To become a nuclear medicine technologist you will need to enrol and complete an approved course in nuclear medicine by distance learning from one of two Australian universities, while working as a trainee at a nuclear medicine department.

The approved courses are:

• the Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Nuclear Medicine) from the University of Newcastle
• the Master of Medical Radiations in Nuclear Medicine from Monash University. To get into this programme, you first need an undergraduate degree in medical radiation, or a related health science.

Before enrolling in a nuclear medicine course you need to apply for registration as a trainee nuclear medicine technologist through the Medical Radiation Technologists Board.

A tertiary entrance qualification is needed to enter further training and useful subjects include English, maths, science and computer science.

Nuclear medicine technologists gain clinical knowledge and skills on the job.

Nuclear medicine technologists need to be registered with the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board.

To be registered you need a relevant degree, and 3,360 hours of clinical experience in nuclear medicine (equivalent to two years' clinical experience).

Nuclear medicine technologists must complete ongoing training to maintain their registration.

Previous experience working in radiography is important for people beginning work as nuclear medicine technologists. Other useful experience includes:

• voluntary work in hospitals
• laboratory work
• nursing, teaching or other work that involves helping people.