Eligibility Requirements
A candidate for examination must show documented evidence of one of the following:
I. Completion of a NMTCB recognized nuclear medicine technology program
II. Completion of a certificate, associate degree or baccalaureate degree in nuclear medicine technology program from a regionally accredited academic institution.* Regionally accredited college and university programs must have structured clinical training sufficient to provide clinical competency in radiation safety, instrumentation, clinical procedures, and radiopharmacy. This should require approximately 1000 hours of clinical training supervised by program faculty.
III. Alternate Eligibility and Non-USA trained candidates (Must meet requirements listed under section A, B, and C below):
A. Education Requirement (Completion of one of the following)
1. A baccalaureate or associate degree in one of the physical or biological sciences
2. A baccalaureate or associate degree in other disciplines with successful completion of courses in the following areas: college algebra, physics, chemistry, human anatomy, and physiology
3. National certification as a registered medical technologist (MT)
4. National certification as a registered radiographer (RT)
5. Licensed as a registered nurse (RN)
6. National certification as a registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS)
7. National certification as a radiation therapist (RTT)
B. Clinical Experience
Four years full-time (or 8000 hours) of
clinical experience in nuclear medicine technology under the
supervision of a physician (MD/DO) board certified in nuclear radiology
(ABR) or nuclear medicine (ABNM) or isotopic pathology (ABP) or an
authorized physician user of radioactive materials with special
competency in nuclear medicine.
The NMTCB defines full-time clinical experience as 40 hours per week
(2,000 hours per year). Overtime and call time are excluded.
Technologists who work part-time may apply for the examination if their
total experience is equivalent to the full-time requirements as stated
previously. Employment in temporary positions may not be included.
Clinical experience obtained outside the United States will be
evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine equivalency to U.S.
standards. The candidate must also provide documentation of US
equivalency regarding the credentials of the supervising physician.
C. Didactic Coursework Requirement
Satisfactory completion of a minimum of fifteen (15) contact hours of coursework in each of the following areas: radiopharmacy, nuclear medicine instrumentation and radiation safety. Only coursework from an accredited college or university, accredited nuclear medicine program or approved continuing education credits recognized by NMTCB, such as VOICE/ECE, will be accepted.
IV. Graduation from a nuclear medicine technology or related program in another country. These individuals should contact the NMTCB office for eligibility requirements. Required documentation will include but not be limited to a complete program description with course descriptions, contact hours, and documentation of clinical experience. Proof of graduation must also be a part of the documentation.
NOTE: Candidates who believe they have equivalent qualifications may petition the Credentials Committee for consideration. Documentation is required.
*Schools, colleges, or universities accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies:
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges