Jan. 10, 2005, Findlay, Ohio – The University of Findlay’s Nuclear Medicine Institute (NMI) added 26 nuclear medicine technologists to its list of more than 1,000 alumni on Friday, Jan. 7 when they completed their coursework. While the word “nuclear” may be of concern to some individuals, nuclear medicine technology is among the safest diagnostic imaging examinations available.

Nuclear medicine technology is a paramedical field that investigates the body’s function, rather than structure. This is achieved by injecting, ingesting or inhaling a compound tagged with a small amount of radioactive material for diagnosis or treatment, explains Rick States, NMI program director.

According to States, interest in the program has soared over the last several years, with more than 120 applications for NMI’s 50 available slots in the January 2005 entering class. States credits the increase to the program’s strong national reputation and a surge in demand for qualified nuclear medicine technologists.

“The quality of a Findlay NMI graduate is known nationwide in the medical community. Many of our students come to us from all over the country because of our reputation for producing highly skilled, knowledgeable and concerned technologists,” explained States. “In addition, more people are becoming aware of the nationwide shortage of nuclear medicine technologists. There is approximately a 13-17 percent shortage in the field, which means recent graduates are being highly sought after.”

According to States, the program has a high passage rate on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification test and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB). Graduates of NMI achieved a 100 percent passage rate on the ARRT exam in 2003 and 94 percent passage rate on the NMTCB in 2004.

“We also have one of the largest and longest-standing programs in the country. NMI was originally established in 1966 as a hospital based program, and moved to The University of Findlay in 1984,” States said.

Enrollment in the successful program has also soared over the last several years. In 2001, twenty five students were enrolled. Today, the program is approaching capacity with 89 students, 41 taking classes and 48 taking part in clinical rotations.

For more information on The University of Findlay’s Nuclear Medicine Institute, contact NMI at 419-434-4708.