What are the Admission Requirements to the Program?
Nuclear Medicine Technology program applicants must have a high school diploma or GED. Program applicants must be eligible to enroll in ENG-1010 College Compsotiion I and must also successfully complete the following required core courses prior to admission.
BIO-1221 Anatomy and Physiology for Diagnostic Medical Imaging
MATH-1200 Intermediate Algebra (or higher)
MA-1020 Medical Terminology I
CHEM-1010 (Or achieve a score of 25 on the California Diagnostic Chemistry Exam)
These core courses require passing with a C or better and a cumulative GPA in those courses of 2.5 or better.
How often do you admit students?
Students are admitted once each year in the Fall term.
How many students are admitted each year?
Enrollment into the program is limited to approximately 20 students/ year.
The number of students is limited by the number of clinical sites available.
Is there a waiting list?
Yes -
Fall, 2008 (Currently filled)
Currently accepting applications for Fall 2009.
When can I apply?
In the semester that you are completing your last program pre-requisite you should officially begin the application process.
1. Complete an APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION and submit to Office of Admissions & Records.
2. Submit two (2) official sealed transcripts from high school or GED test and from all colleges attended.
(One set should be sent to the Office of Admissions and Records)
(The other set should be sent along with a *HEALTH CAREERS APPLICATION)
*The Health Careers Application is submitted when all core pre-requisites have been met
Once all all program admission reqirements are met, verify with Admissions and Records that they have sent your application file to the Nuclear Medicine Program office.
The Nuclear Medicine Program office will send out notification that your file has been completed.
Career Opportunities
See Career Outlook Link for details.
Does the program accept everyone?
Everyone that meets the admission requirements are accepterd on a fist come basis. There is no interview process, and students with higher gradepoint averages do not receive preferential treatment. Since this program involves a one year clinical rotation, you must also PASS A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK!
In its acknowledgment of diversity, the college respects and welcomes differences among people and will carry out its mission mindful of the differences in its community. Through its overall climate, the College will provide opportunities and reinforce understanding, appreciation and action, intended to maximize the potential of all students. It is a policy of Tri-C that employment and educational benefits will be administered without regard to race, color, religions, sex national origin or ancestry, age, sexual orientation, disability or status as a disabled Vietnam-era veteran.
What does a Nuclear Medicine Technologist do?
See the "Day in the Life" link for more information
Do I have to be in good physical and mental health?
Every student is required to present evidence of good health and the ability to undertake the personal requirements of a Nuclear Medicine student, prior to the first day of clinical rotation. In most cases, this includes but is not limited to a physical examination, up-to-date immunizations, and TB Double Mantoux (PPD). A single PPD is required annually and must be administered within the one-year period. Some clinical sites may impose additional requirements. Failure to provide evidence of good health throughout the Program sequence will prevent the student from attending Nuclear Medicine clinical (directed practice) courses
Evidence of health insurance is required for participation in the clinical courses of the Nuclear Medicine Program. The College offers a health insurance policy for students at a nominal cost. Enrollment forms are available at the Student Activities Office. The student is required to maintain comprehensive health insurance coverage throughout the Program sequence. The College is not responsible for costs incurred for an injury or medical problem sustained by a student while affiliated at a clinical rotation site.
Do I have to be licensed and/or registered to become employed after graduation?
Successful results on a National Registry or Certification Examination is mandatory to receive State licensure in Ohio. Tri-C Nuclear Medicine program graduates are eligible for either the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB). You may upon graduation take either or both of these national registry exams, (the State of Ohio requires only one). These computerized examinations are offered throughout the year at various testing centers in the area.
Note that the examination boards also have ethics and minimum background qualifications that must be met. Although you will be well prepared upon graduation please understand that: Successful completion of the Tri-C program does not guarantee that you will be permitted to take either of the examinations, does not guarantee your success on any exam, and does not guarantee employment availability after graduation.
A student is eligible to apply for the National Registry examination when all Nuclear Medicine program and College graduation requirements have been successfully completed. Students are required to submit their own application and pay the application fee for the examination.
The State of Ohio requires all Nuclear Medicine technologists to have a valid license. A student can make application for the state license at the same time he or she applies for either of the National Registry Exams. When a student applies for a license, it will NOT be validated until the State receives the passing Registry results.
Infectious Disease Information for Health Career Students
Students are always required to follow strict guidelines and use universal precautions when the potential of being contaminated with body fluids is possible. Since nuclear medicine the technology students will be utilizing needles during their clinical rotations, the risk of an accidental needle stick is also a possibility. If a student sustains a sharps/needle stick injury or suspects that he/she has been exposed to the HIV (AIDS) virus or any other infectious disease, the student must report the incident to the designated individual at the clinical site and the Program Manager. The student is to follow the policy and/or protocol for a sharps/needle stick injury or exposure to an infectious disease established by that particular clinical site. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain any needed follow-up treatment or testing after a sharps/needle stick injury or an exposure to an infectious disease.
Can I take a course using Pass/No Pass Grading?
No - The Nuclear Medicine program requires traditional letter grades (A,B,C,D,F) for all of the core course pre-requisites and all of the courses that are part of the Nuclear Medicine Technology program curriculum.
What is the typical costs associated with the program?
The following represents the approximate costs expected based upon full-time enrollment in the Fall 2008 class.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition (Cost / credit hour Cuyahoga County resident) $80.54
(73 Credit Hours for Associate of Applied Science Degree) $5,637.80
Other Expenses
Textbooks $625.00
Lab Coats / Scrubs / Shoes $150.00
CPR Instruction Fee $40.00
Liability (Malpractice) Insurance $15.00
Physical Examination and Immunizations $60.00
Hepatitis B Vaccinations (optional but recommended) $150.00
Background Check (Mandatory) $75.00