Nuclear medicine technologists held about 20,700 jobs in 2014. The industries that employed the most nuclear medicine technologists were as follows:
Hospitals; state, local, and private
69%
Offices of physicians
20
Medical and diagnostic laboratories
6
Technologists are on their feet for long periods and may need to lift or turn patients who are disabled.
Work Schedules
Most nuclear medicine technologists work full time. Some nuclear medicine technologists work evenings, weekends, or overnight because imaging is sometimes needed in emergencies.
Injuries and Illnesses
Although radiation hazards exist in this occupation, they are minimized by the use of gloves and other shielding devices. Nuclear medicine technologists wear badges that measure radiation levels in the radiation area. Instruments monitor their radiation exposure and detailed records are kept on how much radiation they get over their lifetime. When preparing radioactive drugs, technologists use safety procedures to minimize radiation exposure to patients, other healthcare workers, and themselves.
Like other healthcare workers, nuclear medicine technologists may be exposed to infectious diseases.
