Problem-Based Learning in Nuclear Medicine Technology Education

Abstract

Problem-based learning (PBL) has emerged in the past several decades as an innovative educational approach used in the curricula of numerous medical schools internationally and in the United States. Currently, several allied health educational programs have begun to implement PBL methods in their courses. This research sought to ascertain whether or not PBL could be applied as an alternative instructional method in the education of nuclear medicine technologists. A problem-based instructional module on radiation protection was developed, and one unit of the module was implemented. All participants showed significant improvement on post-test scores in comparison to pre-test scores. In addition, all participants expressed enjoyment with this instructional approach in comparison with more traditional methods such as the lecture. PBL appears to be viable in the education of nuclear medicine technologists; however, further investigation into its use is encouraged.