Gurnick Academy Launches Nuclear Medicine Technology Program

SAN MATEO, Calif., Sept. 23, 2021—Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts launched a new nuclear medicine technologist program across California in the Spring of 2022. Utilizing key partnerships established with clinical sites across California, along with online capabilities, the new program “has received an abundance of support from the medical community,” says Farrah Johnson, program founder and director of the premier modality. The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists^® (ARRT)^®* recently awarded accreditation to the program.

“With advancements in molecular imaging, there continues to be a need for highly skilled nuclear medicine and PET/CT technologists in California,” says Johnson. Nuclear medicine combines the principles of physics, chemistry, and math to administer small amounts of radioactive materials or radiopharmaceuticals to examine the human body at the molecular level. “Most people can relate to the field of nuclear medicine and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging if they have a family member or friend diagnosed with cancer,” says Johnson. “These patients typically get a PET scan for staging purposes and then additional scans for assessment of treatment plans.”

“This program complements our portfolio of other allied-health offerings such as nursing, medical assisting, dental assisting, and physical therapy assisting,” says Burke Malin, Gurnick Academy COO. “In particular, we will continue our focus on becoming one of the preeminent medical imaging schools in the United States. We currently work closely with our employer partners to develop other high-quality and innovative allied health programs to support workforce demand in healthcare now and into the future,“ concludes Malin.

The new program came at a fortuitous time, with national job outlooks for the field only expected to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, forecasts for nuclear medicine technologists are predicted to expand at a five percent faster rate than other national averages between 2019–2029. The California job outlook is expected to grow upward of 14.3 percent between 2018–2028.

Additionally, nuclear medicine technologists have a significantly greater ROI than other professionals of similarly-situated programs. Further, the vocation receives high rankings within multiple core employment areas. U.S. News ranked it #27 out of 100 Best Health Care Support Jobs for 2021 with an overall scorecard of 5.3 in job satisfaction, median salaries, growth percentages, occupational stress levels, and work-life balances, using an elusive mix of factors.¹

Many schools cannot teach the modality due to the challenges of the particular course load and the sophisticated equipment required for instruction, say school officials of the 24-month program* requiring no prerequisites. Upon completion, students can enroll in the B.S. in Diagnostic Medical Imaging program and sit for certification. The fully online cohort began on March 28, 2022. 

Think a career in nuclear medicine technology may be for you or someone you know? Consider taking the career training readiness quiz, or get in touch with a knowledgeable Admission Advisor today.~

^*ARRT,^® American Registry of Radiologic Technologists,^® R.T.(MR)(ARRT),^® and R.T.(T)(ARRT)^® are registered trademarks owned by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.^® Gurnick Academy is not licensed by, endorsed by, or affiliated with The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.^®

^✢94 Weeks Approved Instruction

Citations
^{1^a, b, c}  “Nuclear Medicine Technologist Ranks among Best Jobs of 2020.” Money.usnews.com. (Accessed Sept. 21, 2021.)