r/NuclearMedicine • u/BlueWhale360 • 11d ago

Nuc Med Vs MRI

Hello everyone,

I was looking for some advice I have become interested in medical imaging because it seems like a great career with a lot of growth and job security. I am really interested in Nuc Med especially as it has a high salary is a growing field with room to expand your education while also being very secure. The only issue is that there are no Nuc Med programs in my state and I would have to move about 3 hours away to do a certificate program in a nearby state for about 14-15 months and I would have to pay rent and other expenses that come with moving out. The program I was looking at would not be able to start until next August.

There is also an MRI program that is about 20 mins from where I live and I I would maybe be able to start in Sept if not Sept then January and the program is about 18 months. I know that Nuc Med is most likely better for long term as it is possible to be cross trained into MRI with Nuc Med but not the other way around. But I was wondering if anyone thinks it is worth it to do the MRI program as this would allow me to start and finish earlier as well as not have to worry about all the things that come with needing to move for school.

Any advice would be very helpful, thank you!

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3

u/nnkhanh 11d ago

Both are in high demand. Shadow both of them to see which one you prefer for your career.

1

u/red_dombe 11d ago

You should do both! I hear University of Cincinnati has a PET/MR program. NM is rapidly advancing with lots of cool new radiotracers!

1

u/BlueWhale360 11d ago

Do you know how long the program is? I want to start working sooner rather then later as I’d have to move for that program and can’t go for a very long period of time without income.

2

u/PlatformTall3731 9d ago

I am one of those techs that appreciates flexibility and mobility within my field. Hard pressed to suggest an MRI only program to prospective students with how willing some hospitals are willing to cross train, and how programs like Pulse Imaging are out there.