Dear Molecular Imaging Insider,
The paucity of trained radiologic technologists in the U.S. is well documented. A less well known but equally important problem is the scarcity of certified nuclear medicine technologists (CNMTs).
According to recent data, the average age of a practicing CNMT is approximately 45 years old. The graying of this population results in more than 1,000 CNMT retirements annually, according to Martha Pickett, chairman of the College of Health Related Professions at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock.
And while there are approximately 3,500 positions available for CNMTs, current training programs are able to graduate only 1,200 candidates a year for certification. Existing programs do have more students than in previous years, but there aren't a lot of new programs opening up. In fact, some programs are shutting down due to a lack of funding.
With more CNMTs looking toward retirement, the opportunities for individuals interested in this career path in molecular imaging have never looked brighter. In a conversation with AuntMinnie.com, Kathleen Murphy, chair-elect of the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board, offered her thoughts on CNMT education, both for new students and RTs seeking to cross over into the field.
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If you haven't already done so, be sure to drop in and check out our coverage of the Society of Nuclear Medicine's 2003 annual conference in New Orleans last month. AuntMinnie.com staff editors were onsite and delivered a number of stories from molecular imaging's premier showcase.
