Nuclear Medicine Technology - Certificate
Nuclear medicine technologists help doctors diagnose diseases and in a safe, painless way by using advanced imaging methods to examine the function of internal organs. Organ imaging procedures lead to earlier diagnoses and better patient outcomes.
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Meet a Nuclear Medicine Technology Major: Desmond Yeboah
“In this field, you have to have a passion to help people, to be with them, to ease their stress – it’s all about compassion.
“I'm originally from Accra, Ghana, West Africa. Before I came to the U.S., I majored in human biology in Ghana. From the onset, I thought that the medical field was the right place for me. It was confirmed when did volunteer work at the St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx – I wanted to specialize in patient care.
“I chose Manhattan College for the program and location. I did apply for other schools, but their programs weren't directly related to patient care. So when I found out about Manhattan College’s NMT program, it really made me think. In Ghana I didn't know about Nuclear Medicine. Also, I went to Catholic schools all of my life. They give the best educations.
“The transition from biological science to nuclear medicine was challenging. There is a lot of math and physics. But with the help of Mr. Hough — he is a master! He made everything a little bit simpler and easier for me to relate to. So, I haven’t experienced any big challenges yet because any time I have any problems, I would contact my adviser and teacher Larry Hough, or the new program coordinator Madeline Plasencia. They always respond right away.
“The classroom work is different from the on-site work. I’m finishing up my year long internship at Lenox Hill Hospital on the Upper East Side of New York City. It was an eye-opener but I really love it. First, you observe. After a certain period of time the techs will allow you to have more of a role handling the equipment and patient interactions. They have a protocol that you have to follow. Initially I felt a little nervous, but with time I felt more comfortable.
“My plan is to graduate and get a technologist job, but eventually I want to do my master's in medical physics. It will allow me to pursue an even higher position.”