Nuclear medicine technologists use scanners and radioactive drugs to create images of the body.

Nuclear medicine technologists use cameras that detect radioactive drugs as they move through patients' bodies.

Before they give patients the radioactive drugs, technologists review the patient's medical history and explain the procedure. They prepare the proper dosage and give it to the patient by mouth, injection, or other means.

To track the movement of drugs, technologists arrange patients and the equipment in the proper position. They follow safety procedures to protect the patient from overexposure to radiation.

As the scanner monitors the path of the radioactive drug in the body, the path appears as images on a computer screen or on film. Technologists print out the pictures for doctors to interpret. They also monitor patients during procedures and enter test results into patients' records.

Similar to radiation therapists, some technologists give radiation treatment to patients in order to treat cancer and other diseases.

Technologists maintain and adjust laboratory equipment. Following safety procedures, they dispose of and store radioactive materials. They keep track of the amount and type of radiation disposed of and used. They may also purchase materials.

In addition, they may train and supervise other technologists and those studying in nuclear medicine programs.