- Nuclear medicine technologist requirements at a glance
- How to become a nuclear medicine technologist, step by step
- The shortcut for radiographers and nurses
- What nuclear medicine technologists earn
- Job outlook
- What the job is like
- What a nuclear medicine program covers
- Skills that help
- My verdict
- Frequently asked questions
To become a nuclear medicine technologist, you'll usually need an associate's degree from an accredited nuclear medicine technology program, then certification and, in some states, a licence. If you already have a degree in radiologic technology or nursing, BLS says you can take a 12-month certificate program instead.
Nuclear medicine technologists prepare radioactive drugs, give them to patients and run the scanners that create images of how organs work. It's one of the better-paid healthcare jobs you can reach with an associate's degree. Here's the route and the pay detail most guides miss, using the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) handbook, read in October 2026.
Nuclear medicine technologist requirements at a glance
| Requirement | What BLS says |
|---|---|
| Education | Associate's degree from an accredited program; bachelor's degrees are common too |
| Career-change route | A 12-month certificate after a degree in radiologic technology or nursing |
| Certification | Most become certified; some employers require it |
| Licence | Required in some states; rules vary |
| Specialty exams | PET, nuclear cardiology (NCT) or CT, through the NMTCB |
| Other | Employers may want BLS, ACLS or CPR certification |
How to become a nuclear medicine technologist, step by step
- Take science in high school. Programs include anatomy and physiology, physics, chemistry, radioactive drugs and computer science.
- Choose an accredited program. Most enter with an associate's degree in nuclear medicine technology. Certificates and bachelor's degrees also lead into the job.
- Complete clinical experience. Programs include supervised practice with a certified technologist and a physician who specializes in nuclear medicine.
- Get certified. Certification usually involves graduating from an accredited program. BLS says it isn't required for a licence but fulfills most of the licence requirements.
- Check your state licence. Requirements vary, so contact your state's health board.
- Add specialties. Exams through the NMTCB cover positron emission tomography (PET), nuclear cardiology and computed tomography (CT).
The shortcut for radiographers and nurses
If you're already a radiologic technologist or a nurse, you don't have to start again. BLS says people with an associate's or bachelor's degree in a related health field, such as radiologic technology or nursing, can complete a 12-month certificate program in nuclear medicine technology. That's often the quickest route in. My guide on how to become a radiology tech covers the first step if you're starting from scratch.
What nuclear medicine technologists earn
As of October 2026, BLS gives a median annual wage of $101,370 for nuclear medicine technologists in May 2025. Here's the catch: hospitals employ 71% of technologists, but outpatient care centers paid far more:
| Employer type (US, May 2025) | Share of jobs (%) | Median annual wage |
|---|---|---|
| Outpatient care centers | 3 | $171,170 |
| Medical and diagnostic laboratories | 8 | $103,410 |
| Hospitals; state, local and private | 71 | $101,280 |
| Offices of physicians | 14 | $98,420 |
Outpatient centers paid far more than hospitals at the median, but they employ only a small share of technologists. So once you're experienced, it's worth keeping an eye on outpatient roles.
Job outlook
This is a small field. BLS counts about 17,400 jobs in 2025 and projects 4% growth to 18,200 by 2035, with about 800 openings a year. Specialty certifications in PET, nuclear cardiology or CT can help you stand out. With so few openings each year, I'd treat a specialty as part of your plan from the start rather than something to add later, and I'd keep in touch with the technologists you meet on clinical placement, because those contacts can help when openings are scarce.
What the job is like
BLS says technologists are on their feet for long periods and may need to lift or turn patients who are ill or injured. Most work full time, and some work evenings or weekends. Those in hospitals may be on call.
You'll also work closely with patients who may be anxious about the scan, so a calm, clear way of explaining things matters as much as the technical side. If imaging appeals but you'd rather avoid radioactive drugs, becoming a sonographer is a related route.
What a nuclear medicine program covers
BLS says nuclear medicine technology programs often include courses in human anatomy and physiology, physics, chemistry, radioactive drugs and computer science. They also include clinical experience, where you practise under the supervision of a certified nuclear medicine technologist and a physician who specializes in nuclear medicine.
That clinical time matters. It's where you'll learn to prepare doses safely, position patients and run the scanners, and it's often where you'll make the contacts that lead to your first job. When you compare programs, ask where students do their clinical placements and how many hours they get.
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Employers may also want extra certifications on top of your main credential. BLS lists basic life support (BLS), advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Some employers require certification even where the state doesn't, so don't skip it to save time.
Skills that help
- attention to detail when preparing and measuring doses
- comfort with physics, chemistry and computers
- physical stamina for long periods on your feet
- people skills for reassuring patients
- willingness to keep learning as equipment changes
My verdict
An accredited associate's degree, certification and a state licence where required can take you to a median of $101,370, which is a strong return. It's a small field with about 800 openings a year, so add a specialty such as PET or CT, and if you're already a radiographer or nurse, look at the 12-month certificate first.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a nuclear medicine technologist?
BLS says most people enter with an associate's degree from an accredited program. If you already have a degree in radiologic technology or nursing, BLS says a 12-month certificate program can get you in.
Do nuclear medicine technologists need a license?
In some states, yes. BLS says licensing requirements vary by state, and certification fulfills most of the requirements.
How much do nuclear medicine technologists make?
As of October 2026, BLS gives a median annual wage of $101,370 for nuclear medicine technologists in May 2025. Outpatient care centers paid a median of $171,170.
What certifications can nuclear medicine technologists earn?
BLS says technologists can pass NMTCB exams to earn specialty certification in PET, nuclear cardiology (NCT) or CT.
Is nuclear medicine technology a growing field?
Slowly. BLS projects 4% growth from 2025 to 2035, with about 800 openings a year.
