The Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NMT) is a highly skilled professional who utilizes radioactive material to image the function of different organs, analyze biologic specimens and treat certain diseases. The responsibilities of the NMT are varied and can include radiation safety, quality control, radiopharmaceutical preparation and administration, the performance of diagnostic imaging procedures on patients, and computer acquisition and analysis of data. The NMT works closely with nuclear medicine and physicians, radiologists and preferring patient physicians in order to ensure that each patient receives the highest quality study possible.
The Department of Health Sciences in cooperation with the Health Education Division of Baptist Health offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology. The degree requirements consist of three years and 73 hours of course work at UCA, and 47 hours taken over 12 months at BHCLR. Students may transfer into the program, but a minimum of 30 hours of residence at UCA is required. Students may apply to the professional phase of the program at Baptist Health, and acceptance is on a competitive basis. All pre-requisite courses must be completed by the end of the spring semester of the junior year to be eligible to apply to the Baptist Health College Little Rock.
The program is accredited by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA) of the American Medical Association (AMA) in collaboration with the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology.