2018 – 2019
Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Nuclear Medicine Technology
Career Cluster:	Health Science

AS	
CIP Number	1351090502	
Program Type	College Credit	
Standard Length	75 credit hours	
CTSO	HOSA: Future Health Professionals	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	29-2033 Nuclear Medicine Technologists	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml 	

Purpose

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Health Science career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of Health Science career cluster. 

This program is designed to prepare students for employment as radiologic technologists or nuclear medicine technologists, SOC Code-29-2033 (Nuclear Medicine Technologists) or to provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in this occupation.

The content includes but is not limited to the utilization of radioactive materials for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, patient care, administrative functions, health and safety including CPR.

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 75 credit hours. 

Regulated Programs

The program must also be approved by the Department of Health Bureau of Radiation Control so that the graduate is eligible to be licensed in Florida as a Certified Radiologic Technologist ‑ Nuclear Medicine (i.e., a Nuclear Medicine Technologist).  As specified in Chapter 468, Part IV and 64E-FAC.  All accredited NMT programs which are recognized and accepted by either the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB), are approved by the Department of Health.

Students who complete the program will be eligible to apply to the Department of Health for the required state Nuclear Medicine Technologist license.  For further information contact:

Department of Health
MQA Radiologic Technology Program
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C85
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone:  (850) 245-4910
Fax:  (850) 921-6365
Internet:  www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/rad-tech

Students who complete the program will be eligible to make an application to take one or both of the National Registry examination.  For further information contact:  

	American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
	1255 Northland Drive 
	St. Paul, MN 55120-1155
	(612) 687-0048
www.arrt.org

Or 

Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB)
3558 Habersham at Northlake
Building I
Tucker, GA 30084
Toll Free:  (800) 659-3953
www.nmtcb.org

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the health care delivery system and health occupations.
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
03.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities.
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts.
05.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures.
06.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations.
07.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures.
08.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in healthcare.
09.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
11.0	Apply basic math and science skills. 
12.0	Practice radiation safety.
13.0	Practice basic radiopharmacy.
14.0	Calculate doses and administer radiopharmaceuticals and interventional pharmaceuticals.
15.0	Perform "in vitro"/"in vivo" nonimaging procedures.
16.0	Perform imaging procedures.
17.0	Practice quality control.

2018 – 2019
Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Nuclear Medicine Technology
CIP Number:		1351090502 
Program Length:	75 credit hours
SOC Code(s):		29-2033

Standards 1-11 are referred to as the Health Science Core and are required standards in this program. Secondary and Postsecondary students completing the health science core will not have to repeat the core in any other health science program in which it is a part.  When the recommended sequence is followed, the structure allows students to complete at specified points for employment or remain for advanced training or cross-training.  

To ensure consistency whenever these courses are offered, the health science core standards (1-11) have been placed in a separate document. You can access the course standards and benchmarks by visiting this link:
http://fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/18567/urlt/health-sci-core-psav-cc-1819.rtf

Refer to Rule 6A-14.030 (4) F.A.C., for the minimum amount of general education coursework required in the Associate of Science (AS) degree.  At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	

Nuclear Medicine Technology:  (12-17)
	
12.0	Practice radiation safety–The student will be able to:	
12.01	Assure compliance with local, state and federal regulations.	
12.02	Follow appropriate protection procedures for patients, coworkers and public.	
12.03	Follow approved procedures for identifying and labeling radioactive material and radiopharmaceutical doses.  	
12.04	Perform area surveys and wipe tests. 	
12.05	Appropriately dispose of radioactive waste.	
12.06	Practice personnel monitoring of radiation exposure.	
12.07	Perform decontamination procedures.	
12.08	Implement appropriate The Joint Commission patient safety goals and any other applicable accrediting/regulatory agency guidelines. 	
13.0	Practice basic radiopharmacy–The student will be able to:	
13.01	Maintain radiopharmaceutical laboratory records and materials.	
13.02	Observe generatoreluate in practice lab, clinical sites or radiopharmacy. 	
13.03	Prepare radiopharmaceuticals and perform quality control tests in practice  lab only or observation in clinical sites	
13.04	Demonstrate understanding of ordering radiopharmaceuticals in appropriate dosage and effective time frame.	
14.0	Calculate doses and administer radiopharmaceutical and interventional pharmaceuticals–The student will be able to:	
14.01	Perform dose calibrator quality control tests.	
14.02	Calculate the activity and volume of dose.	
14.03	Assay radiopharmaceuticals.	
14.04	 Properly administer dose using appropriate route. 	
14.05	Properly calculate, prepare, and administer interventional pharmaceuticals.	
14.06	Perform venipuncture accurately and efficiently.	
14.07	Participate in the tagging of blood cells. 	
14.08	Maintain records of administrations/preparations.	
14.09	Strictly observe precautions and contraindications of medications and radiopharmaceuticals.	
14.10	Evaluate patients’ history and needs and care for them accordingly. 	
14.11	Appropriately support treatment for adverse effects.	
14.12	Document accordingly following the facility protocol.	
15.0	Perform "in vitro"/"in vivo" nonimaging procedures–The student will be able to:	
15.01	Operate conventional laboratory equipment.	
15.02	Simulate the preparation of doses and standards in the practice lab.	
15.03	 Accurately and efficiently simulate the collection of specimensin the practice lab. 	
15.04	Operate radiation detection equipment.	
15.05	Simulate the performance of radioassays and calcuations.in the practice lab.	
16.0	Perform imaging procedures–The student will be able to:	
16.01	Verify order, history and protocol for patient prior to proceeding.	
16.02	Verify identity of patient and educate them on procedure. 	
16.03	Prepare patient as needed for procedure.	
16.04	Select proper acquisition parameters to obtain planar, SPECT/CT, and PET/CT images.	
16.05	Appropriately perform planar, SPECT/CT, and PET/CT data processing using reconstruction techniques. 	
16.06	Properly prepare images to be sent to physician according to facility protocol.	
16.07	Perform PACS procedures according to facility protocol.	
16.08	Maintain appropriate records.	
17.0	Practice quality control–The student will be able to:	
17.01	Perform scheduled quality control testing of laboratory and imaging equipment.	
17.02	Operate scintillation counters.	
17.03	Operate and perform daily quality control on gas-filled detectors.	
17.04	Maintain a quality assurance program according to agencies such as Florida Bureau of Radiation Control, JRCNMT, NRC, ACR and OSHA.	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Special Notes

This program meets the Department of Health’s education requirements for HIV/AIDS, Domestic Violence and Prevention of Medical Errors.  Although not a requirement for initial licensure, it is a requirement for renewal, therefore the instructor may provide a certificate for renewal purposes to the student verifying these requirements have been met.

If students in this program are seeking a licensure, certificate or registration through the Department of Health, please refer to 456.0635 F.S. for more information on disqualification for a license, certificate, or registration through the Department of Health. 

The program must be accredited by the:

Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology  
2000 W. Danforth Rd., Ste 130 #203
Edmond OK 73003
Tel:  (405) 285-0546
Fax:  (405) 285-0579
http://www.jrcnmt.org/ 

Or 

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
2520 Northwinds Parkway
Suite 600
Alpharetta, GA 30009
888-41ED NOW (888-413-3669)
http://www.sacs.org/

The nuclear medicine technologist performs patient care with understanding of patients’ special needs, fears and concerns and recognizes changes in patient condition.  Limiting the exposure of the patient and other health care workers to minimal levels of radiation is of paramount importance.

A fundamental knowledge and understanding of the physical and biological sciences, including radiation biology and protection, as well as radiopharmaceuticals "in vivo" and "in vitro", is essential:  nuclear physics, biochemistry, immunology, physiology and an introduction to computer application/operation with data manipulation must be included.

Students are encouraged to become members of their appropriate professional organizations such as the Society of Nuclear Medicine –Technologist Section (SNM-TS), Florida Nuclear Medicine Technologists, Inc. (FNMT), the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), Florida Society of Radiologic Technologists (FSRT) and its local affiliate.

Outcomes 01-11 are referred to as the Health Careers Core and do not have to be completed if the student has previously completed the Core in another health science program.  The Core should be taken first or concurrently with the first course in the program.  Following the successful completion of the core, the National Health Care Foundation Skill Standards Assessment with instructor approval and the completion of a portfolio.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

HOSA: Future Health Professionals is the intercurricular career and technical student organization providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills. Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered. 

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.

Certificate Programs

A College Credit Certificate consists of a program of instruction of less than sixty (60) credits of college-level courses, which is part of an AS or AAS degree program and prepares students for entry into employment (Rule 6A-14.030, F.A.C.).  This AS degree program includes the following College Credit Certificates:

Nuclear Medicine Technology Specialist (0351090503) – 48 credit hours

Standards for the above certificate programs are contained in separate curriculum frameworks.

Additional Resources

For additional information regarding articulation agreements, Bright Futures Scholarships, Fine Arts/Practical Arts Credit and Equivalent Mathematics and Equally Rigorous Science Courses please refer to:
http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml