Position paper on the development of a middle level provider in nuclear medicine: the nuclear medicine practitioner.

The development of an educational program and credentialing structure to support and recognize an advanced level of the practice of nuclear medicine technology is now underway. This work parallels the efforts in many, if not most, health care disciplines as they seek to achieve the twin goals of developing enhanced career paths and providing the best possible patient care in an environment where science and technology can run roughshod over concepts taught in the classroom a mere decade ago. Education is key to both goals. A master's level degree in nuclear medicine technology, coupled with an advanced practice credential recognizing both the educational achievement and a level of clinical expertise, will give nuclear medicine practitioners the knowledge and the right to practice their profession at a high level of autonomy, leading to more efficient and higher quality health care services. To that end the following position paper was prepared by members of the Advance Practice Task Force of the SNMTS and presented to the SNMTS Executive Council and the SNM Board of Directors. In June 2005, the executive council and the board of directors approved a resolution supporting the establishment of a middle level provider in nuclear medicine known as the nuclear medicine practitioner.

A towards breaking the barriers: the professionalization of the radiologic sciences.

Radiologic science and technology has developed at a tremendous rate over the past century. However, the training of personnel (radiologic technologists/therapists) to operate this complex equipment and to perform the medical procedures is not uniform across the United States, nor is licensure required in all states. Evidence suggests that expanded technological responsibilities also have increasingly pressured technologists/therapists to perform on levels for which they have not been prepared. Thus, the need for restructured and expanded educational and training programs in the radiologic sciences is being increasingly recognized. This paper presents a rationale for the development of educational programs in the radiologic sciences, and it concludes that a baccalaureate degree is a requirement for entry-level practice.