The Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Program prepares individuals for professional practice in hospitals and clinics that utilize PET for diagnostic imaging. During this program, learning experiences allow the student to accomplish the following:

• Apply current best practices and advanced techniques in a state-of-the-art PET facility
• Discuss and troubleshoot common challenges that take place in a PET department with practicing PET professionals
• Attain competence in PET quality control, oncology, cardiology, and neurology preparation and imaging procedures

Classroom learning and clinical observation

The didactic course includes a combination of online and classroom learning in the areas of advanced PET practices, as well as CT instrumentation and diagnostic procedure. Students collaborate on projects, assignments, and labs to gain differing perspectives and deeper comprehension on advanced technique and other didactic content.

Clinical rotations

Learners participate in competency-based clinical rotations at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, for a total of at least 700 hours. Learners rotate on a structured schedule to allow for individualized training on each rotation.

Curriculum enhancements

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

Schedule and hours

For the majority of the program, the learning schedule includes eight-hour days, five days a week.

While the regular week is usually 40 hours, additional projects and homework are assigned. All didactic content is delivered in a blended learning environment with assigned, online preparation material followed by application-based learning experiences in the classroom.

Facilities and equipment

Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, MN includes an extensive outpatient complex, Mayo Clinic Hospital — Rochester, and substantial research and education facilities. This Mayo Clinic site is among the largest, most advanced medical centers in the world.

Teaching faculty

This program was created and is maintained by the clinical, scientific, and technical staffs of Mayo Clinic. Faculty members are chosen for their commitment to teaching, as well as clinical practice or research. Many have published and lectured extensively and are highly regarded in their fields.

Visiting professors and lecturers

A hallmark of higher education excellence is the breadth and depth of information and experience provided to students by faculty and visiting experts. Many prominent professors visit Mayo Clinic each year to lecture on their areas of medical and scientific expertise.

As a student of Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, you are encouraged to learn from these valuable resources by attending all conferences, lectures, and seminars prepared for students, residents, fellows, and consulting staff.

Grading and evaluation

Didactic learning comprehension is assessed through assignments, projects, collaboration, and formal assessment. In addition, clinical practicum objectives are assessed for completion through weekly clinical instructor evaluations. As the learner progresses in comprehension and performance, procedural competence is assessed and determined during clinical rotations.

Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences grants the student a certificate of completion at the end of the program if the student is in good nonacademic standing and obtains at least 76 percent (C) in all courses.

Graduation and certification

Upon successful completion of the Positron Emission Tomography Program, you will receive a certificate of completion from the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences and be eligible to sit for the PET specialty certification examination from the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB). To review the requirements for the PET specialty exam, visit the NMTCB website.