Program Description

Nuclear Medicine is the injection or oral administration of radioactive materials into the human body that are detected by an imaging device known as a gamma camera. A scan of the distribution of the radiotracer within an organ in the body is produced.

A Nuclear Medicine Technologist prepares and administers the tracer radiopharmaceuticals to the patients and records the images using computerized detection systems. Nuclear Medicine Technologists are employed in hospitals, outpatient diagnostic imaging centers, and private physician offices.

Mission and Goals

The mission of the Medical Center Campus’ Nuclear Medicine Technology Program is to prepare competent practitioners in the profession of nuclear medicine.

The program is a 6-semester educational experience consisting of 75 semester credits for an Associate in Science degree. The 4-semester college certificate program (CCC) is available to healthcare professionals who meet the established criteria for entry. Prior to acceptance into the Nuclear Medicine Technology program, students complete course work in the basic sciences and general studies. Many of these courses have both lecture and laboratory components. Once accepted into the program, students are provided with opportunities to develop their medical skills and to expand their knowledge by participating in structured clinical experience under the supervision of nuclear medicine technologists and radiologists. In order to provide students with the broadest range of clinical experience, the program utilizes many hospital settings within Miami-Dade County. Retention, promotion, and graduation are not automatically granted to students in this program. The program coordinator and faculty review the performance record of each student at the end of every term, evaluating not only the exam grades and classroom work, but also the student’s clinical performance, patient interactions, professional behavior, and demeanor.

Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the NMT Program at the Medical Center Campus, you must meet these criteria:

• You hold at the time of enrollment in the NMT Program, a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (GED).

• In accordance with the school’s policy of dual admissions, you have applied to and been fully accepted by Miami Dade College. (For application information, see the Miami Dade College Catalog, available online or from admissions and registration offices on any campus).

• You have passing scores on the Computerized Placement Test (CPT), or, if you have taken the test but have not passed, then you have satisfactorily completed the developmental courses prescribed by MDC. The CPT can be scheduled through Testing Services at any MDC campus. For exceptions to this requirement, see the MDC Catalog. CPT scores must be current.

• You have earned a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)of at least 2.0 on a scale of 4.0 for all general education courses.

• You can demonstrate comprehension and proficiency in the English language at the college level. If your native language is other than English, you must have completed the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which can be taken at any MDC campus.

• You have completed the vocational credit course HSC 0001 Introduction to Health Care Careers (A.S. degree only).

• You have satisfied the college Computer Competency requirements by completing CGS 1060.

How Do I Apply?

To apply to study NMT at the Medical Center Campus, complete the following steps.

• If you have not been enrolled at Miami Dade College during the past 12 months, complete an Application for Admission or Readmission to College Credit Courses. Choose the Medical Center Campus as the “preferred” campus.

• Sign up to take the Computerized Placement Test (CPT) through Testing Services, Room 1303, Medical Center Campus, 305-237-4275, or through the testing center at any of the other MDC campuses. You must sign up at least one month in advance of taking the test, and you must take the test before the date that program application materials are due.

• If you have previously attended any other college or university, arrange for that institution to send official transcripts to the Registrar at the Medical Center Campus by the due date for program application materials. All transcripts must be received and evaluated by the application deadline in order to be considered for the program.

• Submit the following program application materials to the New Student Center, 950 NW 20 Street, 33127 on the Medical Center Campus. These items must be received by February 15th for Summer entry.

  • Application for Program Selection to the NMT Program, Medical Center Campus.

  • Transfer Credit Review Form, which comes with the program application (Submit only if you are transferring credits from another college).

Who Gets Admitted?

Because there may be a greater number of qualified applicants for the NMT Program than can be accommodated, program personnel have established selection criteria. Once applicants have met the basic admission requirements, they will be given priority for admission according to the following:

• The number of natural science and general education courses required in the curriculum that have been successfully completed with a grade of C or higher.

• Cumulative grade point average in the prerequisite science courses.

• Florida residency, Miami-Dade County.

When an applicant’s candidacy is being evaluated, all of these criteria will be considered. For instance, a less than perfect grade point average may be counterbalanced by completion of all non-NMT courses with no repeats (Ws) on final grades below a C. Applicants who are not selected are encouraged to consider the above criteria and may reapply for admission with a subsequent class of students.

Miami-Dade County applicants with all of the non NMT general education courses (terms 1 & 2) completed and with the highest GPA in these courses will be given first priority.

ADA Standards

In order to fulfill the requirements of the Nuclear Medicine Technology program at Miami Dade, students must be able to meet the performance and technical standards listed below.

• Communication. Effectively communicate in English language in both written and oral form.

• Comprehension. Follow oral and written instructions provided in English.

• Hearing. Hear low audible sounds.

• Color Vision. See and distinguish black, white and various color combinations on display devices and recorded images (film, paper.)

• Vision. Observe patients both at a distance and up close.

• Motor skills. Perform gross and fine motor skills such as help lift or transfer patients with limited to no mobility between wheelchairs or stretchers to/from examination table, manipulate and/or move nuclear medicine equipment that can weight more than 20 pounds, and perform detained, delicate and difficult manipulative skilled tasks such as venipuncture.

• Tactile. Prepare and intravenously administer patient doses.

• Mobility. Move from room to room and maneuver in small areas. Stand or sit for long period of time.

Curriculum

Students begin the Nuclear Medicine Technology Program in Summer term of each year. A total of 75 credits must be completed for this degree (48 for the CCC). The required general education courses are an important part of the program. Since admissions are highly competitive, it is strongly recommended that you take the core courses in the first and second semesters, particularly the natural science courses, before you are admitted to the program. Your success in the courses you take before applying to the program will improve your chances of being admitted, although taking these courses in advance does not guarantee admission.

Course content is sequential, and students must plan to enroll in all NMT courses in the order and during the terms indicated in the following curriculum outline.

HSC 0003

HSC 0003, Introduction to Health Care, is required of all students entering this program. To be considered for an exemption, program applicants must provide one of the following:

• Current state license of certification in a health care field that involves direct patient care. Effective January 2003, you will be required to submit a written statement from your employer on official letterhead indicating that you have be actively employed in your field within the past 2 years.

• Transcript from Miami-Dade County Public Schools showing completion of HSC 1 and HSC 2 within 2 years of anticipated entry to a Medical Center Campus Program.

• Completion of an equivalent course at another accredited institution. Both an official transcript and a course description are required.

All students must provide a current CPR card for Health Professionals and HIV/OSHA certificate.

Course Plan for A.S. Degree

College Certificate Program

Students in this track must have an earned degree (minimum AS/AAS) in a healthcare profession, posses a current professional license in that profession, and must have completed CHM 1033/33L (4crs), MAC 1105 (3crs) and PHY 1004 (3crs) prior to admission into the NMT CCC program.

Approximate Costs

As of August 2006, the cost of tuition was $68.94 per credit for in-state students and $228.76 per credit for out-of-state students. Here are estimates for total tuition, based on 75 credits at these per-credit rates. In-state students: $5,171.00. Out-of-state students: $17,157.00 Costs for books are $125-300 per year, and lab fees may total $150 annually. Each year, students are required to purchase malpractice insurance for $15.50 and medical accident insurance for $10.50. Over the course of the program, students should expect to pay approximately $250-$300 for uniforms and foot ware.

In order to practice as Nuclear Medicine Technologist, graduates of the program will need to take The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Exam in Nuclear Medicine ($150) and/or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board exam ($145) and pay $115 when they apply for an HRS License. All costs are subject to change.

Effective January 2003, all students submitting an application to the 4 Radiologic Science programs must pay a one-time, non-refundable $25 application fee.  In addition, students who are accepted into the program must pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of $100 to retain their seat. At the time of registration for the first semester, the deposit will be applied towards tuition, provided the student enters the NMT program.

Eligibility

Graduates are eligible to apply to sit for The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Exam in Nuclear Medicine and/or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board exam. In addition, to practice in the state of Florida, graduates must apply for a license as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist through the Department of Health, Bureau of Radiation Control.

Licensure

Graduates are eligible to apply to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Examination in Nuclear Medicine as well as the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board Examination. Additionally, graduates are eligible to apply for a Nuclear Medicine Technologist license in the state of Florida which is required for employment. Applications will be provided to the students in the last semester of the program.

Important Phone Numbers

Faculty and Staff

	Lara Rodriguez, M.S. Adjunct
	Paul Martin, AS, R.T.(R)(N), CNMT Adjunct
	Lydia Español-Olmeda Lab Manager Email: Lydia.espanololmedo@mdc.edu Phone: 305-237-4063
	Gwen Gilbert Secretary Email:gwendolyn.gilbert@mdc.edu Phone: 305-237-4300
	Wilmer Garcia, MBA, R.T.(N) Adjunct

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When is the application deadline for the program?
A. The deadline is February 15 th for the class that will begin summer term.

Q. How many students are selected for the program?
A. Each class will consist of fifteen students.

Q. Can I apply if I have not completed all of the pre-requisite courses?
A. You can apply to the program before completing the pre-requisite courses but only students who have completed or will have completed the pre-requisite courses by the end of spring semester will be considered for the summer class.

Q. What should I do if I am not accepted into the program?
A. Your application will be retained in the program application pool as long as you return the form that was sent to you along with the letter indicating your program status. You should also contact a Medical Center Campus advisor to review your transcripts. Since this program has a very limited enrollment, your final grades in the pre-requisite courses are extremely important.

Q. What are the hours of the program?
A. This program requires that you attend classes throughout the day and perhaps the early evening. Clinical courses are scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Q. Can I complete this program on a part-time basis?
A. All but one semester is considered part-time. The curriculum must be followed as outlined on the curriculum sheet.

Q. Can I work while I am a student in the program?
A. Employment is not encouraged but you should be able to work about 15- 20 hours per week without jeopardizing your course grades. Students must earn at least a final grade of a “C” or better to continue in the program.

Q. Do you assist with job placement after graduation?
A. The Medical Center Campus does assist graduates with job placement if positions are forwarded to the program.

Q. Do I need to take a test after graduation?
A. To work as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist, a license is required in the state of Florida. This license requires that you pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists exam in Nuclear Medicine or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board exam.

Q. How much is an annual salary for graduates of this program in this area?
A. In this area, entry-level graduates may expect to earn an annual salary of $43,000 if employed full-time in a hospital setting. This does not include a sign-on bonus, benefits or overtime.

 Visit the Medical Center Campus on the Web at www.mdc.edu/medical/
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The mission of the Medical Center Campus is to provide students with affordable, accessible, quality education in health care careers. Faculty and staff strive to respond to the changing needs of students, health care providers, and health care consumers in the community at large through collaboration with health care and business communities. The Campus provides an environment that is conducive to learning by recognizing and responding to the diverse learning styles, cultures, and resources of its students.