Technologist: Nuclear Medicine and PET (Revised 12-12-19)

Katie Albus

Modified on: Fri, 13 Jan, 2023 at 3:51 PM

Revision History

All technologists performing nuclear medicine and PET examinations must meet the minimum criteria in the table below. The ACR recommends that technologists be certified and actively registered in the modality they perform.

Initial Qualifications

One of these:

ARRT(N) or NMTCB registered or equivalent state license for NM technology.
Completion of a training program in nuclear medicine that must include training in the basic and medical sciences as they apply to NM technology and practical experience in performing nuclear medicine procedures.

Continuing Education Requirements

Registered technologists must be in compliance with the CE requirements of their certifying organization for the imaging modality in which they perform services. CE must include credits pertinent to the technologist’s ACR-accredited clinical practice.

State-licensed technologists and all others must complete 24 hours of CE every 2 years. CE must be relevant to imaging, the radiologic sciences and patient care, and must include credits pertinent to the technologist’s ACR-accredited clinical practice.

Additional Requirements

Both of these:

Satisfy all applicable state and federal regulations, as well as any institutional policies that pertain to the in vivo use of radiopharmaceuticals, performance of imaging procedures and safe handling of radioactive materials.
Knowledge of: radiation safety/protection; handling of radiopharmaceuticals; all aspects of performing examinations; operation of equipment; handling of medical and radioactive waste; patient safety; and applicable rules and regulations.

PET/CT: Except where prohibited by state law or regulation, for initial accreditation and renewal, registered NM technologists who have had appropriate training in CT with documentation as defined by the supervising physician at the site will be considered qualified to perform SPECT/CT and/or PET/CT exams; however, they are not considered qualified to perform stand-alone diagnostic CT. Registered CT technologists who have appropriate training in nuclear medicine are also considered qualified to do PET/CT; however, they are not considered qualified to perform stand-alone PET or other NM studies. At the time of any site survey by the ACR, the site must provide documentation of training and experience.

Revision History for this Article
Date	Section	Description of Revision(s)
12-12-19	All	Article created; FAQs incorporated; No criteria changes

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