Fast Track CT
Fast-Track Computerized Tomography for Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Computerized Tomography for the PET/CT Technologist
Nuclear medicine technologists performing PET/CT scan the patient's body in one consecutive motion operating a positron emission technology (PET) and a computerized tomography scanner (CT). After the injection of a radionuclide, the PET searches the patient's body for areas where cancer may have spread and the CT scanner creates cross-sectional images of the patient's anatomy.
Responsibilities of PET/CT TechnologistThe responsibilities of a PET/CT technologist combine the responsibilities of a nuclear medicine and CT technologist. When PET/CT scanners were first introduced, the hybrid imaging dilemma quickly became apparent. The imaging world was requiring a technologist to be knowledgeable in two specialty areas in order to complete one procedure. Historically, the study of nuclear medicine did not include radiology and CT imaging. The combination of PET and CT required the nuclear medicine curriculum to be expanded. In addition to the PET/CT procedure, some imaging departments like to perform diagnostic CT scans on their PET/CT scanners and some states require that a nuclear medicine technologist performing PET/CT have certification in nuclear medicine and CT. Therefore the need for the nuclear medicine technologist to understand CT and even obtain CT certification is becoming increasingly more demanding.
The concept of including CT certification within the nuclear medicine curriculum emerged and the University of Utah, Department of Radiology is one of the first, nuclear medicine programs to add CT certification classes and clinical experiences outside of PET/CT to the nuclear medicine program.
How do I become a CT Technologist if I am a Nuclear Medicine TechnologistThis imaging track is only of importance for one category of learner and that is a nuclear medicine technologist who wants their CT certification whi already has clinical experience in PET/CT. A nuclear medicine technologist with no experience in PET/CT will be required to complete the six month CT program. A registered nuclear medicine technologist (NMTCB or ARRT) is eligible to sit for the post-primary American Registry of Radiologic Technologists(ARRT) CT certification examination if they have completed all of the clinical experience requirements as defined by the ARRT.
Fast Track CT for Nuclear Medicine Technologists with PET/CT ExperienceA nuclear medicine technologist who has completed educational training on a PET/CT scanner and has had PET and CT as part of their academic curriculum would enter the CT program at the University of Utah at an accelerated learning and experience rate than the nuclear medicine technologist who has not.
A student completing the nuclear medicine program at the University of Utah, Department of Radiology has completed over 200 hours in PET/CT and has had CT classes. In a pilot study conducted in fall 2007, a 15 week condensed CT program was offered to the nuclear medicine graduates. During this time, they completed 45 additional hours of CT academic instruction and 220 clinical hours in CT. During this time, they were able to complete all of their clinical experience requirements and covered the essential components of the CT academic curriculum.
If you feel you are a nuclear medicine technologist who may meet this requirement and are interest in the Fast-Track CT program, contact the Education Director at the University of Utah, Department of Radiology, at marlene.johnson@hsc.utah.edu.
Six Month CT Program for Nuclear Medicine TechnologistsNuclear medicine technologists who do not have the previous PET/CT experience or did not have PET or CT in their nuclear medicine curriculum, must complete the entire 6 month CT program. Please refer to the CT program area.
Educational PathwayPre-requisite for nuclear medicine program. (1 – 4 years)
Completion of nuclear medicine certification (3 – 1 years)
Associate of Science or Baccalaureate degree. Completion of Fast-Track CT (15 weeks) or
Completion of Six month CT program ending with CT certification.
Minimum post-secondary years will be 5.
Demand/Salary
The nuclear medicine technologist performing PET/CT with a CT certification will be more in demand than a nuclear medicine technologist who does not have a CT certification may receive a differential pay increase. Some states require CT certification to operate a PET/CT scanner. Please refer to nuclear medicine technology for detailed information on salary.
Links for Further InformationNuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (nmtcb)
Society of Nuclear Medicine technologists (snmt)
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (arrt)
A nuclear medicine technologist performing PET/CT should have the same knowledge and skills of a CT technologist in regards to operating the CT scanner even though the exams are limited and streamlined. Obtaining the additional CT certification does not require large amounts of education and experiences for the nuclear medicine student or technologist especially if they already have PET/CT experience. The CT certification process will provide experiences that will assist the technologist while operating the PET/CT and it also provides them with an additional certification if they choose to work in that area. Some states require CT certification for the operation of any CT scanner and ACR accreditation of CT equipment requires that all CT scanners be operated by technologists certified in CT. Radiation therapists using CT for treatment planning may also fall into this category.
