Oct 04, 2024  
ARCHIVED 2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
ARCHIVED 2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Nuclear Medicine Technology


Nuclear medicine is an interdisciplinary field that combines chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer technology and medicine in using radiation to diagnose and treat disease. Though there are many diagnostic techniques currently available, nuclear medicine uniquely provides information about both the structure and function of virtually every major organ system within the body. It is this ability to characterize and quantify physiologic function which separates nuclear medicine from other imaging modalities, such as x-ray. Nuclear medicine procedures are safe, they involve little or no patient discomfort and do not require the use of anesthesia.

North Central College’s degree program in Nuclear Medicine Technology prepares students for a career as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. The first option is a 3+1 program with Northwestern Medicine School of Nuclear Medicine Technology. Students spend three years at North Central College, where they complete their liberal arts general education core along with prerequisite science and math courses. This is followed by a 12 month program of study at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The student then graduates from North Central College with a liberal arts degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology. Admission to the final year of the program is based upon successful application to Northwestern Medicine School of Nuclear Medicine Technology  in the second term of the junior year. Student applicants are considered and evaluated solely by the faculty/staff at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Student admission to the program is not guaranteed.

Another option is for the student to complete a four-year B.S. or B.A. degree at North Central College in chemistry, biology or biochemistry, and then apply for admission to Northwestern Medicine for a one-year certificate program in Nuclear Medicine Technology.

Students intending to major in Nuclear Medicine Technology must meet with the Pre-Professional Health Program Coordinator for the most recent information. Prerequisite courses and other requirements are subject to change.

Degrees offered: B.A. and B.S.

Programs

    Major