Skip to main content.

Eligibility and Requirements

You'll need to meet the following requirements for admission to the nuclear medicine technology program at KU Medical Center.

To be eligible for KU's certificate program in nuclear medicine technology, applicants must have an associate degree with current registry/licensure, or have a bachelor's degree, preferably in a health care or science field.

Two options for being eligible for this program:

  1. You have an associate degree (or higher) in a health care field with current registry* or licensure and also currently registered as one of the following:
    Registered Radiology Technologist (ARRT)
    Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (ARDMS)
    Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (ARDMS)
    Certified Medical Technologist
    Registered Nurse

  2. You have a bachelor's degree in a health care-related or science-based field of study.

* If you're a registry candidate at time of application, you will be required to pass the registry before entrance into the program.

Credentials or transcripts not from an accredited U.S. academic institution will require evaluation by the KU Office of International Student Services before they will be accepted for eligibility.

Please direct any questions to the program director at dxsciences@kumc.edu.


Prerequisite Courses

Completion of the following college courses is required for admission. Courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher prior to the program start date. You may also want to check out our frequently asked questions.

  • College algebra
  • College English
  • Chemistry with lab
  • General physics
  • Medical terminology
  • Humanities course
  • Social sciences course
  • Human anatomy with lab
  • Human physiology with lab
  • Oral communications

June 2023 update: computer science is no longer a prerequisite course for the nuclear medicine technology certificate program.

Note: If you're from an accredited x-ray program, contact the program director at dxsciences@kumc.edu regarding prerequisite completion.


Grade Point Average

An overall GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) is required. Student transcripts must document an individual course grade of no less than "C" on each prerequisite course (above).


Experience

Our admission process is competitive. The following experiences are not required for admission but strengthen an application:

  • Job shadowing a nuclear medicine and/or PET/CT department.
  • Health care experience, such as x-ray student, nursing assistant, patient care tech and other health care-related experiences.

Health and Physical Requirements

Good physical and mental health and excellent visual acuity is essential to the field of nuclear medicine. Students must possess manual dexterity, sufficient hearing and speech ability, good physical coordination in positioning patients and operating equipment. Full utility of both arms, hands and fingers to perform examinations and operate equipment and the ability to handle extremely heavy objects is also necessary.

Physical or other disabilities are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the program and by the Equal Employment Opportunity Office at KU Medical Center. Review the program's technical standards for details.


Vaccine and Clinical Site Requirements

Matriculated students will need to provide an immunization profile prior to participating in curricular and/or clinical experiences required by the program. Please read the information found at the bottom of the program's curriculum page and be sure that you understand these requirements.


Background Check and Drug Screen

The Joint Commission requires all incoming students to submit to a background check and provide the report to KU. This one-time fee must be paid by the student directly to the company performing the background investigation. Applicants will be asked to request the report and make payment only after official acceptance into the program.

For more information, please see the School of Health Professions background check and drug screen instructions. Drug screening is required for activities in a clinical environment. Depending on geographic location, more than one drug test may be needed.


Computer Requirements

Students in this program are also required to have a computer that meets the minimum software and hardware requirements.


International Students

An applicant is considered an international student if he or she requires a visa, currently resides in the U.S. with non-immigrant status or currently resides in the U.S. while applying for permanent residency. Additional requirements and documentation, such as proof of English language proficiency, are required for international students to become eligible for KU programs. Review the information for international students before applying.

See also: English Language Requirements

Note: KU reserves the right to make changes to any admission requirement or policy at any time without notice.


Admissions requirements and prerequisites are subject to change.

Advising and Questions

Do you want to learn more about KU's certificate program in nuclear medicine technology? photo of Alex LopezWe're here to answer questions and provide assistance as you explore the field of respiratory care! It is very important to contact us for advising as early as possible in your college career.

High school students, counselors and those in their early years of college study may contact Alex Lopez, our school's outreach and recruitment specialist, with questions at alopez12@kumc.edu or 913-588-1743 (711 TTY).

photo of Jamie NobleIf you've completed college coursework and considering applying to KU's certificate program in nuclear medicine technology, please contact Jamie Noble (jnoble2@kumc.edu), program director, for academic advising or answers to any of your questions.

KU School of Health Professions

University of Kansas Medical Center
Respiratory Care and Diagnostic Science
3901 Rainbow Boulevard
Mailstop 1013
Kansas City, KS 66160
913-588-4630 • 711 TTY