University at Buffalo (UB)
If using radioactive material to help people sounds like fun, then let's talk about nuclear medicine technology. This major is for students who want to use nuclear technology to identify cancer and other diseases in their earliest stages, visualize what's happening in the body at the cellular level, and provide patients with life-saving therapies. As one of our students said, "I wanted a health field major that required a lot of patient contact and clinical work—but also a lot of science skills."
You'll typically start with classes and labs in biology, chemistry and physics, then start learning about X-Rays, CT scans, radiation safety and how to take care of patients. You’ll be trained to perform different types of procedures on various parts of the human body, then go on clinical rotations to practice in a real-world environment. Nuclear medicine technology is a small but strong program, which means you’ll really get to know your fellow classmates and professors.
This program is in UB’s medical school, which means students have access to expert faculty, state-of-the-art labs, research projects and other opportunities through UB's affiliated hospitals and clinics.
As a nuclear med tech major, you'll spend most of your senior year in clinical rotations, getting hands-on experience designed to help you master your skills before graduation.
Our clinical partner sites include some of the area's leading hospital systems, physician groups, diagnostic clinics and labs, where you can:
You can also make friends, build your network and meet speakers by joining student clubs and attending events on campus throughout the year.
This program is designed to help you quickly start your career in a variety of settings, including:
As one of our students said, "What I like best about the program is I'm able to start my career right after getting a bachelor's degree. I can just graduate and take my boards and then I can begin."
While most students work with patients, you can also choose a career in sales, research or education. Many of our graduates move into supervisory roles fairly quickly.
Some students also decide to go medical school or another health professional school, or to graduate school to study nuclear medicine, health physics or a similar field.
"I think our teachers are super personable—they're really accessible, and they want to help you."
Ask our students, and you'll likely hear that our faculty members help you build your confidence, learn key skills and get ready for a successful career.
Our faculty generally includes professors with many different backgrounds, including technologists, radio pharmacists, physicians and computer scientists. This well-rounded group of teachers will give you a range of perspectives and insights.
Of course, our faculty are highly accomplished researchers and scientists. They have been published in leading journals, and typically hold professional memberships in prominent organizations such as the Academy for Molecular Imaging, American Academy of Health Physics, Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, American Society of Neuroimaging, and Society of Nuclear Medicine.