Classroom learning and clinical observations

The Nuclear Medicine Technology Program schedules classroom instruction primarily in the fall, followed by hands-on clinical rotations. However, part-time clinical observations begin the first week of the program.

A building block approach is used for all instruction. Lectures and workshops start with a review of college coursework and build on those concepts as they apply to nuclear medicine. Academic coursework is coordinated with clinical experiences to optimize student learning.

You gain supervised clinical experience using state-of-the-art equipment, including specialized computers, gamma cameras with advanced single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) and SPECT-CT capabilities, solid-state detector gamma cameras, and positron emission tomography and computerized tomography (PET-CT).

Clinical rotations

Clinical rotations in each area of imaging and nuclear pharmacy are one to two weeks in length. As your knowledge and skills in nuclear medicine increase, supervision is reduced, allowing you to function more independently on routine procedures.

The volume and variety of exams performed at Mayo Clinic results in exposure to a wide range of clinical experiences. The clinical experiences offered through this program successfully prepare students to competently practice in their profession.

Elective rotations

Students who are in good standing academically and clinically may be offered a four-week elective rotation to Mayo Clinic's campuses in Arizona or Florida.

This rotation provides an intensive clinical experience across a broader range of practice environments. These rotations take place between March and July. Mayo Clinic funds the authorized additional costs for those selected.

You may elect to participate in a two-week rotation at one of our other regional clinical affiliate sites during the spring and summer, including:

• Mayo Clinic Health System — Franciscan Healthcare in La Crosse, Wisconsin
• Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, Minnesota
• Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire, Wisconsin
• CentraCare Heart and Vascular Center at St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota

Course sequence

The curriculum for the Nuclear Medicine Technology Program is taught on a semester-based schedule to match the academic structure of our program affiliates.

There are 34 total credits in this program.

Fall semester I

Spring semester II

Curriculum enhancements

Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences is committed to developing and maintaining the best education programs. The curriculum and other aspects of this program are routinely assessed and changed as necessary to ensure the highest quality training.

Facilities and equipment

The nuclear medicine facility at Mayo Clinic is the largest in the region, performing more than 30,000 procedures annually. These procedures are performed throughout Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota.

As a nuclear medicine student, you will gain clinical experience using state-of-the-art equipment including:

• D-SPECT scanners (cardiac)
• SPECT only scanners
• SPECT/CT scanners
• PET/CT scanners (clinical and research)
• PET/MR scanner
• Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI) systems

In addition, you will observe in our cyclotron area, which consists of two cyclotrons.

You will also gain hands-on experience in a radiopharmacy (nuclear pharmacy).

Schedule and hours

For the majority of the program, your learning schedule includes eight-hour days, five days a week. While the regular week is usually 40 hours, additional projects and homework are assigned.

No credit is given for previous work experience.

Department and faculty

Dedicated program faculty members provide an educational experience that is centered on student success. The Nuclear Medicine Technology Program draws its faculty from the clinical, scientific, and technical staffs of Mayo Clinic. Faculty members are chosen for their commitment to teaching, as well as clinical practice and research. Many have published and lectured extensively and are highly regarded in their fields.

Of the more than 100 nuclear medicine staff members at Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota, there are over 75 certified nuclear medicine technologists, 13 physicians, three nurses, three physicists, two radiopharmacists, three radiochemists, and several support and administrative staff members.

Students have access to these individuals throughout the program, giving them the opportunity to learn directly from some of today's best nuclear medicine practitioners. The unique combination of time with program faculty members in the classroom and clinical settings delivers individualized mentoring to support student success.

Grading and evaluation

This program primarily uses these evaluative tools:

• Self-assessment exercises
• Electronic formative and summative assessments
• Individual and team-based assignments/projects
• Demonstration of skills
• Faculty reviews

Our system of evaluation provides students and faculty with a comprehensive look at individual performance. This allows faculty and administrative staff to direct students who are experiencing academic difficulty to the appropriate support resources, including touring programs, and counseling opportunities.

Clinical requirements

In order to meet the clinical requirements for graduation, students must:

• Demonstrate satisfactory performance of clinical objectives for all clinical practicum rotations
• Complete all clinical competencies identified in the clinical manual

Didactic requirements

In order to meet the didactic requirements for graduation, students must complete all:

• Courses listed in the program curriculum with a grade of C or better
• Graduation requirements of the baccalaureate-granting university or have completed a baccalaureate degree prior to beginning the program

Graduation and certification

After successfully completing this program, you receive a certificate of completion from Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences and, if applicable, a baccalaureate degree from your college or university.

Graduates are eligible to take the professional certification examinations given by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).