Technical Standards for Nuclear Medicine Technology
Our program technical standards have been developed to help students understand nonacademic standards, skills, and performance requirements expected of a student in order to complete this particular curriculum. The Associate degree in Applied Science in Nuclear Medicine Technology (NMT) signifies that the graduate is prepared for an entry-level position into the practice of Nuclear Medicine.
Therefore, the graduate must have both the knowledge and skills to function in a broad variety of situations and to render a wide spectrum of health-related services. Students should possess the following minimal physical requirements to adequately perform NMT responsibilities.
If an accommodation is necessary to participate in the program, it is imperative to identify a reasonable accommodation to those students who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonableness is determined by Accessibility Resources and the program on a case-by-case basis utilizing the program technical standards. The accommodation needs to be in place prior to the start of the program, or it may delay your ability to start the program. It is the student’s responsibility to contact Accessibility Resources and request accommodations.
| Skills | Description | Specific Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Skills | Stand and move around the majority of the daySit occasionally
Bend and stoop Climb to reach patient care equipment Lift or carry a minimum of 20 pounds Push or pull a minimum of 20 pounds |
Assisting patients on and off imaging tableMoving equipment or gurney
Retrieving supplies or moving equipment Assisting patients from wheelchairs to gurneys or imaging table or vice-versa Must be comfortable touching patients while helping them move on and off imaging equipment |
| Vision | Accessing information in print and electronically | Ability to access information in print as well as on the computer or from imaging equipment; able to assist patients safely on and off equipment |
| Hearing | Ability to respond to instructors, classmates, and patients | Auditory ability sufficient for physical monitoring and assessment of patient health |
| Technological | Use of imaging systems and computers | Able to operate medical computers and equipment to acquire and process patient studies |
| Communication | Verbal, non-verbal, and in writing | Able to communicate with others both orally and in writing in English and able to respond to non-verbal communication clues |
| Critical Thinking/ Problem Solving | Ability to perform nuclear medicine scans and solve issues that may arise in clinical situations, in a manner that insures patient safety and diagnostic accuracy | Able to clear error messages on equipment, operate imaging and patient transport equipment safely, and process patient studies in computer |
| Interpersonal Skills | Professionalism and teamwork | Able to interact with patients, instructors, other students, and technologists in a healthcare environment, in a professional and cordial manner |
| Environmental Tolerance | Temperature, lighting, noise, exposure | Able to work in a healthcare environment where air conditioning may be at a cooler setting, lighting may be dimly lit, noise from equipment may be present, and potential exposure to bodily fluids exists |
This document is intended to serve as a guide regarding the physical, emotional, intellectual and psychosocial expectations placed on a student. This document cannot include every conceivable action, task, ability or behavior that may be expected of a student. Meeting these technical standards does not guarantee employment in this field upon graduation. Ability to meet the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for any licensure, certification exam, or successful completion of the degree program.
