Nuclear Medicine Science Admissions

Admission Requirements

Students who plan a program of study leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Medicine Science must first be accepted for admission to the University. Applicants then apply to the Nuclear Medicine Science program and must be accepted prior to the semester when the first nuclear medicine courses will be taken. Applications must be received in the nuclear medicine department by February 1 for fall admission.

Applicants work with an assigned advisor to complete the application process and are required to submit:

  1. A completed application form.
  2. Official transcripts from all colleges attended should be received by the Registrar's office and the Nuclear Medicine Science department.

Admission to the Nuclear Medicine Science program may be limited based on the availability of faculty and clinical practice sites. The student’s overall academic record is considered for admission, including the following criteria:

  • Completion of all prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C
  • A minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA in all course work to date. More favorable consideration will be given to applicants with a higher GPA.
  • Overall achievement in science courses
  • Completion of required immunizations (see below)
  • Criminal background screen (see below)
  • Current Healthcare Provider CPR and First Aid certification

Fulfillment of minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. The decision for admission and placement in the program will be considered on an individual basis.

Health Requirements/Immunizations

In compliance with the Health Care Provider terms of TAC 97.64, applicants to the Nuclear Medicine Science program are required to provide proof of a completed health history questionnaire and the following immunizations prior to admission to classes:

  • Hepatitis B (#1, #2, #3) - NOTE: Completion of this series of immunizations takes 5-7 months to complete + titer blood test showing evidence of immunity
  • MMR (#1, #2)
  • Varicella (#1, #2) + Varicella titer test showing evidence of immunity
  • Tetanus / Diphtheria
  • TB skin test or chest X-ray
  • COVID 19 immunization + boosters

Additionally, influenza vaccine and a TB skin test are required annually while in the nuclear medicine program. If, for any reason, the student is unable to receive any immunizations, a physician’s statement will be required.

Additional health documentation may be required by some clinical agencies. Students must show proof of current health insurance. Students are responsible for reviewing and updating individual health records as they progress in the program. Students must complete the American Heart Association Health Care Provider course in CPR and the American Red Cross First Aid course and renew as needed.

Other Requirements

Insurance Requirements

When admitted to a clinical nuclear medicine course, the student is required to be covered by liability insurance. The liability insurance fee is included in the course fee. Students must also show proof of current health insurance. The University offers limited health insurance coverage.

Criminal Background Screening

Criminal background screening is completed on all students accepted into the Nuclear Medicine Science program. The school will designate a company to do the background screening and will not accept results from any company other than the one designated by the school. Students pay expenses related to all screening. A student with a significant criminal background or a current conviction may not be allowed to register for nuclear medicine courses until a “Preapplication Review of Eligibility” is filed with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and/or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB). The review of eligibility process may take approximately six months and is filed at the student’s expense and is entirely the responsibility of the student to provide required documentation of all criminal proceedings, charges and convictions. If approved, the ARRT and/or NMTCB will issue a declaratory order stating the individual is eligible for initial licensure or license renewal or determine that the individual is eligible to return to practice.

Drug Screening

Drug screening may be required by some clinical agencies. The school will designate a company to do the drug screen and will not accept results from any company other than the one designated by the school. The student will pay the cost of the screening at the time of the testing.

A student who has a positive drug screen will not be allowed to participate in clinical courses. The student will be required to complete, at the student’s expense, chemical dependency evaluation and treatment, if recommended by a drug assessment. Any student with a positive drug screen will be suspended for a minimum of one calendar year and will be required to provide documentation of successful treatment prior to being readmitted to clinical courses. If readmitted, the student must be retested by the school approved laboratory and have a negative drug screen. This testing is at the student’s expense.

Promotion, Retention, and Graduation

Students must maintain satisfactory standards to progress in the nuclear medicine program and must be recommended by nuclear medicine faculty for promotion and eligibility to graduate. Requirements are as follows:

  • A minimum grade of C is required in all nuclear medicine courses. In general, satisfactory completion of courses in one semester is required prior to enrolling in subsequent semesters. Nuclear medicine courses are taken in sequence according to the recommended curriculum pattern.
  • Failure to make a minimum grade of C in any required nuclear medicine course will prevent the student from progressing in the program. Students who fail one or more courses in the program must submit application to the nuclear medicine program for retention in the program by a date established each semester. The student's overall academic achievement will be considered in a decision to be retained or to be placed on forced withdrawal from the nuclear medicine program.
  • Students who withdraw from one or more nuclear medicine courses for any reason must obtain approval from the nuclear medicine program should the student wish to resume studies. In many instances, the student will be required to reapply to the program. The student must reapply by the date established each semester. The student's academic progress, as well as other circumstances associated with withdrawal, will be considered in a decision to readmit. Students who have been absent from the University for a semester (fall or spring) or more must first apply for readmission to the University.

Note: (Candidates may be required to submit letters of recommendation or to attend an interview.)