Course Descriptions

Nuclear Medicine Course Descriptions

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(Enter Datatel Course Numbers with the dash. i.e. ENGL-100; use commas to separate multiple Course Numbers)

NMDT-102 - INTRODUCTION TO NMT  3 credits
This course serves to introduce the student to Nuclear Medicine Technology. The first two weeks are devoted to understanding the rationale and requirements of the program as documented in the Handbook. Other content areas to be covered are: understanding the radioactive atom and its potential decay patterns, identification and measurement of radiation, radiation protection and safety requirements, the production and implementation of radiopharmaceuticals, as well as, the quality of these products. Basic chemistry will be discussed related to radiopharmaceutical binding. CONCURRENT: BIOL-132.
NMDT-103 - PRACTICUM 1 (10 WEEKS)  2 credits
Practicum includes the clinical experiences unifying the theory taught in the Nuclear Medicine Technology and support courses. The sequencing of the practicum and competency examinations in specific task areas places gradual expectations on the level of the student so that after over 1900 accumulated clinical hours in twenty-four months, the student can be graduated as a competent NMT, board eligible. The expectations and requirements are outlined in the student handbook as well as in each course syllabus. The student is expected to apply classroom knowledge within the clinical setting, demonstrating initiative and enthusiasm to the supervising technologist. The semester competency examinations indicate the ability of the student to integrate theory and clinical practice. Offered two eight-hour days per week for a total of 144 clinical hours. CONCURRENT: BIOL-132, NMDT-102.
NMDT-105 - ORIENTATION TO PRACTICUM (5 WEEKS)  1 credit
This orientation class will provide the student with an understanding of the Nuclear Medicine procedures, terminology associated with the department, and a general overview of the field, thus allowing a smooth transition for the student into the hospital setting.
NMDT-207 - PRACTICUM 2  2 credits
This is the second course in the sequence of clinical practicum. Additional competency examinations are required. Offered two eight-hour days per week for a total of 224 clinical hours. PREREQUISITES: NMDT-102, NMDT-103, BIOL-132.
NMDT-209 - PRACTICUM-SUMMER-1 (10 WEEKS)  5 credits
This is the third in the sequence of clinical practica. Weekly classes are scheduled for the purpose of clinical discussion and review. A comprehensive examination is required and will cover the topics included in the first year of study. Grading for the summer session will reflect both the clinical and the comprehensive components of the course. Offered 40 hours per week for a total of 400 clinical hours. PREREQUISITES: NMDT-207 and BIOL-232. COREQUISITE: NMDT-209L.
NMDT-210 - NUCLEAR IMAGING OF ORGANS  3 credits
This course initially introduces the methods of localization and biorouting of radiopharmaceuticals used in Nuclear Medicine Technology. Upon completion of the above, the course will move into an organ/system approach detailing the following organ systems: central nervous, endocrine, respiratory, gastrointestinal, therapeutic systems and other miscellaneous systems. The coverage of each organ system will include in detail a discussion of the anatomy and physiology, radiopharmaceuticals used, technical aspects of imaging, as well as the indications and interpretations of the scans. PREREQUISITES: NMDT-102, BIOL-132.
NMDT-212 - NUCLEAR CARDIOLOGY  2 credits
An introduction to cardiac anatomy, its terminology, and the physiology of heart function is first reviewed. The heart’s ability to transmit electrical activity will be evidenced by a description of the ECG in its normal and abnormal states. The factors leading to coronary disease are introduced to underline the causes of acute MI’s and coronary artery insufficiency. Myocardial scans which illustrate the detection of C.A.D., and also the measurement of cardiac function will be discussed including: purpose, patient preparation, radiopharmaceuticals, instrumentation, and data acquisition are studied. Computer analysis of data both qualitative and quantitative for specific function and measurement are presented. PREREQUISITE: NMDT-102, BIOL-132. COREQUISITE: NMDT-210, BIOL-232, and NMDT-207.
NMDT-301 - PRACTICUM 3  5 credits
This is the fourth course in the sequence of clinical experience. Additional competency examinations will be assigned. Offered three eight-hour days per week for a total of 328 clinical hours. PREREQUISITES: NMDT-209 Corequisite: NMDT-306, PHYS-300.
NMDT-306 - STATISTICS AND INSTRUMENTATION  3 credits
The course comprises statistical analysis and current nuclear medicine instrumentation. The student will learn: experimental design, its terms, and methods of statistical evaluation to be applied to nuclear medicine research and clinical studies. This will aid the student in developing a scientific paper required concurrently in the Practicum 3 course. All current nuclear medicine instrumentation will be discussed with regard to design and function, characteristics of use, and their quality control procedures. SPECT technology and quality control will also be highlighted. PREREQUISITES: NMDT-210, NMDT-212. COREQUISITE: PHYS-300.
NMDT-401 - PRACTICUM 4  5 credits
This is the fifth course in the sequence of clinical experience. Additional competency examinations will be assigned. Offered three eight-hour days per week for a total of 328 clinical hours. PREREQUISITES: NMDT-301, NMDT-209, PHYS-300.
NMDT-410 - PRACTICUM-SUMMER-2 (10 WEEKS)  5 credits
This is the final practicum course, which involves the integration of two years of classroom learning with clinical practice. The student will be individually supervised with the preparation and injection of radiopharmaceuticals, as each affiliate permits. Unassisted performance of routine clinical exams, processing and analysis of non-imaging data, and maintaining a room work schedule will be further developed. Upon completion of this course the student will have achieved all levels of competencies necessary for employment in Nuclear Medicine. Weekly classes are scheduled for the purpose of clinical discussion and review. A comprehensive simulated registry exam is required. Grading for the summer session will reflect both the clinical and didactic components of the course. Successful completion of this course demonstrates all requirements of the JRC to sit for a national certifying exam and seek employment in Nuclear Medicine. Offered 40 hours per week for a total of 400 contact hours. An 11th week is included for the completion of all clinical make-up hours. PREREQUISITES: NMDT-401, NMDT-414. COREQUISITE:NMDT-410L.
NMDT-417 - SPECIAL PROCEDURES IN NUCLEAR MEDICINE (10 WEEKS)  2 credits
This course reflects new trends in Nuclear Medicine imaging and laboratory procedures, as expected by the accrediting agency and certification boards. Content to be included in this course is initially related to immunology and the use of radiolabeled antibodies in diagnostic imaging and therapy. It will also highly demonstrate emerging PET technology with emphasis on instrumentation and clinical scans. The growth of other tumor seeking radiopharmaceuticals will be discussed. Additionally, radioactive lab procedures related to hematology disorders will be described. Procedures such as Schilling's testing, blood volume dilution studies: red cell mass/volume, survival and sequestration will be illustrated. This course will reflect new and existing diagnostic testing in Nuclear Medicine.
NMDT-420 - RADIOPHARMACY  1 credit
A detailed didactic course providing instruction in the production of radionuclides, generator delivery systems, the formulation of radiopharmaceuticals, and their special quality control procedures. Certain lab-directed classes will be undertaken to illustrate the practical applications of radiopharmaceuticals. PREREQUISITE: NMDT-306, COREREQUISITE: NMDT-417