KU's certificate program in nuclear medicine technology is a 12-month accredited program which prepares technologists to inject radiopharmaceuticals and use highly technical cameras and computers in a clinical setting. The program is a collaboration with the Department of Radiology and The University of Kansas Health System together with the KU School of Health Professions at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.
A certificate from the University of Kansas is awarded to the student upon successful completion of the program. Graduates are eligible to take the national registry examinations given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and/or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board.
More about this profession can be found on the program's website.
Applicants must currently be one of the following registered professionals or possess a bachelor's degree in a health science field such as biology or chemistry:
- Registered Radiology Technologist (ARRT)1
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (ARDMS)1
- Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (ARDMS)1
- Certified Medical Technologist
- Registered Nurse
- Associate's degree in a medical imaging profession with current registry or licensure
Credentials or transcripts not from an accredited U.S. academic institution require evaluation by the KU Office of International Student Services before they can be accepted for eligibility.
Prerequisites
The following college courses must be completed to be eligible for this program.
- College algebra
- College English
- Computer science
- Chemistry with lab
- General physics
- Medical terminology
- Humanities course
- Social sciences course
- Human anatomy and human physiology
- Human anatomy or human physiology lab
- Speech/Oral communication
An overall grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) is required. In addition, student transcripts must document an individual course grade of no less than "C" on each prerequisite course (above).
Health and Physical Requirements
Good physical and mental health are essential to the field of nuclear medicine. Specifically, excellent visual acuity is necessary. The student must also have manual dexterity, sufficient hearing and speech, and good physical coordination in positioning patients and operating nuclear medicine equipment. Students must have full utility of both arms, hands and fingers in order to perform examinations and operate equipment. The ability to handle extremely heavy objects is required.
Physical or other disabilities are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the program and by the Office of Institutional Access and Opportunity. Please review the program's technical standards for details.
Background Check/Drug Screening
The Joint Commission requires all incoming students to pay for a background check. Applicants will be asked to provide information and make the payment once officially accepted into the program. A drug screening may also be required. For more information, please see the School of Health Professions background check information.
International Students
An applicant is considered an international student if he or she requires a visa, or currently resides in the U.S. with non-immigrant status, or currently resides in the U.S. while applying for permanent residency. Additional requirements and documentation, such as proof of English language proficiency, are required for international students to become eligible for KU programs. Please review the information for international students before applying.
Grade-point average and other requirements also apply. Prospective students should review the complete program eligibility requirements and application instructions on the program's website.
The educational programs of the University of Kansas reserve the right to make changes without prior notice to any of the polices stated in this document.
The student spends 40 hours a week in the 12-month program, with time divided between classroom courses and clinical instruction. The Nuclear Medicine Division of the Department of Radiology at KU Medical Center performs a wide variety of diagnostic and therapeutic exams. The student will receive experience in nuclear pharmacy, patient care, imaging of bone, kidney, brain, lung, GI tract and cardiac function, Positron Emission Tomography and an overview of computed tomography. More details about the program curriculum can be found on the program’s website.
A certificate from the University of Kansas is awarded to the student upon successful completion of the program. Graduates are eligible to take the national registry examinations given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and/or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board.
Curriculum