Establishing a radiation safety credential for nuclear medicine technologists

Abstract

Several nuclear medicine technologists (NMTs) have specific responsibilities and considerable experience in radiation safety. In many instances, the technologist's level of knowledge regarding radiation safety goes beyond what is typically expected. The Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board performed a needs assessment for a radiation safety credential for NMTs. The assessment included the delivery and evaluation of 2 surveys, which both indicated that there was interest among NMTs for a specific credential regarding radiation safety. Based on this information, the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board decided to move forward on the development of a content outline and an examination in this regard. The board also developed eligibility criteria for those interested in taking the examination. The first administration of the examination occurred in November 2017. This article describes in detail the needs assessment performed before the decision to develop the credential, as well as the process followed to generate the examination and an analysis of the results of its first administration.