RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 NUCLEAR MEDICINE ADVANCED ASSOCIATES: PHYSICIAN EXTENDERS IN NUCLEAR MEDICINE – NOW IS THE TIME JF Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology JO J. Nucl. Med. Technol. FD Society of Nuclear Medicine SP jnmt.120.242362 DO 10.2967/jnmt.120.242362 A1 Mary Anne Owen A1 Katie Neal Sinotte A1 Norman E Bolus A1 Richard Siska A1 Justin Jacob A1 Vicki LaRue A1 Blaine Norton A1 Darko Pucar YR 2020 UL http://tech.snmjournals.org/content/early/2020/04/17/jnmt.120.242362.abstract AB The Nuclear Medicine Advanced Associate (NMAA) has evolved into a valuable member of the imaging team since its inception in 2008 to 2020. Data show that NMAAs perform key services including supervision, interpretation, protocoling adjunct studies, and management duties freeing Nuclear Medicine physicians to concentrate on more complicated and time intensive responsibilities. Additionally, the profession has gained ground in recognition by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) with the advent of a formal NMAA certification examination and recognition guidelines for institutions interested in establishing NMAA educational programs. Actions are underway for the creation of new NMAA programs with pathways to enhance and expand student recruitment. A special task force is established by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) Advanced Associate Council (AAC) to raise the visibility of the advantages of the physician extender within the practice setting. Practicing NMAAs list duties that they perform that are beyond the scope of Nuclear Medicine Technologists.