This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Spring and Summer 2021 terms. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus.
Learn more
Overview
Advance your career in medical imaging with a career in nuclear medicine. With courses specialized in anatomy, physiology, radiopharmacy and patient care — along with imaging techniques and procedures — prepare for a career using high-tech instruments and radioactive drugs to help diagnose and treat disease.
Nuclear medicine technology uses radiopharmaceuticals (radioactive drugs) and specialized equipment to help diagnose and treat diseases. The Nuclear Medicine Technology (NMT) program is a two-year, full-time program where students are trained as nuclear medicine technologists, ready to work with patients and medical staff in clinical nuclear medicine settings.
In the first year, students will complete studies in patient communication and management, professional practice, radiation physics, computed tomography, anatomy and physiology, radionuclide instrumentation, nuclear medicine procedures, radiopharmacy, quality control, clinical integration, phlebotomy and intravenous injections, and radiation safety.
The second-year involves on-line courses focusing on instrumentation, dosimetry, pathology, advanced computers, research and clinical integration. Students will also concurrently complete three clinical practica where they rotate through all areas of nuclear medicine, applying what they have learned while in these clinical settings.
Interprovincial Health Training Agreements
SAIT offers reserved seats in nuclear medicine for Saskatchewan and Manitoba students. Limited space available, call 403.284.8500 to learn more.
Is this the right fit for me?
Basic to intermediate computer skills are necessary for this field. An acceptable computer skill level would include the ability to use word processing, spreadsheets and communication software. Educational interaction in this program depends on these computer skills. It is the student's responsibility to ensure the adequacy of these skills prior to the program admission. In addition, students are expected to spend approximately 20 hours per week outside of class studying.
Health care practitioners are detail-oriented in the care they provide, utilize critical thinking practice, are eager, persevere and enjoy working in a team environment.
Students who experience success in this program have the following characteristics:
- ability to handle unpleasant situations
- capable of lifting heavy objects and patients
- standing for extended periods of time
- working in difficult physical positions
- good hand and finger dexterity and stamina
- strong vision and hearing
Because of the nature of this work, students must be capable of lifting heavy patients, standing for long periods of time, and working in awkward physical positions
Individuals with previous chronic or repetitive strain injuries have experienced re-injury or aggravation of these conditions in this program and/or as a technologist.
Students who experience success in this program have effective communication skills in English and have achieved higher secondary or post-secondary marks in the past.
Accreditation
Graduates are eligible to challenge the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) certification exam which is a requirement for registration and employment for registered nuclear medicine technologists in Canada.
Graduates are also eligible to challenge the American Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board exam.
The Nuclear Medicine Technology program delivered by SAIT is accredited by the Accreditation Canada. The program also works closely with our Diagnostic Imaging Advisory Committee to ensure that our curriculum continues to meet or exceed provincial and national accreditation standards.
Credentials
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Nuclear Medicine Technology diploma.
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities in hospitals, community clinics, private laboratories, research and teaching institutions. Potential positions include:
- nuclear medicine technologist
- healthcare technologist
Related careers include:
- magnetic resonance technologist
- radiation therapist


Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $7,678
Year 2: $6,436
Year 1: $8,434
Year 2: $7,068
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Full costs
Tuition and financial aid
Requirements
This is a competitive program. If applicants meet the admission requirements they will be assessed based on additional criteria. Applicants will be offered admission to this program if they’re qualified through the competitive process and space is available.
When can you apply?
- Applications for fall 2021 will open Oct. 7, 2020, be accepted until March 1, 2021.
- This program does not accept international students effective Fall 2020 intake. There are many program options for international applicants – find out more.
Term | Program start |
---|---|
Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
SAIT's Nuclear Medicine Technology program
This 22-month diploma program teaches the nuclear medicine technologist to operate gamma camera and other nuclear medicine equipment in a safe and competent manner.
Admission Requirements
Admission and Selection
- Fall 2021 start: applications are accepted Oct. 7, 2020, until March 1, 2021.
- This program does not accept international students effective Fall 2020 intake. There are many program options for international applicants – find out more.
Admission Requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- At least 60% in Math 30-1 or Pure Math 30, or at least 70% in Math 30-2,
- At least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1,
- At least 60% in Chemistry 30,
- At least 60% in either Biology 30 or Physics 30 or Math 31.
- All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada.
Competitive Entry: Seven Step Process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Review the selection information to understand the process and deadlines
- Applications and proof of the admission requirements ( transcripts and/or anticipated final grades) along with all supporting documents must be submitted by March 31 to be included in selection.
- Applicants will have one attempt to complete the selection process for this program. If you're not offered admission, you can re-apply for the next intake and you will be required to complete the selection process again.
- Selection is done on a continuous basis and will continue until the program is full. Apply early for the best chance of getting a seat.
- There will be 16 seats offered for the fall intake. Additional seats are reserved for Saskatchewan and Manitoba residents through interprovincial agreements.
- Applicants who apply after the program has been filled may be placed on a waitlist.
In the selection process, applicants will be assessed on the following criteria and seats will be offered accordingly.
Phase 1: Program Selection Package
Applicants will be sent a program selection package via email if they meet the admission requirements. The selection package must be completed and returned within one week of the initial email date.
We recommend you add diagnostic.imaging@sait.ca and the sait.ca domain to your safe senders list or you risk missing critical email messages.
You are solely responsible to ensure the information in the selection package is legible, articulate and best reflects you as a candidate. Falsifying information will result in your application being removed immediately from the selection process and may result in the initiation of SAIT's Student Code of Conduct Procedure AC.3.4.1.
Selection packages are evaluated using a standardized scoring system.
- If scores from the selection package are above the benchmark established by the School of Health and Public Safety, the applicant will move to Phase 2 of the selection process.
- If scores from the selection package are below the benchmark, the applicant will be declined in selection.
- Those applicants who fail to complete and submit their packages by the deadline date will also be declined from further selection.
Phase 2: Aptitude Test
Applicants who successfully move to Phase 2 of the selection process will be emailed information on how to complete the two required aptitude tests
- Program Specific Aptitude Test will assessyour ability to answer the questions, and your capacity to understand and follow directions. The assessment includes reading comprehension, math, science, career awareness, and reasoning-type questions. We do not provide a breakdown of the question type beyond what has been provided here. There may be a fee for the assessment.
- The situational judgement test is an online test which assesses for non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics that we believe are important for successful students and graduates of our program. The situational judgement test is comprised of 12 sections of video and written scenarios. Following each scenario, you will be required to answer a set of probing questions under a time contract. The test typically takes between 75-90 minutes to complete. The test can be accessed through their website- www.takeCASPer.com There is a fee for this assessment.
- Candidates who achieve a mark above the predetermined benchmark on the aptitude assessment will be offered a seat until the program is full. Seats are offered on a continuous basis, so you are encouraged to register for the earliest date available. Once the program is full, those exceeding the benchmark will be place on a ranked waitlist. Please note that program benchmarks for the selection package, aptitude test as well as the situational judgement test are determined annually and may vary from the previous years.
Step 4: Apply to Nuclear Medicine Technology and submit your transcripts.
Step 5: Log in to mySAIT.ca to check your admission status. If eligible, your status will indicate that you're "In Selection."
Step 6: Complete the selection package that is emailed to you.
Step 7: Continue to monitor changes to your application status through mySAIT.ca.
Failure to meet anticipated final grades will result in offers being rescinded.
Communication during selection
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add diagnostic.imaging@sait.ca and the sait.ca domain to your safe senders list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Due to the significant number of applications for this program, the selection process can take some time. Every effort will be made to maintain the timelines outlined above. We appreciate your patience. You can also log on to mySAIT.ca to check your admission decision status.
Unfortunately, due to the extremely large volume of applicants, we cannot provide any assistance or follow-up as to why the candidate was not competitive or where the applicant is ranked on the waitlist.
Practicum Requirements
The School of Health and Public Safety has many practica partners located within Alberta and across Canada. Practicum placements in Calgary are limited and students may be required to relocate outside of Calgary for practicum.
Successful candidates will be informed of the allocation of their practicum placement by the program at a later date. There is no guarantee that students will be placed at their desired practicum location. Special considerations of personal circumstances will not be given in regards to assigning practicum placements. Students will be responsible for fees associated with practicum such as entrance requirements, relocation and travel costs.
In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, successful candidates will be requested to provide proof of the following requirements:
- Current Heart and Stroke Foundation Health Care Provider Level (C) CPR
- Updated immunization records
- Security clearance - Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector Check
- N95 respiratory mask fitting
- Health and wellness status
Courses
Program Outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
First Year
Semester 1 - Fall
Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
---|---|---|
ANPH-215 | Anatomy and Physiology | 3.0 |
NMED-210 | Professional Practice | 3.0 |
NMED-220 | Quality Control I | 1.5 |
PHAR-230 | Radiopharmacy I | 1.5 |
PHYS-209 | Radiation Physics | 3.0 |
RADP-210 | Radiation Protection | 3.0 |
Semester 1 Total | 15.0 |
Semester 2 - Winter
Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
---|---|---|
INFC-215 | Infection Prevention and Control | 1.5 |
MRAD-251 | Computed Tomography Theory I | 3.0 |
NMED-251 | Clinical Procedures I | 3.0 |
NMED-260 | Instrumentation I | 1.5 |
NMED-270 | Quality Control II | 3.0 |
PHAR-262 | Radiopharmacy II | 3.0 |
Semester 2 Total | 15.0 |
Semester 3 - Spring/Summer
Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
---|---|---|
MRAD-281 | Computed Tomography Theory II | 1.5 |
NMED-256 | Patient Care | 1.5 |
NMED-275 | Clinical Integration I | 1.5 |
NMED-291 | Clinical Procedures II | 3.0 |
PHLB-236 | Phlebotomy and Intravenous Injections | 1.5 |
Semester 3 Total | 9.0 | |
First Year Total |
39.0 |
Second Year
Semester 4 - Fall
Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
---|---|---|
NMED-310* | Instrumentation II | 1.5 |
NMED-320* | Dosimetry | 1.5 |
NMED-331* | Applied Clinical Procedures I | 3.0 |
PRAC-309 | Practicum I | 6.0 |
Semester 4 Total | 12.0 |
Semester 5 - Winter
Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
---|---|---|
NMED-350* | Advanced Computers | 1.5 |
NMED-381* | Applied Clinical Procedures II | 3.0 |
PRAC-322 | Practicum II | 6.0 |
Semester 5 Total | 10.5 |
Semester 6 - Spring/Summer
Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
---|---|---|
NMED-360* | Research for Allied Health | 1.5 |
NMED-390* | Clinical Integration II | 1.5 |
PRAC-343 | Practicum III | 6.0 |
Semester 6 Total | 9.0 | |
Second Year Total | 31.5 | |
Program Total | 70.5 | |
* Note: All theory courses for the second year of the Nuclear Medicine Technology program are delivered in a totally online format. The courses must be completed within the time frame shown in the program outline. Please contact the Academic Chair prior to enrolling in any online or correspondence courses. |
Please be advised that full-time student status requires students to take 60% of a full course load per semester. Depending on the number of courses completed by correspondence, a student may be considered a part-time student, which may impact his/her financial loan status.
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Transfer Options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer to, within or from SAIT is available with the following universities and colleges:
- Athabasca University
- Memorial University of Newfoundland (The Marine Institute)
- Thompson Rivers University
To learn more, visit Transfer Options.
Costs
2020/21 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $6,456 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $7,678 |
2 | $5,214 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $6,436 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $171.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $100
Student technology fee: $100
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
Books and supplies*
- Books and supplies are approximately $2,600 in the first year and $1,200 in the second year.
- For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a device that meets the standard hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
- There is a $75 CompTracker user fee per semester.
- Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practica (i.e. relocation costs if placed outside of Calgary, food, housing, transportation, etc.).
- Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) exam fees are approximately $175.
- Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) certification exam fees are approx $840 with an additional $125 exam administration fee.
- Student Registration fee to the Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists (approx $100)
- There is a fee associated with obtaining a police information check including Vulnerable Sector Check, payable to the Police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $7,101 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $8,434 |
2 | $5,735 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $7,068 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $183.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $150
Student technology fee: $150
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
Books and supplies*
- Books and supplies are approximately $2,600 in the first year and $1,200 in the second year.
- For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a device that meets the standard hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
- There is a $75 CompTracker user fee per semester.
- Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practica (i.e. relocation costs if placed outside of Calgary, food, housing, transportation, etc.).
- Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) exam fees are approximately $175.
- Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) certification exam fees are approx $840 with an additional $125 exam administration fee.
- Student Registration fee to the Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists (approx $100)
- There is a fee associated with obtaining a police information check including Vulnerable Sector Check, payable to the Police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
✅ Plan ahead ❗️
You are required to complete several health, confidentiality and consent forms before starting your program. All completed and signed paperwork is needed on orientation day.
Ensure you complete all three steps below ahead of orientation.
Fall 2020
Orientation
Orientation for new students will take place online on Sept. 3, 2020.
To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page.
We are expecting to meet you at new student orientation. Important program information is discussed to ensure you are prepared to begin classes which start on day one. Orientation is a mandatory part of your learning experience to ensure student success.
Delivery
This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Fall 2020 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus.
How to register for classes
You'll follow a fixed block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required equipment/tools
You will be evaluated on your level of competency performance during practicum which is logged using a tracking system called CompTracker. There is a required user license fee billed on a per semester basis. Each program will have a different student fee depending on how the system is used within the program. More information will be shared at orientation.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.
Required uniform: In order to prepare for the classes that require the use of a uniform, please read the uniform requirements document.
Other requirements
- CPRS 001 BLS Provider (Level C) CPR course
- N95 respiratory mask fit-testing
- Police Information Clearance with Vulnerable Sector Check
- Immunization record
- Health and Wellness Status
Preparation courses
To support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience, ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices and SAFE 165: Safety at SAIT.
Required textbooks
The booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Academic chair
Jennifer Brown, Academic Chair
Email: jennifer.brown@sait.ca