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NUCLEAR MEDICINE RESIDENCY

History of Vanderbilt
NUCLEAR MEDICINE

NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

The Vanderbilt Program in Nuclear Medicine Technology is a 12 month training program in clinical Nuclear Medicine Technology established in 1979 as an allied health program. It is designed primarily for students who have completed a minimum of three years of pre-radiologic technology work in an affiliated university. Students with a bachelor's degree who meet the prerequisites will also be considered. The training program prepares the graduates for certification as Nuclear Medicine Technologists. Students receive training in atomic and nuclear physics, radio-chemistry, patient care and nursing, radiation safety, radiobiology, instrumentation and computer applications, as well as clinical Nuclear Medicine procedures. Students must successfully complete the lecture series and clinical laboratory rotations that are scheduled Monday through Friday. The clinical rotations are scheduled at the Veterans’ Administration Hospital, and Vanderbilt Children's and Adult Hospitals (including the PET facility).

The program is approved as the fourth year externship in a baccalaureate degree program at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN, Belmont University in Nashville, TN and Middle TN State University in Murfreesboro, TN. In addition, upon graduation from the program, students are awarded a certificate from the Division of Allied Health at Vanderbilt.

The Vanderbilt Nuclear Medicine Technology program is accredited for eight positions by the Joint Review Committee for Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology. Graduates are eligible for the national certification examinations.

The Class of 2012 marked the completion of 32 years since the inception of the program. It is important to note that over the years, the program's record boasts a graduation rate of 97%. Of these graduates, 93% have passed Registry Exams (100% in the past 9 years). Also, 25 students have gone on to advanced studies in Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Business Administration. Graduates have generally been able to find jobs in Nuclear Medicine. Although there was a downturn in the economy, 50% of the Class of 2012 were still able to find jobs within 6 months of graduation.

REQUIREMENTS

As part of the preparation for application to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Nuclear Medicine Technology Program, applicants are required to spend at least 16 hours of observation at Vanderbilt. Qualified applicants should have an overall grade point average of 3.0 and must have a baccalaureate degree or be eligible for that degree at the completion of the clinical training. See the Program Brochure for more details. Completed applications must be received by March 15th preceding an August start date. Student selections will be completed by April 30th. Student selections are made by a committee consisting of the Program Director, Medical Director, Technical Coordinators and Degree Advisors.

APPLICATION

Selection is based on scholastic background, references, interview and motivation. Please mail the following documents to the address below prior to the interview process:
      • Application & Verification Form
      • Certificate of Observation
      • Three (3) reference letters
      • Official transcript(s) from all Universities attended

                         Rita Warren, M.Ed., MPA, RT, CNMT
                         Clinical Coordinator
                         Vanderbilt University Medical Center
                         1161 Medical Center Drive
                         Medical Center North, Suite CCC-1121
                         Nashville, TN 37232-2675
                         (615) 343-1188