Nuclear Medicine Technology Courses

This course introduces the student to the Bellevue College Nuclear Medicine Technology program. It includes three days of clinical orientation in a nuclear medicine department. We'll create a shared understanding of the basics of nuclear medicine practice, examine active learning techniques, and develop cohesiveness as a group.

Studies human anatomy and physiology as they apply to nuclear medicine imaging. Specific organ systems covered include skeletal, circulatory, cardiac, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, immune, excretory, endocrine, and central nervous systems.

Presents basic science required for nuclear medicine. Topics include types of radiation, half-life and radioactive decay, interactions of radiation, detection instruments, statistics of radiation counting, basic radiation protection, and introduction to imaging process.

Examines the function and use of the nuclear medicine gamma camera. Topics include basic electronics, collimators, digital cameras, online correction systems, and modifications required for tomographic studies. Students learn quality control and troubleshooting.

Introduces the use of computers in nuclear medicine, emphasizing analysis of static, dynamic, and tomographic images.

Studies all commonly used nuclear medicine pharmaceuticals, their preparation, indications for use, dosages, and contraindications. P

Presents nursing procedures relating to nuclear medicine. Topics include patient assessment, oxygen administration, infection control, intravenous drug administration, vasovagal and anaphylactic reactions, basic pharmacology, sedation, medical and legal issues, cardiac physiology, and electrocardiography.

Covers all aspects of positron emission tomography (PET), including basic principles, instrumentation, PET/CT imaging and quality control, quantitation of radiopharmaceutical uptake, clinical indications for PET imaging, biochemistry of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), clinical aspects of FDG imaging, new PET radiopharmaceuticals, and issues relating to reimbursement for PET scans.

Provides an introduction to the practice of nuclear medicine with an emphasis on the operation of a gamma camera, basic radiopharmacy and radiation safety principles, and patient care procedures.

First in a five-course sequence of supervised clinical instruction in nuclear medicine technology. Topics including imaging, patient care, radiopharmacy, camera quality control, and computer analysis. Students are expected to gain proficiency according to defined objectives.

Second in a five-course sequence of supervised clinical instruction in nuclear medicine technology. Topics include imaging, patient care, radiopharmacy, camera quality control, and computer analysis. Students are expected to gain proficiency according to defined objectives.

Third in a five-course sequence of supervised clinical instruction in nuclear medicine technology. Topics include imaging, patient care, radiopharmacy, camera quality control, and computer analysis. Students are expected to gain proficiency according to defined objectives.

Fourth in a five-course sequence of supervised clinical instruction in nuclear medicine technology. Topics include imaging, patient care, radiopharmacy, camera quality control, and computer analysis. Students are expected to gain proficiency according to defined objectives.

Fifth in a five-course sequence of supervised clinical instruction in nuclear medicine technology. Topics include radiopharmacy, positron emission tomography, nuclear cardiology, and pediatrics.

Covers principles and practices for radiation safety. Topics include calculation of doses absorbed from procedures, personnel monitoring, handling and disposal of radioactive materials, and licensing of a nuclear medicine department.

Discusses the potentially harmful effects of radiation on humans. Topics include the basic chemistry of radiation interactions in living cells, the effects of extensive radiation exposure, and the potential long-term effects of accumulated radiation damage.

Presents sectional anatomy of the body, including a brief introduction to the following imaging modalities: CT, MRI, angiography, and ultrasound. Main emphasis is on identifying organs of the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis on CT and MR images.

Presents nuclear medicine from the technologist's standpoint, emphasizing the technical aspects and pitfalls of nuclear medicine procedures. NMTEC 260 lectures are coordinated with NMTEC 200.

Presents nuclear medicine from the physician's standpoint, emphasizing the diagnosis of disease and ways in which the technologist can assist the physician making a correct diagnosis.

Discusses advanced topics related to imaging and non-imaging procedures. Topics include hematology and immunology, laboratory techniques in nuclear medicine, Schilling test, H. pylori breath testing, blood volume determination, bone densitometry, radioimmunotherapy, and advanced nuclear neurology.

Prepares students for the NMTCB exam by reviewing all aspects of nuclear medicine technology and giving practice tests. Students focus on practical application of the basic science knowledge gained throughout the program. Students also complete a capstone project.

Provides didactic instruction in CT scanning, as is pertinent to its application to nuclear medicine procedures. Includes information pertaining to production and detection of X-rays in CT, instrumentation and image reconstruction, specific technique applications, patient care, and quality control.