Nuclear Medicine Technologist Apprentice Review

Working within the nuclear medicine department learning how to scan patients, measure radioisotopes and help run the outpatient appointments on a daily basis.

I've learnt how to scan patients for different procedures such as renograms, brain scans, bone and cardiac. As well as this I've learnt about medical physics, how radioisotopes are created, how they decay and how to administer them. I've learnt about different radioisotopes, the use of different collimators as well as how our gamma cameras and CT work and the protocols used for imaging.

I feel like it's a good mix of practical hands-on experience as well as a combination of lectures and in-person practical's during the block week. It is a lot of work in terms of the level of paperwork and evidence that needs to be submitted as well as the amount of assignments and exams to do.

It's very structured. A combination of online lectures and in-person practicals with block weeks outlined ahead of time and exams planned within this time as well.

I'm mostly independent with my work with minor support from other colleagues. I receive minimal support from my employer and mostly have to arrange and organize things myself.

There is a fair amount of support in the form of drop-in sessions to discuss any issues we have as well as regular meetings with my tripartite assessor to talk about any problems or issues with my apprenticeship.

I feel like it applies a lot to the specific role that I do. This is in the form mostly of the medical physics which applies a great deal to the radioisotopes we use and is a core staple in how our machines work and how nuclear medicine itself works as well.

There are some activities hosted regularly by the trust that you can attend although I do not attend many of these due to working.

Yes

I feel like the atmosphere and trust shown by the employer makes for a nice working environment. There's also plenty of opportunities to do additional training that helps with your role within the NHS.

Look around for various opportunities as there's usually multiple different areas you can work in. Also look into any apprenticeships being run by the trust if you want to improve your career prospects.