What to Expect as a PET Technologist
This blog is now focused on laboratory specialties. This article is here for your information only, as jobs are longer provided for any radiation technician specialties.
Now is a great time to be a PET Technologist, because employment is predicted to grow faster than average. There is great demand for employees in the health care field in the U.S., largely because the number of older people is growing larger. This blog will offer information about the field of PET Technology, so that those considering it can make a more informed decision.
PET is a nuclear medicine imaging technique which works by using radionuclides, which are unstable atoms that emit radiation. These atoms are used to diagnose and treat disease. A PET technologist
administers these atoms, which are compounded and purified to form radiopharmaceuticals, to patients. Then, a PET technologist watches how the tissues react to the radiopharmaceuticals in order to see abnormal areas that represent disease. The PET technologist uses cameras that map the radiopharmaceuticals in the patient’s body and creates diagnostic images. A PET technologist explains the procedure to patients, prepares the radiation dosage, administers the dosage, and then positions patients in order to scan them to see the map of the radiation in the patient’s body.
A PET technologist must be good with people because the patients they come into contact with are often anxious about the procedure, the possible results, or both. A PET technologist needs to be able to set patients at ease and answer questions for patients.
A PET technologist must be in good physical condition, because they will be on their feet most of the day and may have to lift or turn patients. Usually PET technologists work 40 hour weeks, sometimes including weekend and evening shifts. Although, there are many part time jobs available too.
Because there has been an ongoing increase in the number of middle aged and elderly people, PET technologists will enjoy fast job growth, although because the field is so specialized there may not be a great number of job openings. The field of PET technology may expand, due to technological advancement.
To become a PET technologist, one needs to complete an associate or bachelor’s degree in nuclear medicine. It is also possible to obtain an associate or bachelor’s degree in radiography, then get a certificate in PET technology afterwards. Often, a PET technologist who wants to be in a managerial position will need to complete a bachelor’s degree. If a PET technologist wants to just work in the field, then then it is usually not necessary to complete a bachelor’s degree, because an associate’s will suffice.
Learn about hiring a PET technologist, or find a job as a PET technologist.
Source:
- (December 18, 2007) Nuclear Medicine Technologists. U.S. Department of Labor, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos104.htm
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