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CIP 51.0905 Health Professions

Nuclear Medical Technology/Technologist

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

577

2025 · 60 schools

International share

3.3%

19 international students

Bachelor's degrees

298

4.4% international

Master's degrees

16

25.0% international

Overview

Nuclear Medical Technology, or Nuclear Medicine Technology, is a specialized field within healthcare that focuses on the use of radioactive materials in diagnosing and treating diseases. Professionals in this field, known as Nuclear Medical Technologists, play a vital role in the medical imaging process, particularly in the application of nuclear medicine procedures such as PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography).

Nuclear Medical Technologists are responsible for preparing and administering radioactive substances to patients, which can help visualize and evaluate organ function and detect abnormalities. They operate imaging equipment, ensure patient safety by following strict protocols, and work closely with physicians to interpret results.

A degree in Nuclear Medical Technology typically encompasses coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and medical ethics, combined with practical clinical training. Graduates must be licensed or certified to practice, which involves passing an exam and completing continuing education to stay current with advancements in the field.

The demand for Nuclear Medical Technologists is growing, driven by advancements in medical imaging technology and an aging population requiring diagnostic services. This profession offers a unique blend of patient interaction and technical expertise, making it an appealing choice for those interested in the intersection of technology and healthcare. Overall, Nuclear Medical Technology is a critical component of modern medicine, contributing significantly to patient care and diagnostic accuracy.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2002 to 2025, graduates grew 36% and the international share went from 1.4% to 3.3%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
55.1%
Asian
5.5%
Hispanic
18.5%
Black
7.3%
Other
10.2%
Intl.
3.3%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 60 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#85 University at Buffalo New York 10 1
#100 University of Iowa Iowa 7 0
#100 Saint Louis University Missouri 6 1
#137 University of Alabama at Birmingham Alabama 7 4
#179 University of Mississippi Mississippi 8 0
#179 University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Ohio 14 1
#219 Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis Indiana 7 1
#219 Robert Morris University Pennsylvania 7 1
#308 Oakland University Michigan 2 0
#308 University of the Incarnate Word Texas 6 1
#317 Ferris State University Michigan 16 0
#317 Augusta University Georgia 4 0
#328 Old Dominion University Virginia 12 0
#332 University of Findlay Ohio 12 0
#365 University of Central Arkansas Arkansas 2 0
#382 Roosevelt University Illinois 3 0
— University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center Oklahoma 47 0
— Pitt Community College North Carolina 32 1
— Houston City College Texas 25 0
— Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts California 25 0
— Weber State University Utah 24 0
— University of Wisconsin--La Crosse Wisconsin 19 0
— GateWay Community College Arizona 18 0
— University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Arkansas 18 0
— Oregon Institute of Technology Oregon 17 0
— Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute North Carolina 15 0
— Keiser University Florida 14 0
— Broward College Florida 12 1
— Santa Fe College Florida 11 0
— Hillsborough College Florida 10 0
— Molloy University New York 10 0
— Forsyth Technical Community College North Carolina 10 0
— AdventHealth University Florida 9 2
— Amarillo College Texas 9 0
— Galveston College Texas 9 0
— Prince George's Community College Maryland 8 0
— Community College of Allegheny County Pennsylvania 8 0
— Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester Campus New Jersey 7 0
— Chattanooga State Community College Tennessee 7 0
— Loma Linda University California 6 0
— Connecticut State Community College Connecticut 6 0
— Miami Dade College Florida 6 0
— University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College Ohio 6 0
— Cuyahoga Community College District Ohio 6 0
— Tarrant County College District Texas 6 0
— Bellevue College Washington 6 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 221,270 — $147,570
Nuclear Medicine Technologists 17,080 $50.56 $105,160

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2002–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.