RT or Nuclear Medicine? Which is better?

nuclear26 · Joined: 12 Nov 2007 Posts: 5 Location: Indinapolis

Hi,

My wife wants to have career in the field of radiology and learn MRI too, now we both were thinking as which course is better either Associates Degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology or Associates in RT? what kind of future each hold?

As I'm from an engineering background have little to no knowledge about medical field so I'm unable to guide my wife as which course can give her better opportunity & pay out there.

I would appreciate if any of the experienced professionals guide us appropriately with detailed reasoning soon.

Thanks much for your help.

Best Regards
Nuclear 26

Suzanne · Joined: 07 Jan 2008 Posts: 2

I am a Nuclear medicine tech...

I think your wife should debate the pros and cons of each.

She should try to "search" for a job using both...see which jobs are offered.

Just so you know, you can start off an X-ray tech, then just get credits to become NMT. You cannot do the opposite. Once you graduate radiology tech...you can be cross-trained in CT, MRI, Sonogram, etc.

Plus, there is more Hybrid technology now. For example: SPECT/CT and PET/CT. If you are a nuc med tech... they will not allow you to use the CT scanner. So, now-a-days, they are looking for people who are cross-trained!

(This is in NY...not sure in other states. But most likely the same.)

zephren · Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 6

I live in Dallas, TX. I am about to apply to a Nuclear Medicine program. When I graduate I will be eligible to take exams for both RT and Nuc Med Tech. I am concerned however that this will be the worst mistake of my life. Im worried that when I graduate I wont be able to find a job. From what I hear jobs are few and far between, and when you can find a Nuc Med position they want you to have 5+ years experience. What was your experience? How did you find a job after graduation? Any pointers on how I can secure a job before I even graduate? All feedback is appriciated! Laughing

Hommy · Joined: 18 Mar 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Olympia,WA

Bro,

I don't know what planet you are in but, the one I live in only allows a nuclear medicine grad to take the boards for NM. You have to go to a radiology tech school to get your RT. As a Nuclear Medicine tech you can take your CT registry after you have documented hours and taken one or two CT classes however, you cannot take the RT exam.

Capital · Joined: 20 Mar 2008 Posts: 1

I will be appling to a two year Nu. Med school in Dallas this year. How do I gain experience or "look" more apealing to the Nu. Med work force?
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Just~D