Advisors: C. Shelton (MSE) or D. Smith (MS), 450-3194
[1] The Profession
The nuclear medicine technologist (NMT) is a highly skilled professional who utilizes radioactive materials 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 physicians, radiologists, and referring patient physicians in order to ensure that each patient receives the highest quality study possible.
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.
[2] Baccalaureate Degree Program Requirements
The Department of Health Sciences in cooperation with the Health Education Division of Baptist Health Schools Little Rock (BHSLR) offers a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in nuclear medicine. The degree requirements consist of 3 years and 73 hours of course work at UCA and 47 hours taken over 12 months at BHSLR. In order to receive credit toward a degree from UCA, the student must apply, be admitted to UCA, and complete the prerequisite course work prior to selective admission into the clinical curriculum at BHSLR. Students may transfer into the nuclear medicine program, but they must complete a minimum of 30 hours of on-campus course work at the University of Central Arkansas prior to selective admission into the clinical curriculum at BHSLR. Admission and acceptance into the clinical curriculum at BHSLR is on a competitive basis. Students applying to the clinical phase must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all undergraduate course work to be considered eligible for the clinical phase of the nuclear medicine program at BHSLR. The application deadline for the clinical phase of the nuclear medicine program is March 1, and classes begin in July at BHSLR. Information concerning the clinical curriculum and requests for applications should be directed to BHSLR. All questions regarding prerequisite course work should be directed to the UCA nuclear medicine advisor. Applicants are required to have the results of the ACT with a composite score of 21 or higher to be eligible at Baptist Health Schools Little Rock.
[2.1] Prerequisite Curriculum at UCA (73 hours)
The UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements (see the UCA Core requirements). Consult the program advisors for specific details of the UCA Core as it applies to the BS in Nuclear Medicine Technology.
Other required courses: CHEM 1450, 1451, 2401; MATH 1390; BIOL 1440, 2405; CSCI 1300 or MIS 2343; PHYS 1410, 1420; Statistics (MATH 2311 or PSYC 2330 or SOC 2321 or ECON 2330).
[2.2] Professional Curriculum at BMC (47 hours)
NMT 4210, 4410, 4510, 4415, 4420, 4425, 4325, 4435, 4430, 4315, 4320, 4330, 4215, 4220. Note: Baptist Health Schools Little Rock requires all prerequisites to be complete prior to the program start date. All but one course must be in progress at the time of application to BMC.
[3] Courses in Nuclear Medicine Technology (NMT)
Follow this link for NMT course descriptions: course link.