Nuclear Medicine Technology, B.S.
Saint Louis University's Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Medicine Technology (NMT) prepares graduates for entry-level positions as nuclear medicine technologists.
Nuclear medicine is a medical specialty that uses safe, painless and cost-effective techniques to image the body and treat disease. Nuclear medicine uses very small amounts of radioactive materials to diagnose and treat diseases using gamma cameras or PET/CT scanners. Nuclear medicine imaging is unique in that it documents organ function and structure. It is a method of gathering information that may otherwise be unavailable, require surgery or necessitate more expensive diagnostic tests.
Program Highlights
Today, nuclear medicine offers procedures that are helpful for a broad span of medical specialties, from pediatrics to cardiology and oncology. There are almost 100 nuclear medicine imaging procedures available that include every major organ of the human body.
The advantages of earning your B.S. in nuclear medicine technology at Saint Louis University include:
- Student-tailored educational curriculum and individual mentorship by faculty in the NMT profession
- Exceptional clinical preceptors and training sites conveniently within the St. Louis metropolitan area
- Strong science curriculum that aids in preparation for immediate job placement as well as future graduate education
- Medically relevant coursework ideal for preprofessional studies
- Premedicine and prephysician assistant curriculum options
- Opportunities to participate in professional conferences with faculty and fellow students
Curriculum Overview
SLU's nuclear medicine technology program includes all basic sciences, as well as an intensive NMT curriculum that includes 1,000 hours of clinical practicum. Upon completing the program, the graduate is eligible for national certification to become a certified nuclear medicine technologist (CNMT). The SLU NMT program is programmatically accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology. The SLU NMT graduates are eligible to obtain credentials through the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Nuclear medicine technology students are encouraged to join and participate in the functions of the Saint Louis University Clinical Health Sciences Club.
Clinical and Research Opportunities
Professional coursework in the nuclear medicine technology program is concentrated in the last year and a half of study. Students in the NMT program have opportunities to conduct research and produce projects and papers that are acceptable for publication and could be presented at professional conferences.
Careers
The benefits of SLU's nuclear medicine technology program also include several career opportunities. Graduates can work as technologists in hospitals and clinics. Students may seek positions in information technology, health care administration, sales and training, radiopharmacy labs, teaching and other related fields.
Nearly 20% of graduates proceed to graduate school, with about 50% of the remaining class enrolling in graduate school within five years of employment. Many attend graduate school part-time with assistance from their employers.
Career advancement opportunities from the position of staff technologist may lead to areas of administration, education, sales or research.
A nuclear medicine technologist has many responsibilities that encompass a wide range of skills. Some responsibilities include:
- Preparing, calibrating and administering radioactive chemical compounds, known as radiopharmaceuticals.
- Performing diagnostic imaging procedures using radiation-detection technology.
- Administering radioactive tracers to image the organs of the human body.
- Operating imaging technology, laboratory and computer instrumentation.
- Providing images, data analysis and patient information to the physician for diagnostic interpretation.
- Assisting the physician in theranostic procedures.
The median annual wage for nuclear medicine technologists was $97,020 in 2024 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Transfer Credit or Second Bachelor's Degree
Undergraduate students may receive credit for prior learning. This includes college credits earned during or after high school, credit by exam and credit by assessment. Credits may be applied towards the University Undergraduate Core or program requirements or count as University electives. Find more details in the Transfer Credit policy.
Students seeking a second bachelor's degree may apply their previous coursework toward program graduation requirements following the same Transfer Credit policy. Find specific University Undergraduate Core requirements for second bachelor's degree students on the University Core page.
Find more information on how credits transfer to SLU on the Transfer Admission page.
Admission Requirements
- The applicant must show satisfactory evidence of good character and physical ability to perform the functions of the nuclear medicine technologist.
- All applicants must meet the professional performance and technical standards required by the profession.
- Students must also successfully complete a drug screen and criminal background check prior to the start of the professional year.
Freshman Applicants
Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary focus in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.
Admission criteria include:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70 on a 4.00 scale.
- Saint Louis University has a test-optional admission process for all undergraduate programs. Applicants may submit standardized test scores, but those who choose not to will not be disadvantaged in any way in the admission process.
Transfer Applicants
The minimum college transfer GPA is 2.70/4.00.
International Applicants
All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students, along with the following:
- You must demonstrate English language proficiency.
- Proof of financial support must include:
- A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding your time at Saint Louis University.
- A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of your study at the University.
- Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
Tuition
| Tuition/Fee | Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition | $58,960 |
Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:
Information on Tuition and Fees
Scholarships and Financial Aid
There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:
- Scholarships: Awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need. In addition to SLU scholarships, the Doisy College of Health Sciences offers scholarships to sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students.
- Financial Aid: Provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.
For priority consideration of merit-based scholarships, applicants should apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by Feb. 1.
For more information, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.
Accreditation
The Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology
820 W. Danforth Rd. #B1
Edmond, OK 73003
405-285-0546
jrcnmt.org
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate the Jesuit value of cura personalis as they perform diagnostic imaging procedures.
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate effective communication when speaking with both patients and other health care professionals in the nuclear medicine department.
- Graduates will be able to use knowledge, facts, and data to assess problems and find solutions as they relate to nuclear medicine imaging and computed tomography (CT) procedures.
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate the ability to translate didactic knowledge into clinical practice as a nuclear medicine technologist.
- Graduates will be able to exhibit professional characteristics expected of nuclear medicine technologists.
Students must earn a "C-" or better in math/stat, science (BIO, CHEM, PHYS, HSCI 3300/3310/3400/3410) and program-specific (NMT prefix) courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| University Undergraduate Core | 32-35 | |
| Foundation | ||
| BIOL 1240 & BIOL 1245 | General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution and Principles of Biology I Laboratory | 4 |
| CHEM 1080 & CHEM 1085 | Principles of Chemistry 1 Lecture and Principles of Chemistry 1 Lab | 4 |
| CHEM 1480 & CHEM 1485 | Principles of Chemistry 2 Lecture and Principles of Chemistry 2 Lab | 4 |
| ENGL 1900 | Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research | 3 |
| HCE 1600 | Embodiment, Life, and Death in Context | 3 |
| HIM 4750 | Fundamentals of Clinical Medicine | 3 |
| HSCI 2000 | The US Health Care System | 3 |
| HSCI 2100 | Health Care Management | 3 |
| HSCI 2200 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| HSCI 3200 | Aspects of Health Law | 3 |
| HSCI 3300 & HSCI 3310 | Anatomy & Physiology I and Anatomy & Physiology I Lab | 4 |
| HSCI 3400 & HSCI 3410 | Anatomy and Physiology Lecture II and Anatomy & Physiology II Lab | 4 |
| HSCI 3700 | Research Methods | 3 |
| MATH 1320 | Survey of Calculus | 3 |
| PHYS 1310 & PHYS 1320 | College Physics I and College Physics I Laboratory | 4 |
| PHYS 1330 & PHYS 1340 | Physics II and Physics II Laboratory | 4 |
| PSY 1010 | General Psychology | 3 |
| or SOC 1100 | Introduction to Sociology | |
| STAT 1300 | Elementary Statistics with Computers | 3 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technology | ||
| NMT 4000 | Nuclear Medicine Procedures I | 3 |
| NMT 4100 | Radiation Protection | 3 |
| NMT 4310 | Radiation Physics | 2 |
| NMT 4320 | Radiochemistry and Radiopharmacy | 3 |
| NMT 4330 | Nuclear Med Instrumentation | 3 |
| NMT 4340 | Nuclear Medicine Technology Procedures II | 3 |
| NMT 4350 | Nuclear Medicine Information Systems | 3 |
| NMT 4430 | Emerging Technologies | 3 |
| NMT 4700 | Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practicum I | 4 |
| NMT 4710 | Nuclear Medicine Senior Seminar I | 1 |
| NMT 4800 | Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practicum II | 2 |
| NMT 4850 | Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practicum III | 12 |
| NMT 4880 | Senior Seminar II | 2 |
| NMT 4890 | Capstone in Nuclear Medicine | 1 |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Continuation Standards
Nuclear Medicine Technology students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.70/4.00.
Second Degree Option for Students with Bachelor's Degree
Total program credits vary based on transfer credits. Each student will work with their advisor to create their specific course plan.
This roadmap is just one example of a semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. There are other plans students can and do take. The plan of study for each particular student is established in consultation with each student’s academic advisor; this roadmap does not replace academic advising appointments.
Roadmap notes:
- This Roadmap assumes full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
- Courses/Milestones marked with an “!” are critical and must be completed in the semester listed in the Roadmap to ensure a timely graduation.
- Course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| BIOL 1240 & BIOL 1245 |
General Biology: Information Flow and Evolution and Principles of Biology I Laboratory (satisfies CORE 3800) |
4 |
| CHEM 1080 & CHEM 1085 |
Principles of Chemistry 1 Lecture and Principles of Chemistry 1 Lab |
4 |
| CORE 1000 | Ignite First Year Seminar | 2 or 3 |
| ENGL 1900 | Advanced Strategies of Rhetoric and Research (satisfies CORE 1900) | 3 |
| Credits | 13-14 | |
| Spring | ||
| CHEM 1480 & CHEM 1485 |
Principles of Chemistry 2 Lecture and Principles of Chemistry 2 Lab |
4 |
| CORE 1500 | Cura Personalis 1: Self in Community | 1 |
| CORE 1200 | Eloquentia Perfecta 2: Oral and Visual Communication | 3 |
| HSCI 2200 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| MATH 1320 | Survey of Calculus | 3 |
| PSY 1010 or SOC 1100 |
General Psychology (satisfies CORE 3600) or Introduction to Sociology |
3 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| HCE 1600 | Embodiment, Life, and Death in Context (or any other approved medical ethics) | 3 |
| HSCI 2000 | The US Health Care System | 3 |
| HSCI 3300 & HSCI 3310 |
Anatomy & Physiology I and Anatomy & Physiology I Lab |
4 |
| PHYS 1310 | College Physics I | 3 |
| PHYS 1320 | College Physics I Laboratory | 1 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| CORE 1700 | Ultimate Questions: Philosophy | 3 |
| CORE 2500 | Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation | 0 |
| HSCI 3400 & HSCI 3410 |
Anatomy and Physiology Lecture II and Anatomy & Physiology II Lab |
4 |
| PHYS 1330 | College Physics II | 3 |
| PHYS 1340 | College Physics II Laboratory | 1 |
| STAT 1300 | Elementary Statistics with Computers (satisfies CORE 3200) | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| HIM 4750 | Fundamentals of Clinical Medicine | 3 |
| HSCI 3200 | Aspects of Health Law | 3 |
| HSCI 3700 | Research Methods (Critical course: satisfies CORE 4000) | 3 |
| CORE 3400 | Ways of Thinking: Aesthetics, History, and Culture | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| CORE 2800 | Eloquentia Perfecta 3: Creative Expression | 2-3 |
| HSCI 2100 | Health Care Management | 3 |
| NMT 4000 | Nuclear Medicine Procedures I | 3 |
| NMT 4100 | Radiation Protection | 3 |
| NMT 4350 | Nuclear Medicine Information Systems | 3 |
| Credits | 14-15 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Fall | ||
| NMT 4310 | Radiation Physics | 2 |
| NMT 4320 | Radiochemistry and Radiopharmacy | 3 |
| NMT 4330 | Nuclear Med Instrumentation | 3 |
| NMT 4340 | Nuclear Medicine Technology Procedures II | 3 |
| NMT 4700 | Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practicum I (Satisfies Reflection-in-Action) | 4 |
| NMT 4710 | Nuclear Medicine Senior Seminar I (Satisfies Cura Personalis 3) | 1 |
| NMT 4800 | Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practicum II (taken in the Winter Session) | 2 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| NMT 4430 | Emerging Technologies | 3 |
| NMT 4850 | Nuclear Medicine Clinical Practicum III | 12 |
| NMT 4880 | Senior Seminar II | 2 |
| NMT 4890 | Capstone in Nuclear Medicine | 1 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Total Credits | 120-122 | |
2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution.
Contact Doisy College of Health Sciences
Recruitment specialist
314-977-2570
dchs@health.slu.edu