Why should I consider becoming certified?

Certification demonstrates mastery of a body of knowledge. That body of knowledge includes the concepts that allow technologist to evaluate, adapt, identify problems and solve them. Many states already require certification and/or licensure for nuclear medicine technologists. In many other states certification is optional. It is likely that certification will eventually become mandatory. There are two forces driving this change. The first is the C.A.R.E. Act that is being considered by the House and Senate. The act, if passed, would require state licensure for all technologists who administer radiation, including radiographers, radiation therapists, and nuclear medicine technologists. The second force is reimbursement. State legislatures can pass requirements, as Minnesota has, that reimbursement for Medicare and Medicaid patients will only be made to facilities that employ certified technologists. A third force that is also affecting the need for technologists to become certified is the movement toward accreditation of nuclear medicine labs by agencies such as ICANL and the ACR. Although accreditation is voluntary, labs are required to employ certified technologists if they wish to earn accreditation.

How can I become certified if I graduated from school a long time ago?

You have five years from the date of your graduation from an accredited nuclear medicine program to take the entry level exam. If it is over five years, you have the option to apply under the Alternate Eligibility route. Please note that the Alternate Eligibility route will expire in 2015.

This is an entry-level exam. If you’re a good technologist, you shouldn’t have any difficulty passing it. If you need a review or a confidence boost, there are some good review books available from the Society of Nuclear Medicine.

I never went to a program, but I’ve worked as a tech for years. Can I get certified?

Yes, the NMTCB has an alternate eligibility route for people who trained on-the-job or in another country. You must meet certain criteria, which are spelled out in the section of "Alternate Eligibility and Non-USA trained candidates". Please note that the Alternate Eligibility route will expire in 2015.

Graduation from an accredited program is the preferred method because it provides the greatest knowledge base. However, there is an alternate route for eligibility to sit for the NMTCB.