Nuclear Medicine Technology, A.S.

The following prerequisite requirements must be completed in order to apply to the Nuclear Medicine Technology Program:

1. Possess a 2.50 or higher overall college GPA
2. Complete the following coursework with a grade of C or better:
   • BSC2085/L Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
   • BSC2086/L Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab
   • Choose one of the following Physics courses:
     • PHY 1007/L
     • PHY2004/L
     • PHY2048/L
     • PHY2053/L
   • Choose one of the following Chemistry courses:
     
     • CHM1025/L
     • CHM1030/L
     • CHM2045/L
   • ENC1101 College Composition
   • Choose one of the following Math courses:
     • MAC1105 College Algebra
     • STA2023 Statistics
   • Choose one of the following Social/Behavioral Sciences courses:
     • AMH2020 US History Since 1877
     • POS2041 American National Government
   • Choose one of the following Humanities/Fine Arts courses:
     • ARH1000 Art Appreciation
     • HUM2020 Introduction to Humanities
     • LIT1000 Literature Appreciation
     • MUL1010 Music Appreciation 
     • PHI2010 Introduction to Philosophy
     • THE1000 Theater Appreciation

All transcripts and coursework must be evaluated and accepted by Santa Fe College prior to the application date in order to qualify for application.

See Application Dates and Deadlines and closely review other requirements Before You Apply.

All program costs are estimated and subject to change without notice.

Program Costs Breakdown

Tuition for 75 Credit Hours

• $8,007.75 Florida Residents
• $28,717.50 Non-Florida Residents

Lab Fees: $471.53

Additional Expenses

• $200.00 Uniforms/Shoes
• $825.00 Required Textbooks
• $550.00 Laptop Computer w/webcam
• $880.00 Physical and Immunizations
• $50.00 FLU shots
• $55.00 American Heart Association Basic Life Support Certification
• $245.00 Level 2 and Expanded National Background Screening; Drug Testing
• $425.00 National Board Exam
• $300.00 Miscellaneous Clinical Requirements: Tracking Software, Database, Parking
• $75.00 State License
• $135.00 Additional mid-program background checks, drug screen, physical update

Program Cost Totals

• $12,219.28 Florida Residents
• $32,929.03 Non-Florida Residents

Scholarships

There are many scholarships available for Santa Fe College students to apply to. Please visit the Scholarships webpage for more information and how to apply.

Financial Aid

There are many options to finance your education.  You may be eligible for Federal Grants, Work Study, State Grants, Federal Loans, and Institutional Scholarships.  Please visit the Financial Aid page for more information and how to apply.

Selection criteria and points system is subject to change. It is the applicant's responsibility to check with the Health Sciences Advisement Office for up-to-date requirements and information.

Prior Degree and/or Certification (Maximum Points = 9)

• B.A./B.S. or higher (7 PTS)
• A.A./A.S. (2 PTS)
• Current Patient Care Certification (CNA, EMT, Medical Assistant, etc.) (2 PTS)

All-College GPA (Maximum Points = 20)

• 3.75 – 4.00 (20 PTS)
• 3.50 – 3.74 (15 PTS)
• 3.25 – 3.49 (10 PTS)
• 3.00 – 3.24 (5 PTS)
• 2.75 – 2.99 (3 PTS)
• 2.50 – 2.74 (1 PT)

Prerequisite Coursework GPA (Maximum Points = 20)

• 3.75 – 4.00 (20 PTS)
• 3.50 – 3.74 (15 PTS)
• 3.25 – 3.49 (10 PTS)
• 3.00 – 3.24 (5 PTS)
• 2.75 – 2.99 (3 PTS)
• 2.50 – 2.74 (1 PT)

Military Service (5 PTS)

Five points will be awarded to US Armed Forces active duty and honorably discharged veterans. Includes recent Reservist and National Guard combat deployments. DD-214 or proof of current service required. Minimum of 1 year active duty service required. Part-time Reservist or National Guard service must be documented separately and equal 365 active duty days (i.e., weekend service, annual 2-week assignment and deployment). Service dates may be combined with proper documentation. Veterans who receive a general discharge must be classified without misconduct.

Mission

To provide a comprehensive, competency based, accredited nuclear medicine technology curriculum preparing a diverse group of students to graduate with entry level skills needed to perform quality nuclear medicine procedures, while providing all patients with the best possible care.

Goals

The goal of the NMT Program is to develop competent and professional nuclear medicine technologists who, by virtue of theory and practice, are proficient in contemporary facets of nuclear medicine technology, are capable of passing the certification examination, and have a high degree of adaptability in a changing technology. A further aim is to develop qualities of leadership necessary for teaching and health care administration.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. The student will demonstrate proficiency in providing patient care.
2. The student will demonstrate knowledge of radiation safety precautions and ALARA concepts.
3. The student will demonstrate recognition of and adherence to ethical and professional responsibilities.
4. The student will perform with the knowledge and skills needed to generate quality diagnostic images, non-imaging procedures, therapeutic procedures and quality control procedures while employing the principles of NMT methodology, radiation protection and physics.

The Nuclear Medicine Technology program spans five semesters with courses meeting in a variety of formats to include: on-campus, online, and virtually. In addition, students will conduct clinical internships at local and regional hospitals.

The program is academically rigorous and requires students to be available Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The program is a total of 75.0 credit hours, including pre-requisite requirements.  Program core courses: 47.0 credit hours. Pre-requisite courses: 28.0 credit hours.

The Technical courses must be taken as a cohort in the order indicated below. The prerequisite requirements listed in "Requirements for Admission" may be taken in any order based on course offerings.

Term 1 Fall (12 credit hours)

• NMT1111 Patient Care (3 credit hours)
• NMT1534C Nuclear Instrumentation 1 (4 credit hours)
• NMT1713 Nuclear Medicine Methodology 1 (4 credit hours)
• NMT1804 Nuclear Medicine Clinical Education 1 (1 credit hour)

Term 2 Spring (12 credit hours)

• NMT1310C Radiation Safety, Health, Physics and Radiopharmacy lab (3 credit hours)
• NMT1535C Nuclear Instrumentation 2 (3 credit hours)
• NMT1723 Nuclear Medicine Methodology 2 (4 credit hours)
• NMT1814 Nuclear Medicine Clinical Education 2 (2 credit hours)

Term 3 Summer (6 credit hours)

• NMT1733 Nuclear Medicine Methodology 3 (3 credit hours)
• NMT1824 Nuclear Medicine Clinical Education 3 (1 credit hour)
• NMT1834 Nuclear Medicine Clinical Education 4 (2 credit hours)

Term 4 Fall (12 credit hours)

• NMT1430 Radiation Biology (3 credit hours)
• NMT2743 Nuclear Medicine Methodology 4 (4 credit hours)
• NMT2844 Nuclear Medicine Clinical Education 5 (2 credit hours)
• NMT2775 Special Imaging Modalities (3 credit hours)

Term 5 Spring (5 credit hours)

• NMT2854 Nuclear Medicine Clinical Education 6 (2 credit hours)
• NMT2061 Nuclear Medicine Seminar (3 credit hours)

Health Sciences program applicants should possess sufficient physical motor, intellectual, emotion and social/communication skills to provide for patient care, safety and utilization of equipment. Additionally, applicants should assess their aptitude and ability to perform professional duties by attending an informational session conducted by faculty and students currently enrolled in the program. Performance standards for the program are outlined below.

Institutions hiring graduate Nuclear Medicine Technologists will expect individuals to be able to competently perform quality nuclear medicine procedures and provide the patient with the best possible care. Further, employers of graduate NMTs will expect individuals to use nuclear medicine cameras to produce images of bones, organs and vessels, while using minimum radiation exposure in consideration of radiation protection for the patient and themselves. Specific duties include manipulation and operation of nuclear medicine equipment, processing images, communicating effectively with the patient and staff and employing sound judgment and critical thinking skills.

Critical Thinking

Standard: Critical thinking sufficient for clinical judgment.
Example: Handle multiple priorities in stressful situations. Make accurate independent decisions. Ability to work alone as well as a member of a team. Satisfactory intellectual and emotional functions to exercise independent judgment and discretion in the safe technical performance of medical imaging procedures.

Interpersonal

Standard: Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds.
Example: Display patience, empathy and concern for others. Deal with fear and hostility in a calm manner. Demonstrate a high degree of patience. Work with other health care providers in stressful life/death situations.

Communication

Standard: Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form.
Example: Communicate needs in a sensitive, prompt, clear and concise manner. Accurately document pertinent information. Follow verbal and/or written instructions. Interact with patients and other health care providers in a professional manner.

Mobility

Standard: Physical abilities sufficient to move independently from room to room and through hallways; maneuver in small places.
Example: Walk to and from departments. Maneuver nimbly in small spaces. Respond swiftly to patient's needs, manipulate equipment, lift a minimum of 30lbs, push/pull mobile equipment weighing up to 300lbs; participate as a team member of four in moving an incapacitated patient; ensure patient safety; stand for prolonged periods of time (sometimes wearing a 12-20lb lead apron underneath gown).

Tactile and Motor Skills

Standard: Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to safely and effectively perform cardiovascular technology skills.
Example: Ability to grasp, hold, grip, seize, turn or otherwise manipulate work with hands. Work with fingers to manipulate switches, dials and other computer equipment. Input data into computer. Perform palpations.

Hearing

Standard: Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs.
Example: Communicate verbally with patients and other health care providers. Auscultation of BP, breath sounds and heart sounds.

Visual

Standard: Visual ability sufficient for physical observation.
Example: Observe and monitor patients. Manipulate equipment and evaluate image quality in conditions of low ambient lighting. Detect color on image display.

Professional Appearance

As a representative of Santa Fe College and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Program, students must abide by specific professional appearance guidelines required by our clinical affiliates. Hair must be maintained within the range of natural color and must be conservative in length and style. Clothing and footwear must comply with standards prescribed by the program. Facial hair should be kept neat and trimmed short.

Program Effectiveness captures the quality of a program using qualitative data such as program completion, national exam pass rates and job placement.

Class of 2023
12 Students admitted
8 Students graduated; 66.7% completion rate
8 Graduates took credentialing exam
8 Graduates passed credentialing; 100% pass rate
7 Graduates employed in the field; 87.5% employment rate

Class of 2022
No graduating class of 2022

Class of 2020

No graduating class of 2020.

Class of 2019

7 Students admitted
7 Students graduated; 100% completion rate
8 Graduates took credentialing; 100% participation rate
8 Graduates passed credentialing exam; 100% pass rate
7 Graduates employed in the field; 85.7% employment rate

Class of 2018

10 Students admitted
7 Students graduated; 70% completion rate
7 Graduates took credentialing; 100% participation rate
7 Graduates passed credentialing exam; 100% pass rate
7 Graduates employed in the field; 100% employment rate

Class of 2017

13 Students admitted
12 Students graduated; 92.3% completion rate
12 Graduates took credentialing; 100% participation rate
12 Graduates passed credentialing exam; 100% pass rate
10 Graduates employed in the field; 83.3% employment rate

Graduate achievement data is an indicator of program effectiveness, demonstrating the extent to which a program achieves its goals. The current report on graduate achievement data, identified by program, is available on the JRCNMT website by clicking on the following link Graduate Achievement Report.

Disclosure

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is not the bill that you will receive from Santa Fe College. It is an estimate of what it costs the typical student to attend Santa Fe College for one academic year including tuition, books, course materials, living expenses, transportation, and miscellaneous personal expenses.

Tuition and fees in the cost of attendance below are calculated for credit hour programs, assuming enrollment in 12 credit hours in the Fall and Spring semesters. Actual tuition and fees may vary by program. For a better understanding of your chosen program’s tuition and fees, see program costs above.

Undergraduate Lower Division Courses (A.A./A.S. Degree Courses)

Undergraduate Upper Division Courses (Bachelor Degree Courses)