
David Gilmore, CNMT, NCT, RT(R,N) President, SNMTS
Today's progress is yesterday's plan and our assurance for tomorrow. I am pleased to report that SNMTS has moved ahead with a series of noteworthy strategic actions to advance the nuclear medicine technology profession.
SNMTS has approved a new “Scope of Practice for the Nuclear Medicine Technologist,” and while it does not modify or alter existing tort law, it serves as a concise outline of nuclear medicine technology skills and responsibilities. The most significant change to the scope—updating our 2001 version—applies to performing CT scans and administering contrast (oral and IV) only with appropriate education (not training). Since many nuclear medicine cameras as well as PET scanners have CT scanners attached to them, performing CT scans has become one of the nuclear medicine technologist's tasks (both with and without contrast). The scope now includes statements about in vivo testing (blood glucose testing and urine pregnancy testing), in vitro testing, and transmission imaging. The revised scope of practice is posted on our Web site and appears in this issue of JNMT. All tasks within the scope are subject to federal, state, and institutional regulations.
Members of our Advanced Practice Task Force were given the go-ahead to investigate the creation of a new mid-level provider of nuclear medicine services in collaboration with representatives of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board. This new nuclear medicine provider would be similar to a radiologist's assistant (RA)—an advanced-level radiological technologist.
SNMTS officers also approved a professional curriculum as the educational foundation for individuals entering the field of nuclear medicine technology. The professional curriculum, together with an already-approved core curriculum, supports the need to have a standardized four-year degree for entry into the field, ensuring that graduates of nuclear medicine technology programs have the necessary skills to competently perform their jobs. The core and professional curricula will be integrated into one document for approval at our next Annual Meeting. We support a bachelor's degree for entry into the field by 2015 and will promote this concept to licensing/credentialing bodies. There will be more to report on the advanced practice and entry-level initiatives after our fall Gateway meeting.
The Technologist Section has set a direction; our strategic plan endorses specific goals that will be implemented over the next one, three, and five years. Among other actions, we will continue our work with existing educational programs to facilitate training on principles and concepts through preceptorship tracts, scholarships and grants, and networking. We will remain proactive in lobbying for reimbursement and research funding as we monitor and act on legislation that affects the profession and develop outreach programs with related groups. We will work on developing marketing messages and a recruitment campaign targeted at those in emerging technologies, advanced imaging modalities, and molecular imaging and therapy.
The following are our four goals.
SNMTS will be the indispensable resource in promoting and educating in knowledge exchange, training, and networking for nuclear medicine and molecular imaging and therapy.
SNMTS will be a powerful advocate for nuclear medicine and molecular imaging and therapy and promote the highest standard of patient care.
SNMTS will be a leader in educational and credentialing/licensing efforts for imaging specialists in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging and therapy.
SNMTS will be recognized as the society that positions technologists within the fields of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging and therapy.
We must continue to grow and attract technologists early in their careers. To encourage this, SNMTS voted to extend the free trial student program for up to 24 months and allow student members to receive free registration to our annual meetings. We also welcome related nonnuclear imaging professionals to join the Technologist Section. Our committees have been restructured and downsized so we may implement actions more strategically.
My profound appreciation goes to the many members who have helped push these SNMTS initiatives forward. Specifically, I want to thank Scott Holbrook, Cindi Luckett-Gilbert, Martha W. Pickett, and Kathy Hunt for their outstanding efforts.
I continue to ask for your help; please consider volunteering to serve SNMTS. We are looking for more than just a few good members to bring a future-oriented attitude to better implement our mission to improve patient care by advancing molecular imaging and therapy. While we have accomplished much, now is the time to do more. More than ever, we need to unite to move SNMTS forward and position it—and its members—as the leader in molecular imaging and nuclear medicine.