourage the use of less costly, noninvasive imaging technologies, such as ultrasound.
Job Prospects
Nuclear medicine technologists can improve their job prospects by completing a bachelor's degree from an accredited program or earning a specialty certification, such as in positron emission tomography (PET), nuclear cardiology (NCT), or computed tomography (CT). Certification is available from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB).
Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Percent change in employment, projected 2014-24
Health technologists and technicians
16%
Total, all occupations
7%
Nuclear medicine technologists
2%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program