Nuclear Medicine Technology Courses (NMED)

2310  Integrated Health Science I
This course offers a survey of body systems with a focus on pathophysiology related to cellular function, immune response, gastrointestinal and integumentary sytems.  Relevant diagnostic, pharamacological, and treatment modalities are integrated throughout the course.  Prerequisites:  Admission to the major

3301 Application of Radionuclides I
This course studies the production, properties, and interactions of radionuclides, basic principles of radiation detection and safety, nuclear medicine instrumentation, computer applications and radiopharmaceuticals used for organ visualization/function, and patient care in nuclear medicine. Prerequisites: Admission to the major with completion of biology, chemistry, physics, math and computer requirements.

3305 Application of Radionuclides II
This course is an in-depth study of the current use of radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic imaging of organ visualization/function, evaluation of results, pathology and therapy for all major organ systems. Prerequisites: NMED 3301.

3320 Medical Radiation Safety
This course studies the regulations required by federal and state agencies. Safe handling, storage and disposal of radioactive materials, internal radiation dosimetry, and the use of radiation monitoring instruments. Prerequisites: Admission to the major with completion of biology, chemistry, physics, math and computer requirements.

4210 Introduction to Nuclear Medicine
An introduction to the nuclear medicine profession. The student will develop computer skills useful to nuclear medicine technologists and develop beginning research skills using the Internet. Students will develop a beginning understanding of nuclear medicine procedures and discuss ethical issues in nuclear medicine. No prerequisite.

4311 Molecular Imaging and Physics of Medical Imaging and Therapeutics I
The interaction of matter with x-rays, x-ray production, film processing, and imaging technologies are explored. Prerequisites: Admission to the major with completion of biology, chemistry, physics, math and computer requirements.

4312 Molecular Imaging and Physics of Medical Imaging and Therapeutics II
This course presents further exploration of imaging technologies, including quality assurance and image processing. Prerequisites: NMED 4311

4322 Radiopharmacy, Radiochemistry, and Radioimmunoassay
This course examines radionuclide production, mechanisms of radionuclide localization the use and preparation of radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, quality control of radiopharmaceuticals, and governmental regulations. Prerequisites: NMED 3301 or concurrent enrollment.

4341 Radiation Biology/Biophysics
This course is a comprehensive study of the effects of radiation in the body, resulting from radiation interactions. Other areas of focus are genetics, radiosensitivity, radioactive tracers in biological research, and chemical/pharmacological modifiers.
Prerequisites: Admission to the major with completion of biology, chemistry, physics, math and computer requirements.

4345 Principles of PET and PET/CT
This course offers an emphasis on the applications of PET and PET/CT imaging which include myocardial perfusion and viability, tumor localization, cancer staging, therapy planning, and response to therapy by  providing an in-depth investigation of the principles as well as benefits and limitations of Positron Emitting Tomography (PET) and PET/CT (Computed Tomography) imaging and image fusion.  Topics include:  image acquisition, detector components and design, image fusion, radionuclide tracer production, tracer localization and their applications, patient preparation and case review.  The primary focus of this course is to increase skill level and productivity in PET and PET/CT imaging.  Prerequisites:  Admission to the major

4350  Disaster Management and the Nuclear Medicine Technologist
This course is designed to provide an in-depth investigation of the current JCAHO, Federal and State guidelines pertaining to the use of radioactivity and bioterrorism.   The primary focus of this course will be the role of the nuclear medicine technologist in disaster management and decontamination using current OSHA and Homeland Security guidelines.  Topics include:  analyzing different types of ionizing radiation with their safe handling and possible terroristic uses, health physics by studying radiation exposure rate and effects to the body, monitoring equipment and Disaster management of persons who have been contaminated with radiation.  Prerequisites:  Admission to the major

4604 Clinical Nuclear Medicine I
A clinical course taken during the senior year. This course is an introduction to the nuclear medicine department, its operation and the duties of a Nuclear Medicine technologist. During the clinical practicum the student will assist in performing various diagnostic procedures and computer utilization. Prerequisites: NMED 3301, 3305, 3320, 4311, 4322, 4341.

4606 Clinical Nuclear Medicine II
Continuation of the clinical practicum, taken during the final semester of the senior year. This practicum allows the student to enhance their training by performing ( with supervision) advanced nuclear medicine procedures. This course also examines health physics by studying radiation exposure rate, radiation contamination, safe handling and storage techniques, and monitoring equipment as well as all aspects of a Nuclear Pharmacy, such as preparation and quality control testing of radiopharmaceuticals, performing assays, low level lab procedures, and operation of special equipment. Prerequisites: NMED 4312, 4904.

4361 Nuclear Medicine Registry Review
A didactic course taken during the final semester of the senior year to review core competencies, clinical procedures, pathology, radiation safety, instrumentation and radiopharmacy in preparation for the national registry/certification exams. Prerequisites: NMED 3301,3305, 3320, 4210, 4220, 4311, 4312, 4322, 4341, 4904.