The Nuclear Medicine Technology: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for a dynamic and growing healthcare field that combines the principles of physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine to diagnose and treat various diseases. This comprehensive program provides students with a strong foundation in nuclear medicine procedures, instrumentation, radiation safety, patient care, and imaging techniques required to specialize in this vital area of medical technology. Throughout the program, students gain hands-on experience through supervised clinical practice, allowing them to develop critical skills in administering radiopharmaceuticals, operating complex imaging equipment such as gamma cameras and PET scanners, and ensuring patient safety and comfort during procedures.
The curriculum includes courses in anatomy and physiology, radiopharmaceuticals, nuclear physics, pathology, and radiation protection, along with practical training in radiologic procedures specific to nuclear medicine. Students are also introduced to the legal and ethical considerations involved in medical imaging, along with an understanding of radiation dose management and quality control measures necessary to produce accurate diagnostic images. Emphasis is placed on developing strong communication skills to effectively interact with patients and healthcare team members, ensuring the delivery of compassionate and professional care.
Graduates of the program are equipped with the technical knowledge and clinical competencies required to work as nuclear medicine technologists in hospitals, clinics, outpatient imaging centers, and research institutions. They will be prepared to take professional certification exams, such as the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), which enhance employment opportunities and career advancement. The program also fosters a collaborative learning environment that encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and ongoing professional development. Upon completion of this associate degree program, students will be ready to enter the workforce as skilled nuclear medicine technologists committed to improving patient outcomes through advanced diagnostic imaging techniques and innovative healthcare solutions.
General Education
ENGL 101 English Composition I 3
ENGL 102 English Composition II 3
COMM 101 Effective Speaking 3
Core A Elective 3
Core B Elective 3
Free Elective 3
Physical Education & Wellness 1
Major Requirements
BIOL 121 Anatomy & Physiology I 4
BIOL 122 Anatomy & Physiology II 4
BIOL 221 Microbiology 4
CHEM 101 General Inorganic Chemistry I 4
CIS 105 Intro to Software for Business 3
MATH 103 College Algebra 3
PHYS 151 Physics for Technicians (or) 4
PHYS 201 General Physics I (4)
Clinical Rotation 30
This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:
Work effectively with other hospital personnel
Demonstrate the skills prescribed by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology
Take the national entry-level credentialing examination administered by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
Write and speak effectively
Appreciate accomplishments in the arts and sciences
Understand how specialized training fits into the health care delivery system
Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.
- ✔️ Flexible study schedule
- ✔️ Experienced teachers
- ✔️ Certificate upon completion
📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.
Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship
Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC?
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.
Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program.
Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.
What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?
The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year.
The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.
Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.
Are you eligible?
To be eligible, you must:
Apply to HACC
Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)
Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county
Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0
Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test
Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC
Participate in at least two HACC student organizations
The Nuclear Medicine Technology: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for a specialized career in the field of medical imaging and treatment. This program provides students with a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of nuclear medicine, including the use of radioactive materials for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic procedures. The curriculum combines classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical training to ensure that graduates are well-equipped with the technical skills and theoretical knowledge required for employment in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and other healthcare settings.
Students in the program learn about radiation safety, radiation physics, anatomy, physiology, and the operation of nuclear medicine imaging equipment. They gain hands-on experience in preparing and administering radiopharmaceuticals under supervised clinical settings. The program emphasizes the importance of patient care, safety protocols, and ethical considerations inherent in handling radioactive materials. Additionally, students develop problem-solving skills and the ability to evaluate imaging results accurately.
The associate degree typically takes around two years to complete for full-time students. Upon graduation, students are usually eligible to sit for national certification exams, such as the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) exam or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification in Nuclear Medicine, depending on state requirements. Certification and licensure are essential for employment and professional recognition in the field.
Harrisburg Area Community College’s program often includes partnerships with local hospitals and clinics to facilitate clinical placements, providing students with real-world experience. Graduates of the program can pursue various career pathways in healthcare, including working as nuclear medicine technologists, diagnostic imaging technicians, or pursuing further specialization in the field. Continuous education and certification are recommended to advance careers and stay current with technological advancements.
Overall, the Nuclear Medicine Technology: Career Associate at Harrisburg Area Community College aims to produce competent, ethical, and patient-focused professionals who are prepared to contribute effectively to healthcare teams. The program’s curriculum is regularly updated to reflect the latest practices and technological developments in nuclear medicine, maintaining its alignment with industry standards and accreditation requirements.
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