Meet a Nuclear Medicine Technology Major

Why did you choose your major? 

Nuclear medicine technology compliments my personality and interests very well. I love working with computers and instruments as well as interacting with different people on a daily basis. Most technological career pathways have relatively little social interaction and vice-versa. With nuclear medicine, I can kill two birds with one stone so-to-speak. I have the opportunity of operating computers and imaging instrumentation as well as interacting with patients.

What has been your favorite class? 

My favorite class in nuclear medicine technology has been Nuclear Medicine I (RHS 331). Mr. Hough, the instructor, was highly enthusiastic about the course content, and his enthusiasm became contagious and served as a motivation factor for me. 

Have you done any internships?

As part of the nuclear medicine technology curriculum, each student must complete a 185-day internship where they receive hands-on experience at a nuclear medicine facility. I am currently interning at New York Presbyterian, Cornell Medical Center. It has been a great experience thus far, as I see myself growing from one level to the next while honing my skills. 

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I hope to be a full-time practicing nuclear medicine technologist.

What’s your favorite thing about this major?

My favorite thing about nuclear medicine technology has been my clinical internship.  

What’s the most difficult thing about this major?

The most difficult thing about nuclear medicine technology has been waking up early for my internship and attending lectures afterwards.

What advice would you give to new students trying to select a major?

In choosing a major, the first thing you want to assess is your motivation. Many students coming out of high school are caught in the dilemma of looking for something “easy.” There’s no such thing as an easy major. Irrespective of what you choose to study, there will be bumps along the way — bumps that will make you want to give up at times. In choosing a major, let your dream career serve as a motivation factor. Where you see yourself in four to five years should give you a pretty good idea of where you should be today and in what direction you need to be headed.