Health Professions
NMT courses
The Nuclear Medicine Technology (NMT) program can be completed with three years of classes at UWL and a one full year internship at an affiliated hospital. A sample schedule for the three years at UW-La Crosse is given below. Please keep in mind that there is a great deal of flexibility in how these courses could be completed.
The sample schedule should be viewed as a rough guide, rather than a strict road map. Since classes sometimes fill quickly, students should approach registration for each coming semester with several alternative schedules in mind. Students should also remember that some of the classes listed below are only offered during a specific semester (they are highlighted in maroon), and most have prerequisites. Note also that SOC 420 and SOC 422 are offered at irregular intervals. Some of listed classes have alternatives that may also fulfill the degree requirements. Students are strongly encouraged to check with their adviser to make sure they are taking appropriate courses.
Since it is a rather full schedule, some students prefer to take an extra semester or two to complete all of the work. Often this is because the student changed their major to NMT after completing some work under another major. Sometimes it is because the student wishes to obtain a minor degree in another area of interest. The most common minors are Chemistry and Business Administration.
A few students arrive at UWL with college credits and/or take a few courses during the summer and/or J-term. These students may be able to finish in less than four years. Students transferring from UW or WTCS campuses can use the Transfer Wisconsin to see how their classes will transfer to UWL.
NMT 201 Cr.1
Introduction to Nuclear Medicine Technology
Orientation to the application and professional aspects of nuclear medicine technology; including radiation safety and protection, radiopharmaceuticals, instrumentation, types of imaging and therapeutic procedures performed, computer applications, related allied health professions, and healthcare ethics. Offered Fall.
NMT 314 Cr.2
Cross-Sectional Anatomy
This course provides an overview of diagnostic imaging terminology, cross-sectional anatomy, and the fundamental principles of major imaging modalities. Students develop skills in identifying anatomical structures in sagittal, coronal, and axial planes, localizing internal anatomy using topographic landmarks, and distinguishing normal from abnormal findings on sectional images. Prerequisite: BIO 313 with a grade of "C" or better. Students with credit in RT 421 cannot earn credit in NMT 314. Offered Fall.
NMT 317 Cr.3
Nuclear Physics and Instrumentation
This course examines the principles of nuclear physics as applied to nuclear medicine, including radiation units, decay processes, atomic structure, radionuclide production, and radiation interactions with matter. Focus is placed on radiation detection instrumentation, measurement principles, and their influence on image quality and radiation safety. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT program. Offered Fall.
NMT 329 Cr.1
Medical Radiobiology and Dosimetry
This course examines the biological effects of ionizing radiation and the principles of internal and external radiation dosimetry in medical imaging and therapy. Students explore cellular and molecular radiation interactions, mechanisms of DNA damage and repair, radiosensitivity, acute and late tissue responses, and radiation risk models. Emphasis is placed on absorbed dose calculations, medical internal radiation dose methodology, external dose assessment, and risk-to-benefit analysis in diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT program. Offered Spring.
NMT 344 Cr.2
Medical Ethics and Health Administration
This course will focus on medical ethics, diversity, inclusive excellence, as they pertain to the profession of imaging sciences. We will also have a full review of the health information systems that support the technologist in their role in taking care of patients. Prerequisite: admitted into one of the NMT or RS programs. Offered Spring.
NMT 360 Cr.2
Computed Tomography
This course covers the principles and applications of Computed Tomography (CT). Topics include instrumentation, quality assurance, data acquisition, post-processing, patient assessment, contrast media, procedures, and radiation dose modifications. Prerequisite: NMT 314; admission to the NMT Program. Offered Spring.
NMT 388 Cr.1
Professionalism in Nuclear Medicine
This course develops professionalism and clinical readiness in nuclear medicine technology. Emphasis is placed on ethical responsibility, effective communication, teamwork, conflict management, professional use of technology, and strategies that promote resilience and long-term success in clinical practice. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT program. Offered Spring.
NMT 391 Cr.1
Theranostics
This course is an introduction to the combination of using one radioactive drug for diagnostic purposes and a second radioactive drug for therapeutic purposes, also known as theranostics. Topics include theranostic procedures, theranostic department organization, and how theranostics delivers targeted radiation by also reducing the risk of harming nearby healthy cells. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program. Offered Spring.
NMT 398 Cr.2
Research Writing in Nuclear Medicine Technology
This course focuses on the critical evaluation of nuclear medicine literature and the development of professional scholarly writing skills. Students assess evidence, conduct structured literature searches, apply research ethics principles, and compose abstracts, literature reviews, and research proposals. Emphasis is placed on scientific communication and preparation for scholarly contribution in nuclear medicine. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program. Offered Spring.
NMT 401 Cr.1-3
Management and Methods of Patient Care
This course prepares students for safe and professional clinical practice in nuclear medicine. Focus areas include patient communication and assessment, safety and infection control, medication administration, phlebotomy techniques, and the application of appropriate use criteria to ensure evidence-based patient care. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Annually.
NMT 403 Cr.2-6
Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology
This course examines the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of human organ systems as they relate to diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine. Emphasis is placed on clinical indications, standard procedures, protocol application, image quality evaluation, and analysis of quantitative and qualitative imaging data. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Annually.
NMT 404 Cr.1-3
Management and Methods of Patient Care II
Skills in problem-solving, critical thinking and clinical decision making are developed, as well as oral and written clinical communication skills. Administrative duties including budgeting, medical and legal considerations, and political issues affecting patient care are discussed. Focus on basic measures necessary to provide quality patient care. Basic principles of record keeping and confidentiality of information are explained. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Fall, Spring.
NMT 405 Cr.1-5
Radiation Protection
Properties of alpha, beta, gamma, and x-ray radiations, their effects upon human beings and methods for protecting patients and staff from unnecessary exposure and possible injury. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Annually.
NMT 406 Cr.1-5
Clinical Physics and Instrumentation
This course covers the principles of nuclear radiation physics and imaging instrumentation used in nuclear medicine. Emphasis is placed on radioactive decay, radiation interactions, planar and SPECT imaging systems, quality control procedures, reconstruction methods, and basic statistical analysis related to image quality and system performance. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Annually.
NMT 407 Cr.2-5
Clinical Instrumentation and Techniques
Structure, operating characteristics and practice in use of nuclear radiation detection instruments and radioisotope handling devices used in medical diagnosis and therapy. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Annually.
NMT 412 Cr.3-9
Clinical Nuclear Practicum I
The supervised use of radionuclides in imaging and scanning of patients for diagnostic purposes. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Annually.
NMT 413 Cr.3-9
Clinical Nuclear Practicum II
The supervised use of radionuclides in vitro and in vivo in patients for diagnostic purposes. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Annually.
NMT 416 Cr.1-3
Nuclear Medicine Quality Control Practicum
Elution of Mo/Tc generator, preparation and testing of radiopharmaceutical products. Gamma Camera uniformity, relative sensitivity and spatial linearity and resolution testing. The use of flood field and bar phantoms on in vivo imaging detectors in the nuclear medicine imaging laboratory. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Annually.
NMT 418 Cr.1-4
Clinical Procedures Review I
This course provides classroom instruction in the clinical techniques used in nuclear medicine imaging, with emphasis on planar and SPECT procedures. Students develop foundational competencies in patient care, radiopharmaceutical preparation and administration, and imaging acquisition protocols. Additional focus is placed on computer processing techniques and data analysis essential for accurate image interpretation and diagnostic quality. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Annually.
NMT 419 Cr.1-3
Clinical Radiation Biology
Cellular and organ responses to radiation sources and radionuclides employed in nuclear medicine. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Annually.
NMT 422 Cr.1-4
Clinical Procedures Review II
Classroom technique to establish clinical practices used in nuclear medicine imaging. To develop techniques used in planar and SPECT CT imaging that has been developed in addition to the previous course "Clinical Procedures Review" (NMT 418). The fundamental skills of patient care, radiopharmaceutical preparation and administration will be reviewed. Emphasis is also in computer processing techniques used in coordination with imaging procedures. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Fall, Spring.
NMT 423 Cr.1-5
Radiopharmacy and Pharmacology
The study of radiopharmacology and radiochemistry of isotopes used in clinical nuclear medicine for research, diagnosis, and therapy. This course includes lecture and field work. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Fall, Spring.
NMT 427 Cr.1-5
Clinical Evaluation of Mathematical Data in Nuclear Medicine
This is a study of data collection, reduction and enhancement by computers used in Nuclear Medicine to generate interpretable images and data for physicians to diagnose and treat patients. This course includes lecture and field work. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Fall, Spring.
NMT 429 Cr.1-5
Multimodality Imaging
This course is designed to present a more in depth overview of all imaging modalities that can be done simultaneously with gamma cameras and PET cameras (i.e. PET/CT, SPECT/CT, PET/MRI, etc.). It will be an overview of the cross sectional anatomy, physics and instrumentation that is offered from these modalities. Specific topics will include; physics, instrumentation, scanning and image production. Comparison of cross sectional anatomy, specific to the modality and PET or SPECT imaging will be covered. Emphasis will be placed on patient considerations for each modality, image production and processing, patient and technologist safety, radiation protection and/or procedure protocol. This course includes lecture and field work. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Fall, Spring.
NMT 433 Cr.1
Clinical Analysis and Decision-Making
This course develops clinical analysis and decision-making skills in nuclear medicine through case-based learning and simulated scenarios. Students evaluate patient information, imaging protocols, and data to resolve technical challenges while integrating physics, radiopharmacy, and instrumentation principles. Emphasis is placed on ethical practice, evidence-based troubleshooting, professional communication, and reflective growth. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Annually.
NMT 490 Cr.1-2
Applied Clinical Research
This course provides a supervised experience in designing and conducting clinical research relevant to nuclear medicine practice. Students develop a research question, analyze clinical data, and present their findings in a professional scholarly format. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Annually.
NMT 497 Cr.1-6
Advanced Practice Analysis and Board Preparation
This course provides a comprehensive review of nuclear medicine principles while examining professional practice across clinical settings. Students analyze procedures, evaluate clinical decision-making, and integrate knowledge in physics, radiopharmacy, instrumentation, radiation safety, and patient care. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, comparative practice analysis, and structured board examination preparation. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Annually.
NMT 499 Cr.3
Independent Study
Independent projects under the direction and supervision of a member of the clinical staff. Hours arranged. Prerequisite: admission to the NMT Program; assignment to a clinical internship site. Offered Annually.