Add to both NUM, AAS and NUM, Certificate
Left Column – “ADDITIONAL RESOURCES” (modeled after RADIOGRAPHY)
Need Links as follows:
1. Mission, Philosophy, Goals, Outcomes
Directs the reader to:
Mission
The Nuclear Medicine Technology Program of Prince George's Community College offers
students the opportunity to achieve their professional goals in a challenging, learning-centered
environment that is responsive to community and workforce needs.
Philosophy
The Nuclear Medicine Technology Program has developed the following philosophy that
supports the goals of the Institution:
1. Each student is an individual who has the right to receive the respect, instruction,
and individual attention needed to become a professional Nuclear Medicine
Technologist.
2. Offering a well-planned, flexible curriculum enables Prince George's County and
surrounding area residents the opportunity for a viable healthcare career.
3. Each student has the right to a discrimination-free environment in all aspects of
their educational experience.
4. The Nuclear Medicine Technology curriculum prepares graduates for entry level
positions in structured healthcare agencies; to apply to take the ARRT and/or
NMTCB certification examination, and to possess the foundational knowledge
needed for life-long learning in the molecular imaging sciences.
5. Community service is vital to the program's success. Faculty and students will
engage in service-learning projects that promote the health sciences.
6. A multiple-intelligence approach to teaching is used in order to accommodate the
varied background, ages, learning styles, and capabilities of all students.
7. High program standards are maintained through continued education and career
enhancement of faculty. This is accomplished through seminars, workshops, postprimary modalities, and college courses. Membership and participation in
appropriate professional organizations are required.
8. On-going review of program standards and effectiveness is essential to meet the
changing needs of the medical imaging community.
Goals
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Provide a curriculum that successfully integrates study in basic science and technical
nuclear medicine with directed clinical practice, leading either to an Associates of
Applied Science degree or Certificate in Nuclear Medicine Technology, as well as
certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and/or the
Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB).
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Prepare competent, entry-level technologists who demonstrate appropriate critical
thinking, problem solving and communication skills.
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Foster student engagement in the learning process and provide the framework for
continued professional development.
Outcomes
Graduates of the Nuclear Medicine AAS degree Program will be able to:
1. Perform Nuclear Medicine imaging and non-imaging procedures.
2. Operate and troubleshoot imaging and non-imaging instrumentation used in Nuclear Medicine.
3. Demonstrate communication methods necessary to work in a culturally diverse healthcare
setting.
4. Use appropriate radiation safety and radiopharmaceutical handling techniques to protect
patients, self and others.
5. Appraise situations and use problem-solving skills to construct appropriate solutions when
needed.
6. Display professional, moral and ethical standards consistent with the Society of Nuclear
Medicine Code of Ethics.
7. Apply the principles of the social sciences in the practice of nuclear medicine technology and
patient care.
Graduates of the Nuclear Medicine Certificate Program will be able to:
1. Perform Nuclear Medicine imaging and non-imaging procedures.
2. Operate imaging and non-imaging instrumentation used in Nuclear Medicine.
3. Demonstrate communication methods necessary to work in a culturally diverse healthcare
setting.
4. Use appropriate radiation safety and radiopharmaceutical handling techniques to protect
patients, self and others.
5. Appraise situations and use problem-solving skills to construct appropriate solutions when
needed.
6. Display professional, moral and ethical standards consistent with the Society of Nuclear
Medicine Code of Ethics.
2. Admissions Criteria
Directs to:
Admissions Criteria
The Nuclear Medicine Technology Program has limited enrollment capacity and rigorous
academic standards. This program of study requires special procedures for admission, initial
enrollment and continuation in the program.
The following terms are used in defining criteria for program admission:
Program admission means the formal acceptance by the college of an applicant into one of the
health sciences clinical programs.
Relevant college courses means one or more credit-bearing courses, which, with respect to the
Nuclear Medicine Technology Program, (1) is a required course for program completion, or (2)
is a prerequisite for a required course in a program, or (3) is a course that satisfies the general
education requirements.
Satisfactorily complete means to earn credit in a given course with a final grade of "C" or
above, or complete a developmental course with a final grade that permits progression to the
next course level. Students may repeat each course only once.
Technical standards for admission means that the student must demonstrate through physician
evaluation that he/she is able to fulfill the customary physical and mental requirements of
his/her chosen profession in order to enroll in the selected program.
Students interested in petitioning for admission to the Nuclear Medicine Technology Program
must first meet with an academic advisor to review program curriculum and discuss
prerequisite coursework requirements. Actual petitioning to the program may not be
completed until all criteria have been met and the student is enrolled in the last prerequisite
course. Advisors are available in Bladen Hall, Room 145 or by phoning (301) 322-0151.
Each health science program of Prince George's Community College requires that
students satisfactorily complete the prerequisite courses prior to petitioning with a "C" or
better. Student may repeat each course only one to achieve the desired goal. A qualifying GPA
of 2.5 or higher is required for admission to the Nuclear Medicine Technology Program.
Students who are currently registered radiographers, nurses, medical lab technologists, or
possess current registry in another allied health discipline may be eligible for the NUM
certificate program, provided they (1) provide documentation of current licensure, and (2) have
successfully completed the following:
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Two semesters of Human Anatomy & Physiology
Math at the college algebra/pre-calculus level
Chemistry (general chemistry, with lab)
Physics (Introductory or General, with lab)
Medical Terminology
The certificate program runs concurrent with the AAS degree program. College and program
admission and petitioning processes are identical to those for the degree program.
Non-academic Standards for Program Admission
Prior to the first Clinical Education Course, students must submit a completed Health
Assessment Form to the College's Health Education Center. All students are required to
be certified in Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers by the American Heart Association or
American Red Cross to participate in clinical education classes.
The student must demonstrate through physician evaluation that he/she is able to fulfill the
customary physical and mental requirements of the profession in order to enroll in the Nuclear
Medicine Technology Program. Once admitted to the program, individuals must continue to
meet the physical and mental requirements. Individuals must be able to:
o Work 8-10 hours per day performing physical tasks such as sitting, lifting,
bending, turning, carrying, and moving around the physical environment.
o Perform fine motor movements needed to manipulate instruments and
equipment.
o Communicate effectively, both verbally and written, with peers, patients, and
physicians.
o Monitor and assess patient's needs using auditory and visual skills.
o Monitor radiation exposures by the visual and auditory mode.
o Work safely with patients who are susceptible or are in the contagious stage(s)
of communicable diseases.
o Establish and work toward goals in a responsible manner.
o Work as a member of the health care team to care for patients while delivering
ionizing radiation and maintaining high standards of professionalism.
A criminal background check is required of all students admitted to the Nuclear Medicine
Technology Program. Continued participation in the program is contingent upon a satisfactory
response on the background check. All information on the background check remains
confidential and is only shared with the requesting clinical agencies. If a clinical agency denies
clinical placement for a student because of the background check, that student may not be able
to complete the clinical program.
Students accepted into the Nuclear Medicine Technology Program are also required to submit
evidence of a drug screen urine panel as outlined on the individual program's Screening
Form. Information about results of the drug screen urine panel is only shared with requesting
clinical agencies. If a clinical agency denies clinical placement for a student because of the drug
screen urine panel, that student may not be able to complete the clinical program. Students, at
their own expense, may be required to submit to random urine drug testing at clinical
sites. Results of random urine drug testing may result in the student not being able to
complete the clinical program.
All accepted students must show proof of personal health insurance.
Individuals who have been involved in a criminal proceeding, or who have been charged with or
convicted of a crime, are encouraged to contact the American Registry of Radiologic
Technologists (ARRT – www.arrt.org) and/or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification
Board (NMTCB – www.nmtcb.org ) in order to obtain a ruling on the impact of the situation on
their eligibility for certification and registration.
3. Curriculum and FAQ’s
Directs to:
CURRICULUM
Degree Program Prerequisites
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EGL 1010 (Composition I)
MAT 1350 (College Algebra)
BIO 2050 (Human Anatomy & Physiology I)
PHY 1010 (Introductory Physics I)
3 credits
3 credits
4 credits
4 credits
Total: 14 credits
General Education & Program Concentration
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EGL 1020 (OR EGL-1100, EGL-1320, EGL-1340): Composition II
3 credits
BIO 2060 Anatomy & Physiology II
4 credits
CHM 1010 Introductory Chem
4 credits
SPH 1090 Interpersonal Comm
3 credits
PSY 1010 General Psychology
3 credits
HIM 1800 Medical Terminology
1 credit
PAS 1000 Cornerstone Course
1 credit
Total: 19 credits
Core Curriculum
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NUM 1550 (Introductory Nuclear Medicine I)
NUM 1560 (Introductory Nuclear Medicine II)
NUM 2530 (Clinical Nuclear Medicine I)
NUM 2510 (Techniques I)
NUM 2550 (Radiopharmacy and Radiochemistry)
NUM 2540 (Clinical Nuclear Medicine II)
NUM 2520 (Techniques II)
NUM 2600 (Clinical Nuclear Medicine III)
Suggested Sequence, AAS
Prerequisites
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EGL 1010 Composition I … 3 cr
BIO 2050 Anatomy & Physiology I … 4 cr
MAT 1350 Pre-Calculus … 3 cr
PHY 1010 Introductory Physics … 4cr
PAS 1000 Cornerstone Course … 1 cr
Total: 15 cr
Semester 1 Spring
 NUM 1550 Introd Nuc Med I … 4 cr
 NUM 1560 Introductory NUM II … 4 cr
 BIO 2060 Anatomy & Physiology II….4 cr
 EGL 1020 (OR EGL-1100, EGL-1320, OR EGL-1340)
Composition II …3 cr
Total: 15 cr
Semester 2 Summer
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NUM 2530 Clinical Practicum I …3 cr
HIM 1800 Medical Terminology … 1 cr
Total: 4 cr
Semester 3 Fall
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NUM 2510Techniques I … 3 cr
NUM 2550 Radiopharmacy …. 2 cr
NUM 2540 Clinical Practicum II …6 cr
CHM 1010 Introductory Chem …. 4 cr
Total: 15 cr
Semester 4 Spring
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NUM 2520 Techniques II … 3cr
4 credits
4 credits
3 credits
3 credits
2 credits
6 credits
3 credits
6 credits
Total: 31 credits
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NUM 2600 Clinical Practicum III …6 cr
SPH 1090 Interpersonal Comm … 3 cr
PSY 1010 General Psychology … 3 cr
Total: 15 cr
Suggested Sequence – Certificate
Prerequisites
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EGL 1010 Composition I … 3 cr
BIO 2050 Anatomy & Physiology I … 4 cr
MAT 1350 Pre-Calculus … 3 cr
PHY 1010 Introductory Physics … 4cr
Current licensure in Radiography, Nursing, Respiratory Therapy or Medical Lab Technology
Semester 1 Spring
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NUM 1550 Introd Nuc Med I … 4 cr
NUM 1560 Introductory NUM II … 4 cr
BIO 2060 Anatomy & Physiology II … 4 cr
Total: 12 cr
Semester 2 Summer
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NUM 2530 Clinical Practicum I …3 cr
Semester 3 Fall
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NUM 2510Techniques I … 3 cr
NUM 2550 Radiopharmacy …. 2 cr
NUM 2540 Clinical Practicum II …6 cr
CHM 1010 Introductory Chem …. 4 cr
Total: 15 cr
Semester 4 Spring
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NUM 2520 Techniques II … 3cr
NUM 2600 Clinical Practicum III …6 cr
Total: 9 cr
FAQ’s
Are any classes offered in the evening?
No classes are currently being offered in the evening or weekend. Clinical rotations are
typically day rotations.
When does the program start?
The new class for the NUM program starts in the spring semester (January) of every year. All
petitions for entry into the class must be received by November 1 for consideration of
acceptance into the Spring class of the following year.
When I graduate from the NUM program, what degree do I receive?
You receive an Associate of Applied Science degree (AAS). In addition, you are considered
"registry eligible" which means you can take either the American Registry of Radiologic
Technologists (ARRT) national certification exam and/or the Nuclear Medicine technology
Certification Board (NMTCB) exam. Graduates must also obtain a state license if they remain in
the state of Maryland. Other states have their own policies of licensure.
Is it possible for me to continue working while going through this program?
It is possible to work part-time but program officials recommend a maximum of twenty hours
or less in order for the student to be able to give the program their best effort for success.
Are there additional costs for the Nuclear Medicine Technology Program?
Yes, there are some additional costs for students in the program that include, but are not
limited to, the following: criminal background check (approximately $50 currently), drug screen
prior to clinic site placement (approximately $50), physical with updated immunizations, twostep PPD; possible flu shot (some sites require the flu shot before allowing students in their
site), lab coats, calculator. The average cost for textbooks (for the entire program) is $500.
What clinical sites are available in the nuclear medicine clinical education portion? Can I pick
the one closest to my home?
The faculty will do all they can to rotate you through sites that are close to your home, but it is
also understood you may be assigned to clinical sites requiring you to travel some distance
away during the rotations to other clinic sites. Students are required to attend at least one of
the two facilities that offer PET/CT – Washington Hospital Center, Georgetown University
Hospital.
Hospitals:
 Prince George's Hospital Center
 Laurel Regional Hospital
 Washington Hospital Center
 Georgetown University Hospital
Students are encouraged to become members of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and
Molecular Imaging (www.snmmi.org). Membership is offered free of charge to 1st and 2nd year
students in the program. The local chapter is the Mid Eastern Chapter (www.mecsnm.net),
consisting of technologists, physicians and scientists from Maryland, DC, West Virginia, Virginia
and Delaware. The chapter sponsors a number of meetings during the year. Students are
encouraged to attend, and can earn community service credits by assisting with registration
and attendance monitoring at these conferences.
4. Program Effectiveness Data 2009-2013
Directs to:
(Refillable table below)
Program Completion
1st Time Pass Rate
(ARRT/NMTCB)
Job Placement
(Within 6 mos. of graduation,
of those seeking employment))
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
100%
(13/13)
82%
(9/11)
45%
(5/11)
100%
(13/13)
70%
(9/13)
38%
(5/13)
100%
(9/9)
63%
(5/8)
33%
(3/9)
78%
(7/9)
71%
(5/7)
72%
(5/7)
100%
(8/8)
100%
(6/6)
38%
(3/8)
5-yr
average
93%
77%
45%