The MU Nuclear Medicine Technology Certificate Program began in August 2011. The certificate program obtained initial accreditation from the JRCNMT following a site visit in December 2011. The JRCNMT is the only programmatic accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to accredit nuclear medicine technologist educational programs in the country. The next site visit by JRCNMT will occur in 2016.

The Department of Medical Imaging at Misericordia University introduced the nuclear medicine technology certificate program for both traditional and adult learners in 2011. Nuclear medicine technology is a diagnostic imaging and treatment modality that uses a small amount of radioactive materials to study the function of internal organs and to treat certain diseases. The nuclear medicine technologist is a highly skilled professional who, in conjunction with a physician, either directs or participates in the daily operation of the nuclear medicine department. A nuclear medicine technologist’s responsibilities are varied but include four major roles: technical skills, patient care, radiation safety and administrative duties.

The Nuclear Medicine Technology Program at Misericordia University prepares entry-level technologists through an interdisciplinary curriculum of basic science study and clinical education. The program provides all necessary course work as mandated by the JRCNMT. Students engage in clinical internships and nuclear medicine courses throughout the course of study.

The 50-credit program is available over six sessions in a combination of on-line and weekend formats for academic course work and weekdays for clinical experiences for anyone who meets the 19 credits of pre-requisite courses. Potential students include, but are not limited to: current medical imaging majors, radiologic technologists, registered nurses, those with bachelor’s degrees or anyone simply wishing to begin a new career. The certificate program can be completed in as little as 21 months. The nuclear medicine technology certificate program also offers recent high school graduates enrolled in the Misericordia University Bachelor of Science degree program in medical imaging an additional area of expertise and competency in the growing field, such as sonography or nuclear medicine. For additional information about the nuclear medicine technology certificate program, please contact Cindy Turchin, M.B.A., C.N.M.T., R.T.(R)(N), director, at (570) 674-3044 or e-mail her at cturchin@misericordia.edu. Founded and Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy in 1924, Misericordia University is Luzerne County’s first four-year college and offers 37 degree programs on the graduate and undergraduate levels in full and part-time formats.