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Nuclear Medicine Technologists

SOC 29-2033.00Job Zone 3 · Medium Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers nuclear medicine technologists working in hospital, outpatient, and multi-site clinical settings who administer radiopharmaceuticals, acquire and process diagnostic images, ensure radiation safety compliance, and advance departmental operations from entry-level practice through executive leadership.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Radiopharmaceutical administration procedures — assist with intravenous delivery under direct physician supervision in a clinical nuclear medicine suite.
  2. Gamma camera operation — identify basic controls and positioning techniques under guidance during routine diagnostic imaging sessions.
  3. Radiation dosage records — calculate and enter prescribed dosage amounts into a computer system following established protocols and physician orders.
  4. Patient imaging results — record procedural data and preliminary image outputs using departmental software under supervisor review.
  5. Radiopharmaceutical stock preparation — follow written safety protocols to prepare unit doses while minimizing radiation exposure in a shielded laboratory setting.
  6. Patient communication — explain basic test procedures and radiation safety precautions to patients using approved departmental scripts before imaging appointments.
  7. Cardiac function study data — enter raw scan data into computer-based processing software under the direction of an experienced technologist.
  8. Film and digital image production — generate basic computer or film images from completed scans for physician interpretation with supervisor verification.
  9. Radiation safety standards — recognize and apply personal protective equipment and shielding requirements in daily nuclear medicine operations.
  10. Medical imaging software — navigate electronic records and scheduling systems to retrieve patient files and document procedural outcomes in a hospital setting.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Radiopharmaceutical administration — independently administer prescribed intravenous radiopharmaceuticals to patients in routine diagnostic and therapeutic procedures within a clinical nuclear medicine department.
  2. Body distribution mapping — operate gamma cameras to detect and map radiopharmaceutical uptake throughout patient anatomy, producing accurate photographic and computer images with minimal oversight.
  3. Cardiac function studies — process and analyze multi-gated acquisition and stress test data using cardiac imaging software, flagging anomalies for physician review.
  4. Dosage calculation and documentation — accurately calculate, measure, and log radiation dosages received, administered, and disposed of in compliance with NRC and institutional regulations.
  5. Image quality assurance — evaluate computer-generated and film images for technical adequacy before submission to the interpreting physician, correcting positioning or acquisition errors as needed.
  6. Radiopharmaceutical preparation — prepare a variety of stock radiopharmaceuticals according to manufacturer and pharmacy protocols, maintaining contamination-control standards in a hot laboratory.
  7. Patient education and support — adapt explanations of test procedures and safety precautions to patients with varying health literacy levels, providing calm physical assistance during scanning.
  8. Procedure result processing — compile, format, and transmit finalized study results through PACS and electronic health record systems in a timely and accurate manner.
  9. Radiation monitoring — routinely monitor area and personnel dosimetry readings, reporting abnormal levels to radiation safety officers and adjusting work practices accordingly.
  10. Interdisciplinary coordination — communicate scan findings, patient status, and scheduling issues clearly with physicians, nurses, and administrative staff to maintain smooth departmental workflow.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Advanced radiopharmaceutical therapy — autonomously administer therapeutic doses of radiopharmaceuticals for complex disease treatment protocols, managing adverse reactions and adjusting technique based on patient response.
  2. Complex image acquisition and interpretation — operate and optimize gamma camera, SPECT, and SPECT/CT systems for non-routine diagnostic cases, producing high-quality images that guide differential diagnosis.
  3. Comprehensive cardiac imaging — independently process, quantify, and present cardiac function studies including ejection fraction analysis and wall-motion assessments using advanced cardiology software.
  4. Regulatory dosimetry compliance — design and oversee dosage calculation workflows that ensure full compliance with NRC, Agreement State, and institutional radiation protection regulations across all isotopes used.
  5. Quality control program execution — perform and interpret daily, weekly, and quarterly quality control tests on all nuclear medicine instrumentation, identifying drift and initiating corrective maintenance.
  6. Radiopharmaceutical production oversight — manage the preparation, labeling, and release of a full formulary of radiopharmaceuticals, resolving formulation problems and ensuring sterility and potency standards.
  7. Patient-centered care — recognize and respond to physical and psychological distress in patients with complex comorbidities during scanning procedures, adapting protocols to accommodate individual needs.
  8. Cross-modal imaging integration — correlate nuclear medicine findings with CT, MRI, and PET datasets to provide contextually complete image packages for physician interpretation.
  9. Critical incident judgment — apply independent clinical and technical judgment to resolve equipment failures, unexpected patient reactions, or radiopharmaceutical quality issues during active procedures.
  10. Staff training facilitation — mentor new technologists and students through competency-based clinical rotations, providing structured feedback on technique, safety practices, and documentation.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Departmental strategy and standards — establish clinical protocols, quality benchmarks, and regulatory compliance frameworks for an entire nuclear medicine department aligned with Joint Commission and NRC requirements.
  2. Workforce development leadership — design and implement structured competency assessment programs that advance technologist skills from entry level through senior practice across a multi-site health system.
  3. Technology acquisition and implementation — lead evaluation, procurement, and installation of new nuclear medicine imaging systems and software platforms, coordinating vendor relations and staff readiness.
  4. Radiation safety program direction — serve as authorized user or radiation safety officer designee, directing institution-wide radiation protection policies and chairing safety committee reviews.
  5. Research and innovation — lead clinical research initiatives evaluating novel radiopharmaceuticals or imaging protocols, analyzing outcomes data and disseminating findings through peer-reviewed channels.
  6. Interdisciplinary program integration — partner with oncology, cardiology, and radiology leadership to develop integrated diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine service lines that improve patient outcomes.
  7. Operational performance management — analyze departmental productivity metrics, throughput data, and patient satisfaction scores using reporting software, implementing evidence-based process improvements.
  8. Budget and resource stewardship — oversee departmental capital and operating budgets including radiopharmaceutical procurement, dosimetry equipment, and staffing, optimizing cost-efficiency without compromising quality.
  9. Accreditation and regulatory leadership — guide nuclear medicine programs through ICANL or ACR accreditation cycles, ensuring documentation completeness and corrective action follow-through.
  10. Organizational advocacy and policy influence — represent nuclear medicine technologists at administrative, regulatory, and professional-society levels, shaping practice standards and advocating for patient safety improvements.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. Radiopharmaceutical documentation assistance — uses AI-powered data entry tools to log radiation dosage calculations and disposal records under direct supervisor review, reducing transcription errors in routine recordkeeping tasks Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Image labeling support — applies AI-assisted annotation overlays on nuclear scan outputs to identify preliminary regions of interest, confirming every marking against established protocol before submission WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Cardiac study processing delegation — hands off standardized cardiac function datasets to AI processing tools that generate preliminary functional metrics, then validates outputs against physician-specified parameters before finalizing the report Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Dosimetry cross-check workflow — directs an AI calculation assistant to compute patient radiation dosage from input measurements, then independently verifies the result using manual calculation methods and physician prescription guidelines Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  3. Scan result documentation — leverages AI-assisted transcription to draft procedural records from structured scan data, editing and approving the output before it enters the patient record Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Radiopharmaceutical mapping interpretation — integrates AI-generated photographic and computer image overlays into clinical review, applying critical thinking to identify discrepancies between AI output and observed patient scan patterns Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Protocol deviation detection — monitors AI-flagged anomalies in imaging sequences during live acquisition, intervening when algorithmic outputs conflict with expected radioisotope distribution for the administered compound WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Multi-study throughput optimization — coordinates AI scheduling and pre-processing tools across concurrent patient imaging sessions, maintaining technologist oversight of radiation safety compliance throughout Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  4. Physician communication synthesis — uses AI-drafted summary reports of nuclear medicine findings as a starting point, critically revising clinical language and accuracy before handing the document to the directing physician Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. Quality assurance program leadership — designs AI-assisted quality control workflows for camera calibration and dosimetry logging, evaluating algorithmic accuracy thresholds and establishing human review checkpoints for edge cases Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. AI autonomy governance — assesses the appropriate scope of AI task autonomy across imaging, dosage calculation, and result processing functions, setting departmental policy on which outputs require mandatory technologist sign-off versus automated release Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Cross-modal data orchestration — directs AI agents to correlate nuclear medicine imaging outputs with electronic health record data for complex multi-modality cases, retaining clinical judgment on diagnostic utility and escalation decisions Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 616
Augment share: 61.6%
Time saved: 88.6%
AI autonomy: 2.89
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Critical Thinking
Score: 57.9 / 100
precision: category_estimate
WEF cluster
Human-Technology Interaction
human_technology_interaction
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication12 statements
Emerging
  1. Patient procedure explanation — describes basic nuclear medicine scan steps and radiation safety precautions to patients using plain language before imaging begins Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Radiopharmaceutical documentation — records dosage calculations and administration details in patient records under supervisor review O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Verbal handoff — relays basic patient status and scan progress to supervising technologists during shift transitions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Informed consent communication — explains radiopharmaceutical administration procedures, expected sensations, and safety protocols to patients with varying health literacy levels Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Physician liaison — communicates preliminary imaging findings and patient tolerance issues to nuclear medicine physicians using appropriate clinical terminology O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Written reporting — composes accurate procedural notes and scan parameters in electronic health records that support physician image interpretation O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Patient anxiety management communication — addresses patient concerns about radiation exposure and scan duration through calm, evidence-based explanation during imaging procedures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Interdisciplinary case communication — presents nuclear medicine scan results and radiopharmaceutical dosimetry data clearly in multidisciplinary team settings involving oncologists, cardiologists, and radiologists O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Procedure-specific instruction delivery — tailors pre-scan preparation instructions for stress tests, PET scans, and thyroid studies to individual patient comprehension levels Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Complex case briefing — synthesizes cardiac function study results and radiopharmaceutical uptake patterns into concise, clinically actionable summaries for physician review O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Staff communication coaching — models and mentors junior technologists on patient-facing communication strategies that reduce procedure anxiety and improve scan compliance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Protocol documentation authorship — drafts and refines departmental imaging procedure guides and patient education materials that meet regulatory and clinical standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
2Leadership10 statements
Emerging
  1. Task ownership — completes assigned radiopharmaceutical preparation and patient positioning tasks independently within defined protocols Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Safety initiative — proactively reports radiation exposure readings that approach threshold limits to supervising staff without prompting Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Workflow coordination — organizes daily patient scan schedules to optimize radiopharmaceutical isotope utilization and minimize patient wait times O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Peer guidance — assists newer technologists in correct camera calibration and quality control procedures during routine imaging shifts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Procedural leadership — leads multi-step cardiac stress imaging sessions, directing patient preparation, radiopharmaceutical injection timing, and camera acquisition sequences O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Radiation safety stewardship — enforces department-wide ALARA principles and corrects unsafe practices among colleagues and ancillary staff during daily operations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Equipment issue escalation — identifies malfunctioning gamma camera components and coordinates with biomedical engineering and management to resolve issues with minimal scan disruption O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Department quality leadership — leads continuous quality improvement initiatives for nuclear medicine protocols, benchmarking outcomes against national imaging standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Regulatory preparedness leadership — prepares team for NRC and state radiation safety inspections, ensuring documentation, training records, and safety logs meet compliance requirements O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Mentorship program development — designs structured onboarding pathways for new nuclear medicine technologists that accelerate competency in radiopharmaceutical handling and imaging protocols Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition9 statements
Emerging
  1. Skill gap recognition — identifies personal knowledge deficits in radiopharmaceutical physics or imaging protocols and seeks clarification from supervisors before independent practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Procedure reflection — reviews own scan acquisition steps after each study to identify deviations from established imaging protocols Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Dosimetry self-monitoring — evaluates own radiation calculation accuracy against physician prescriptions and adjusts computational approach when discrepancies arise Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning strategy adaptation — shifts study approach when preparing for new imaging modalities such as PET/CT or SPECT, recognizing which prior knowledge transfers and which requires new learning Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Cognitive load management — applies structured mental checklists during complex multi-isotope procedures to prevent calculation errors under time pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Error pattern analysis — reviews personal procedural incidents and near-misses to identify recurring cognitive shortcuts that compromise image quality or patient safety Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Protocol internalization assessment — regularly evaluates own mastery of updated imaging guidelines and radiation safety regulations to target continuing education efforts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Metacognitive modeling — explicitly teaches self-monitoring strategies for radiopharmaceutical preparation and dosimetry verification to trainees, reducing systematic errors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Reflective practice leadership — facilitates post-procedure debriefs that help the imaging team examine collective reasoning during atypical or high-acuity scans Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking11 statements
Emerging
  1. Image quality assessment — identifies obvious artifacts or patient motion in nuclear medicine images and flags them for technologist or physician review before final submission O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Safety flag recognition — applies established radiation exposure limits to determine when dosimetry readings require immediate escalation O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Radiopharmaceutical selection reasoning — evaluates patient clinical history and physician orders to confirm correct isotope and activity level are prepared for the indicated procedure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Image acquisition troubleshooting — analyzes poor-quality scan data to determine whether the cause is equipment malfunction, patient movement, or suboptimal radiopharmaceutical uptake O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Contraindication identification — reviews patient medication lists and clinical notes to flag potential conflicts with radiopharmaceutical administration before proceeding O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Cardiac function study interpretation support — processes gated SPECT data and evaluates ejection fraction calculations for computational anomalies before physician review O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Dosimetry discrepancy resolution — investigates mismatches between prescribed and measured radiopharmaceutical activity using decay calculations and calibration records to determine root cause Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Protocol deviation judgment — evaluates whether atypical patient conditions warrant deviation from standard imaging protocols and documents clinical rationale clearly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Complex diagnostic reasoning — synthesizes multi-modality imaging findings, patient symptoms, and radiopharmaceutical pharmacokinetics to identify scan anomalies that warrant physician re-evaluation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Protocol evidence evaluation — critically appraises emerging nuclear medicine literature and SNMMI guidelines to recommend evidence-based updates to departmental imaging protocols Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. System-level quality analysis — analyzes trends in imaging quality control data across equipment and staff to identify systemic factors degrading diagnostic image standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration9 statements
Emerging
  1. Team task participation — assists senior technologists with patient positioning, equipment setup, and radiopharmaceutical transport during imaging procedures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-role cooperation — coordinates patient scheduling with nursing and reception staff to ensure patients arrive prepared for scan requirements O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Physician collaboration — works with nuclear medicine physicians to clarify imaging orders and confirm scan acquisition parameters match clinical diagnostic needs O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Pharmacy coordination — collaborates with radiopharmacy staff to confirm radiopharmaceutical delivery timing aligns with patient appointment schedules and isotope half-lives O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Multidisciplinary team integration — contributes nuclear medicine scan findings and dosimetry data to tumor board and cardiology team discussions in support of treatment planning O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Emergency response collaboration — coordinates with nursing, radiation safety officers, and emergency staff during radiopharmaceutical spillage or adverse patient reactions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Peer quality review — participates in peer review of image acquisitions and processing outputs, providing and receiving constructive technical feedback Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Interdepartmental protocol development — partners with radiology, oncology, and pharmacy departments to develop integrated imaging workflows that improve patient throughput and diagnostic quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Research collaboration — contributes nuclear medicine technical expertise to clinical research teams designing radiopharmaceutical imaging studies or treatment protocols Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character9 statements
Emerging
  1. Radiation safety compliance — adheres to all prescribed shielding, handling, and disposal procedures for radioactive materials without exception during initial supervised practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Patient confidentiality — maintains strict HIPAA compliance when handling patient imaging records and radiopharmaceutical administration logs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Accountability in dosimetry — acknowledges and immediately reports radiopharmaceutical preparation errors to supervising physicians rather than concealing deviations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional punctuality — ensures radiopharmaceutical preparation is completed on schedule, recognizing that isotope decay makes tardiness a patient safety issue Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Ethical patient advocacy — refuses to proceed with imaging when patient consent is unclear or clinical contraindications are present, escalating concerns to the physician despite scheduling pressures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Regulatory integrity — maintains accurate and unaltered radiation exposure records and waste disposal logs in full compliance with NRC requirements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Consistent professionalism — delivers standardized, respectful patient care regardless of scan complexity, patient demeanor, or workload volume Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ethical culture modeling — demonstrates and explicitly reinforces a department culture where radiation safety violations and documentation inaccuracies are reported without fear of reprisal Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional standard advocacy — participates in professional organizations such as SNMTS to uphold and advance ethical standards across the nuclear medicine technologist profession Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
7Creativity9 statements
Emerging
  1. Patient positioning adaptation — proposes minor patient positioning adjustments to improve radiopharmaceutical uptake visualization when standard positioning produces suboptimal images Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Problem-solving in equipment setup — improvises minor equipment configuration solutions when standard accessories are unavailable, within safety parameters Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Image processing optimization — experiments with gamma camera acquisition parameters and processing filters to enhance image quality for diagnostically challenging cases O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Patient preparation innovation — develops patient-specific preparation strategies for anxious or mobility-limited patients that maintain scan protocol integrity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Workflow redesign — redesigns daily radiopharmaceutical preparation and patient flow sequences to reduce isotope waste and improve scan throughput without compromising safety Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Educational material creation — develops visual aids and patient-friendly explanation tools that improve understanding of nuclear medicine procedures across diverse patient populations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Diagnostic problem-solving — generates alternative imaging acquisition strategies when standard protocols produce ambiguous results in complex oncology or cardiac cases Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Protocol innovation — designs novel imaging acquisition sequences or radiopharmaceutical timing strategies that improve diagnostic yield for atypical clinical presentations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Quality improvement ideation — leads creative problem-solving sessions that generate testable solutions to persistent departmental challenges in image quality, throughput, or radiation safety Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset9 statements
Emerging
  1. Feedback receptivity — accepts and applies supervisor corrections to radiopharmaceutical preparation technique and imaging protocol adherence without defensiveness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. New modality willingness — approaches training on unfamiliar imaging systems such as PET/CT or SPECT/CT with openness rather than avoidance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Continuing education engagement — pursues NMTCB or ARRT continuing education requirements proactively, selecting courses that address personal skill gaps in physics, dosimetry, or new radiopharmaceuticals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Error-based learning — treats radiopharmaceutical calculation errors or image quality failures as diagnostic information about process weaknesses rather than personal failures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Technology adaptation — rapidly acquires proficiency with upgraded gamma camera software, cardiac processing platforms, and dose calibrators as departmental technology evolves Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Regulatory change integration — updates personal practice quickly when NRC or state radiation safety regulations change, viewing compliance updates as professional development Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Challenging case persistence — sustains methodical effort through technically difficult scans involving uncooperative patients or degraded equipment rather than defaulting to suboptimal results Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Professional learning leadership — establishes a team learning culture by sharing journal articles, conference insights, and new radiopharmaceutical research with colleagues to elevate collective expertise Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Credential advancement modeling — pursues advanced certifications in nuclear cardiology or PET and openly shares the learning process to encourage peer professional development Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness9 statements
Emerging
  1. Radiation exposure awareness — maintains moment-to-moment attention to personal dosimeter readings and shielding use during all radiopharmaceutical handling activities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Patient observation attentiveness — notices changes in patient comfort, breathing, or movement during scan acquisition and responds before image quality is compromised Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Procedural focus maintenance — sustains full attention during lengthy cardiac or whole-body imaging sessions, avoiding lapses that cause missed acquisition frames or positioning errors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotional regulation in patient care — manages personal stress responses when patients express fear of radiation or refuse procedures, maintaining a calm and reassuring demeanor Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Intentional dosimetry verification — applies deliberate, step-by-step attention to each radiopharmaceutical calculation and measurement, avoiding automation bias in routine procedures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. High-stakes presence — maintains full procedural awareness during intravenous radiopharmaceutical administration, monitoring patient response while simultaneously managing injection technique Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Workload stress regulation — recognizes and mitigates effects of high patient volume or equipment failures on personal decision-making quality during busy imaging shifts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Team mindfulness modeling — coaches colleagues to apply structured attentional practices during critical procedural steps such as dose calibration and camera quality control Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Systemic attention design — designs departmental workflows and checklists that embed mindful verification points at high-risk steps in radiopharmaceutical preparation and administration Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude9 statements
Emerging
  1. Radiation work acceptance — maintains consistent performance in environments with occupational radiation exposure, applying safety protocols without avoidance behavior Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Difficult patient resilience — continues professional patient care efforts when patients are uncooperative, distressed, or physically challenged during imaging procedures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Equipment failure persistence — troubleshoots malfunctioning gamma cameras or dose calibrators methodically and without panic, maintaining patient care continuity during technical failures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Regulatory pressure endurance — sustains meticulous documentation and compliance practices under high patient volume and time constraints without shortcuts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Emergency response composure — manages radiopharmaceutical spill response, patient adverse reactions, or equipment emergencies with procedural discipline and emotional steadiness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Sustained precision under fatigue — maintains dosimetry calculation accuracy and image acquisition quality across long shifts including on-call and emergency imaging coverage Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Ambiguity tolerance — proceeds effectively with imaging when clinical orders are incomplete or patient history is unclear, gathering needed information while keeping the patient process moving Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Crisis leadership fortitude — guides the imaging team through department-wide equipment failures, radioactive spills, or regulatory investigations with calm authority and structured problem-solving Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Long-term standard maintenance — sustains high-quality radiopharmaceutical preparation and imaging practices across career years, resisting normalization of deviation despite institutional pressures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT) · Isotope Technician · Isotope Technologist · Medical Radiation Dosimetrist · Nuclear Cardiology Technologist · Nuclear Medical Technologist · Nuclear Medicine PET-CT Technologist (Nuclear Medicine Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomography Technologist) · Nuclear Medicine Technician · Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NMT) · Nuclear Technologist · PET Technologist (Positron Emission Tomography Technologist) · Radiation Safety Officer
RAPIDS apprenticeships
—
O*NET skills
Critical ThinkingActive ListeningSpeakingReading ComprehensionWritingMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessJudgment and Decision MakingCoordinationService OrientationScienceMathematicsActive LearningComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlTime Management
Knowledge domains
Customer and Personal ServiceBiologyEnglish LanguagePhysicsMedicine and DentistryChemistryComputers and ElectronicsMathematicsPublic Safety and SecurityAdministrativeEducation and TrainingPsychology
Abilities
Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionProblem SensitivityNear VisionInformation OrderingWritten ComprehensionSpeech RecognitionDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningSpeech Clarity
Work styles
Attention to DetailCautiousnessDependabilityCooperationIntegritySelf-Control
Technology
Medical softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail softwarePresentation softwareWord processing software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Administer radiopharmaceuticals or radiation intravenously to detect or treat diseases, using radioisotope equipment, under direction of a physician.
  2. Detect and map radiopharmaceuticals in patients' bodies, using a camera to produce photographic or computer images.
  3. Process cardiac function studies, using computer.
  4. Calculate, measure, and record radiation dosage or radiopharmaceuticals received, used, and disposed, using computer and following physician's prescription.
  5. Record and process results of procedures.
  6. Produce a computer-generated or film image for interpretation by a physician.
  7. Prepare stock radiopharmaceuticals, adhering to safety standards that minimize radiation exposure to workers and patients.
  8. Explain test procedures and safety precautions to patients and provide them with assistance during test procedures.
CIP education codes
51.0905

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.