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A specialist known as the nuclear medicine technician applies properties of radioactive molecules and atoms in the diagnosis as well as treatment of diseases, and in research. Imaging instrument systems along with radiation detection are used in order to detect illnesses as it changes the metabolism and function of organs, tissues, and normal cells. A variety of illnesses may be found with this type of method, usually before the structure of the organ involved by the disease may be discovered to be abnormal by other technique methods. Early detection of coronary artery disease as well as acute heart attack; diagnosis of infection and inflammation anywhere in the body; early cancer detection, and evaluation of the effect of tumor treatment; and early detection of blood clots in the lungs, as all possible with nuclear medicine techniques. Unique forms of radioactive molecules may attack and kill cancer cells (thyroid cancer, lymphoma) or may help provide relief for severe cancer pain that has spread to the bone. The nuclear medicine technician possesses unique knowledge in biologic effects of exposure to radiation, physical sciences fundamentals, and operation and principles of radiation detection as well as imaging instrumentation systems. A nuclear medicine technician requires three years of training. The average salary for this position according to salary.com in the United States is $56,115.
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