Nuclear Medicine Physicians
On the Job
Nuclear Medicine Physicians diagnose and treat patients by injecting radioactive substances into the body. These substances can sometimes identify medical problems earlier than standard diagnostic tests (such as x-rays) can. Nuclear Medicine Physicians may prescribe substances called radionuclides to patients. They approve dosages and review test findings. They may also decide on a treatment plan.
Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:
- Communicate detailed medical information to patients or family members.
- Determine protocols for medical procedures.
- Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals.
- Prepare reports summarizing patient diagnostic or care activities.
- Analyze laboratory specimens to detect abnormalities or other problems.
- Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment.
- Calculate numerical data for medical activities.
- Check quality of diagnostic images.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
- Verify accuracy of patient information.
Typical Working Conditions
- Having face-to-face discussions.
- Exposure to radiation.
- Working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions.
- Meeting strict deadlines.
- The importance of being accurate or exact.
- Freedom to make decisions without supervision.
- Working with a group or team.
- Responsibility for others' health and safety.
- Sitting.
This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Source: You can learn about our data sources in the About Us section.
