Nuclear Medicine Technology Program (NMT)

College of Science and Health
Health Professions Department
Nuclear Medicine Technology
Program Director: Angela Weiler
4032 Health Science Center, 608.785.8470
Email: nmtprogram@uwlax.edu

Nuclear medicine is a dynamic and rapidly evolving healthcare field within the specialty of medical imaging and radiology that combines molecular imaging, dual-modality imaging, and targeted therapeutic procedures to diagnose and treat a wide variety of diseases. Using small amounts of radioactive drugs—known as radiopharmaceuticals—nuclear medicine provides safe, highly detailed insight into what is happening inside the body at a cellular and functional level.

Through advanced technologies such as PET/CT and SPECT/CT, nuclear medicine utilizes dual-modality imaging to merge functional and anatomical information, offering a more complete and accurate picture of disease. As a cornerstone of molecular imaging, the field uniquely evaluates both the structure and function of nearly every organ system, allowing clinicians to characterize and quantify physiologic processes. This plays a critical role in the diagnosis, staging, and monitoring of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, thyroid and other endocrine conditions, as well as a wide range of renal, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal disorders. By assessing how organs function rather than just how they appear, nuclear medicine enables the detection of abnormalities at very early stages—often long before conditions become apparent with other diagnostic methods, ultimately supporting more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment planning.

In recent years, nuclear medicine has experienced remarkable growth, driven largely by the emergence of theranostics—a revolutionary approach that combines diagnostic imaging and targeted therapy using the same or similar radiopharmaceuticals. This powerful pairing allows clinicians to not only detect disease but also deliver personalized treatment based on an individual patient's biology. As new radiopharmaceuticals are developed and technology continues to advance, nuclear medicine is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of personalized care and precision medicine, with exponential growth expected in the coming decade.

Career opportunities within nuclear medicine are diverse and rapidly expanding, offering strong job placement, competitive salaries, and multiple pathways for advancement. Nuclear medicine technologists play a key role in patient-centered care by preparing and administering radiopharmaceuticals, performing advanced imaging and therapeutic procedures, and operating cutting-edge technology. Professionals can specialize or pursue additional certifications in areas such as theranostics, radiopharmacy, radiation safety, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, with additional opportunities in research, education, industry, and leadership. With further education and experience, graduates may also pursue careers in healthcare administration, medical physics, or other advanced healthcare fields, allowing for a flexible and evolving career at the forefront of innovation.

The Nuclear Medicine Technology program at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse is designed to provide a strong academic and clinical foundation for success in this evolving field. Students complete six semesters on campus, engaging in both pre-professional and professional coursework, before transitioning into a clinical internship. Internship experiences vary slightly across affiliated sites but are typically 12–13 months in length, with some pathways offering a hybrid model that includes both on-campus and immersive clinical training.

Upon successful completion of all university and program requirements, graduates are eligible to earn their degree and apply for the national certification examinations through the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to become a certified nuclear medicine technologist.

In partnership with its clinical affiliates, the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse offers the only baccalaureate degree program in Wisconsin where you receive two years of specialized education in nuclear medicine technology and one of the largest programs of its kind in the United States. The program is committed to delivering a high-quality educational experience that integrates rigorous academics with hands-on clinical training. Students gain real-world experience working alongside certified nuclear medicine technologists in high-volume, highly respected departments, while also collaborating with physicians, physicists, pharmacists, and radiochemists.

This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are not only clinically competent but also prepared for long-term success in a rapidly advancing field. Beyond technical expertise, the program fosters professional growth, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning—empowering graduates to build meaningful, impactful careers at the forefront of nuclear medicine.

Courses

NMT 201 Cr.1

Introduction to Nuclear Medicine Technology

Orientation to the application and professional aspects of nuclear medicine technology; including radiation safety and protection, radiopharmaceuticals, instrumentation, types of imaging and therapeutic procedures performed, computer applications, related allied health professions, and healthcare ethics. Offered Fall.

NMT 314 Cr.2

Cross-Sectional Anatomy

This course provides an overview of diagnostic imaging terminology, cross-sectional anatomy, and the fundamental principles of major imaging modalities. Students develop skills in identifying anatomical structures in sagittal, coronal, and axial planes, localizing internal anatomy using topographic landmarks, and distinguishing normal from abnormal findings on sectional images. Prerequisite: BIO 313 with a grade of "C" or better. Students with credit in RT 421 cannot earn credit in NMT 314. Offered Fall.

NMT 317 Cr.3

Nuclear Physics and Instrumentation

This course examines the principles of nuclear physics as applied to nuclear medicine, including radiation units, decay processes, atomic structure, radionuclide production, and radiation interactions with matter. Focus is placed on radiation detection instrumentation, measurement principles, and their influence on image quality and radiation safety. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT program. Offered Fall.

NMT 329 Cr.1

Medical Radiobiology and Dosimetry

This course examines the biological effects of ionizing radiation and the principles of internal and external radiation dosimetry in medical imaging and therapy. Students explore cellular and molecular radiation interactions, mechanisms of DNA damage and repair, radiosensitivity, acute and late tissue responses, and radiation risk models. Emphasis is placed on absorbed dose calculations, medical internal radiation dose methodology, external dose assessment, and risk-to-benefit analysis in diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT program. Offered Spring.

NMT 344 Cr.2

Medical Ethics and Health Administration

This course will focus on medical ethics, diversity, inclusive excellence, as they pertain to the profession of imaging sciences. We will also have a full review of the health information systems that support the technologist in their role in taking care of patients. Prerequisite: admitted into one of the NMT or RS programs. Offered Spring.

NMT 360 Cr.2

Computed Tomography

This course covers the principles and applications of Computed Tomography (CT). Topics include instrumentation, quality assurance, data acquisition, post-processing, patient assessment, contrast media, procedures, and radiation dose modifications. Prerequisite: NMT 314; admission to the NMT Program. Offered Spring.

NMT 388 Cr.1

Professionalism in Nuclear Medicine

This course develops professionalism and clinical readiness in nuclear medicine technology. Emphasis is placed on ethical responsibility, effective communication, teamwork, conflict management, professional use of technology, and strategies that promote resilience and long-term success in clinical practice. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT program. Offered Spring.

NMT 391 Cr.1

Theranostics

This course is an introduction to the combination of using one radioactive drug for diagnostic purposes and a second radioactive drug for therapeutic purposes, also known as theranostics. Topics include theranostic procedures, theranostic department organization, and how theranostics delivers targeted radiation by also reducing the risk of harming nearby healthy cells. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program. Offered Spring.

NMT 398 Cr.2

Research Writing in Nuclear Medicine Technology

This course focuses on the critical evaluation of nuclear medicine literature and the development of professional scholarly writing skills. Students assess evidence, conduct structured literature searches, apply research ethics principles, and compose abstracts, literature reviews, and research proposals. Emphasis is placed on scientific communication and preparation for scholarly contribution in nuclear medicine. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program. Offered Spring.

NMT 401 Cr.1-3

Management and Methods of Patient Care

This course prepares students for safe and professional clinical practice in nuclear medicine. Focus areas include patient communication and assessment, safety and infection control, medication administration, phlebotomy techniques, and the application of appropriate use criteria to ensure evidence-based patient care. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Annually.

NMT 403 Cr.2-6

Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology

This course examines the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of human organ systems as they relate to diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine. Emphasis is placed on clinical indications, standard procedures, protocol application, image quality evaluation, and analysis of quantitative and qualitative imaging data. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Annually.

NMT 404 Cr.1-3

Management and Methods of Patient Care II

Skills in problem-solving, critical thinking and clinical decision making are developed, as well as oral and written clinical communication skills. Administrative duties including budgeting, medical and legal considerations, and political issues affecting patient care are discussed. Focus on basic measures necessary to provide quality patient care. Basic principles of record keeping and confidentiality of information are explained. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Fall, Spring.

NMT 405 Cr.1-5

Radiation Protection

Properties of alpha, beta, gamma, and x-ray radiations, their effects upon human beings and methods for protecting patients and staff from unnecessary exposure and possible injury. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Annually.

NMT 406 Cr.1-5

Clinical Physics and Instrumentation

This course covers the principles of nuclear radiation physics and imaging instrumentation used in nuclear medicine. Emphasis is placed on radioactive decay, radiation interactions, planar and SPECT imaging systems, quality control procedures, reconstruction methods, and basic statistical analysis related to image quality and system performance. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Annually.

NMT 407 Cr.2-5

Clinical Instrumentation and Techniques

Structure, operating characteristics and practice in use of nuclear radiation detection instruments and radioisotope handling devices used in medical diagnosis and therapy. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Annually.

NMT 412 Cr.3-9

Clinical Nuclear Practicum I

The supervised use of radionuclides in imaging and scanning of patients for diagnostic purposes. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Annually.

NMT 413 Cr.3-9

Clinical Nuclear Practicum II

The supervised use of radionuclides in vitro and in vivo in patients for diagnostic purposes. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Annually.

NMT 416 Cr.1-3

Nuclear Medicine Quality Control Practicum

Elution of Mo/Tc generator, preparation and testing of radiopharmaceutical products. Gamma Camera uniformity, relative sensitivity and spatial linearity and resolution testing. The use of flood field and bar phantoms on in vivo imaging detectors in the nuclear medicine imaging laboratory. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Annually.

NMT 418 Cr.1-4

Clinical Procedures Review I

This course provides classroom instruction in the clinical techniques used in nuclear medicine imaging, with emphasis on planar and SPECT procedures. Students develop foundational competencies in patient care, radiopharmaceutical preparation and administration, and imaging acquisition protocols. Additional focus is placed on computer processing techniques and data analysis essential for accurate image interpretation and diagnostic quality. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Annually.

NMT 419 Cr.1-3

Clinical Radiation Biology

Cellular and organ responses to radiation sources and radionuclides employed in nuclear medicine. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Annually.

NMT 422 Cr.1-4

Clinical Procedures Review II

Classroom technique to establish clinical practices used in nuclear medicine imaging. To develop techniques used in planar and SPECT CT imaging that has been developed in addition to the previous course "Clinical Procedures Review" (NMT 418). The fundamental skills of patient care, radiopharmaceutical preparation and administration will be reviewed. Emphasis is also in computer processing techniques used in coordination with imaging procedures. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Fall, Spring.

NMT 423 Cr.1-5

Radiopharmacy and Pharmacology

The study of radiopharmacology and radiochemistry of isotopes used in clinical nuclear medicine for research, diagnosis, and therapy. This course includes lecture and field work. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Fall, Spring.

NMT 427 Cr.1-5

Clinical Evaluation of Mathematical Data in Nuclear Medicine

This is a study of data collection, reduction and enhancement by computers used in Nuclear Medicine to generate interpretable images and data for physicians to diagnose and treat patients. This course includes lecture and field work. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Fall, Spring.

NMT 429 Cr.1-5

Multimodality Imaging

This course is designed to present a more in depth overview of all imaging modalities that can be done simultaneously with gamma cameras and PET cameras (i.e. PET/CT, SPECT/CT, PET/MRI, etc.). It will be an overview of the cross sectional anatomy, physics and instrumentation that is offered from these modalities. Specific topics will include; physics, instrumentation, scanning and image production. Comparison of cross sectional anatomy, specific to the modality and PET or SPECT imaging will be covered. Emphasis will be placed on patient considerations for each modality, image production and processing, patient and technologist safety, radiation protection and/or procedure protocol. This course includes lecture and field work. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Fall, Spring.

NMT 433 Cr.1

Clinical Analysis and Decision-Making

This course develops clinical analysis and decision-making skills in nuclear medicine through case-based learning and simulated scenarios. Students evaluate patient information, imaging protocols, and data to resolve technical challenges while integrating physics, radiopharmacy, and instrumentation principles. Emphasis is placed on ethical practice, evidence-based troubleshooting, professional communication, and reflective growth. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Annually.

NMT 490 Cr.1-2

Applied Clinical Research

This course provides a supervised experience in designing and conducting clinical research relevant to nuclear medicine practice. Students develop a research question, analyze clinical data, and present their findings in a professional scholarly format. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Annually.

NMT 497 Cr.1-6

Advanced Practice Analysis and Board Preparation

This course provides a comprehensive review of nuclear medicine principles while examining professional practice across clinical settings. Students analyze procedures, evaluate clinical decision-making, and integrate knowledge in physics, radiopharmacy, instrumentation, radiation safety, and patient care. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, comparative practice analysis, and structured board examination preparation. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Annually.

NMT 499 Cr.3

Independent Study

Independent projects under the direction and supervision of a member of the clinical staff. Hours arranged. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Annually.