Nuclear Medicine Technologist Schools in South Dakota - SD

Although South Dakota has no specific requirements for education or licensing of any sort that applies to nuclear medicine technologists working in the state, it is almost impossible to perform the duties of this position effectively without the proper education. Nuclear medicine technologist schools in South Dakota are commonly found in vocational colleges, community colleges, medical facilities, and universities. Graduates may earn a certificate, which requires a year of schooling; an associate degree, which requires about two years of education; or a bachelor degree, which entails an average of four years of training.

In any nuclear medicine technologist training program, students learn basic medical terminology, how systems in the body and organs function, the use of radioactive materials and equipment in diagnosis and treatment, basic biology and anatomy, and more. Besides classroom experience, most schools will also mandate clinical, practical experience. Here, the student is exposed to real-world working conditions in either a simulated medical setting or a real medical setting. Some schools require as many as 8000 hours of clinical experience before a student is allowed to graduate. Upon graduation, South Dakotans who have trained in nuclear medicine technology can find employment in a wide assortment of medical settings, such as Sanford USD Medical Center, Rapid City Regional Hospital, Avera Saint Luke's Hospital and Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center.