Prospective NMT students have a wide variety of background questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked.
What CPR and First Aid certifications are required by the program?
You must have current CPR and First Aid certification cards before the start of the program. We do not accept certifications from online courses.
All students are required to have both the CPR-BLS for Healthcare Providers and Heartsaver First Aid certifications from the American Heart Association. Please note that only AHA certifications will be accepted. The estimated cost of obtaining both of these certifications is between $60-$90. Accepted students must maintain valid CPR and First Aid certifications while enrolled in the program.
Can I work part time while in the program?
Most of our curriculum is full time. Because of requirements for clinical practice, students generally spend 35 to 40 hours a week in class, labs, and clinical practice. This does not include time for study. Our experience has shown that students who attempt rigorous work commitments (more than 15 hours a week) in addition to the rigorous school schedule, especially at distant campuses, have been especially challenged in program performance. If you must maintain employment, limit your work to 10 to 20 hours per week, preferably on weekends. Most senior-level courses are designed for flexible student-directed learning to accommodate multiple lifestyle needs.
Can I do my clinical practicum requirements at my place of employment or at a facility that I designate?
Clinical practicum must be taken at a facility with a Augusta University affiliation agreement and cannot be compensated by the facility. Augusta University has sufficient affiliates in local areas and across the state to meet student needs.
Upon completion of the program will I be qualified to sit for either CT or PET credentialing examinations?
The BSRS NMT program will deliver didactic coursework to prepare for these advanced registries along with excellent clinical experience in PET/CT. However, additional clinical experience would be required to qualify for national examination.
Can I attend the program part time?
All entry-level courses (junior year, certificate, and senior-level courses) are full
time. Advanced courses (senior courses for single majors) may be taken part time.
We have programs through which students may complete the senior year over a two-year
period, since courses are available to suit a variety of lifestyles and schedules.
Nuclear medicine technology is currently the only radiologic science program available
to non-credentialed students requiring entry-level clinical education. The program
offers limited clinical and instructional settings in Atlanta, Athens, and Columbus.
Must I complete all my prerequisite core courses before I can be accepted?
Yes, completion of the core curriculum prior to starting the program is required. We can, however, consider your application before you have completed all of the prerequisites. There is a page in the application to indicate where and when you took or plan to take each prerequisite. Make sure the courses you need will be offered the semester you plan to take them.
What do you mean by proof of certification in CPR and first aid?
We will accept a course titled First Aid on your transcript or a copy of your card indicating that you completed a first aid course. You must send us a copy of your card showing CPR certification valid through your first semester on campus. If your CPR certification has expired, you must complete a re-certification course. Your certification must remain current through your program of study here.
Can I enter the NMT program at any time during the year?
Our courses are designed so that fall semester courses are prerequisite to spring semester courses, etc. New students begin only in the fall semester.
If I complete all prerequisites, am I guaranteed acceptance to the program?
No. Applicants are considered for interview on several factors, of which grade point average and prerequisite course completion are only two. Application review begins in September and applicants who meet prerequisite standards early are considered first for interviews, which begins in February. Because the applicant pool is large and competitive for a limited number of positions, we encourage you to apply in the fall.
Do I have to have a criminal background check and drug screening?
If you are accepted to a NMT program you will be required to undergo a criminal background check and drug screening at your expense. This process is necessary for students to comply with clinical education requirements. Students will be notified of the process to complete the check and screening upon acceptance to a NMT program. This process is NOT part of the application process. The estimated cost of obtaining the background check and drug screen is approximately $100 and is valid for one year. Accepted students are required to maintain current background and drug screens while enrolled in the program.
Where will I do my clinical practicum?
Distance students - Covering East, West, and North Georgia to include the Greater Atlanta, GA area. Students will be assigned to one of the following clinical sites:
Main Campus Students - covering Greater Augusta, GA. Students will be assigned to one of the following clinical sites:
If I complete the program in Georgia, am I automatically qualified to work in my homestate?
The AU NMT program is accredited by the JRCNMT (jrcnmt.org) and therefore graduates of the program are eligible to attempt the NMTCB (Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board) national certification examination. Additionally, since AU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education, graduates of the program are also eligible to attempt the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) national registry examination. While attempting either or both of the national certification/registration examinations is not a requirement of graduation, many employers require certification/registration as a criteria for employment. Also, some states require licensure as a condition for employment. And while many states will accept the national certification/registry credential in lieu of sitting for a state licensure examination, the Nuclear Medicine Technology Program has not determined whether this program satisfies the requirements of all states and territories for state licensure. It is the responsibility of the applicant to inquire of the state licensure board within which they live or plan to work in order to determine whether graduation from this program meets state requirements.
Additional Costs Associated with the Program
All NMT students are required to purchase a minimum of two sets of scrubs and a lab coat. The estimated cost of these items is $150-$200.
Refund of Tuition and Fees
Information on the refund of tuition and fees can be found at https://www.augusta.edu/finance/controller/businessoffice/policies-fees.php#refund and https://www.augusta.edu/finance/controller/businessoffice/frequently-asked-questions.php
