The history, implications, and development of the baccalaureate transition resource manual

Life is full of transitions, changes, and adaptations. In this article, we will describe the developmental process and transition steps of a baccalaureate degree program in nuclear medicine technology (NMT). We will introduce a living document that was created by the leadership of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technologist Section (SNMMI-TS). This article suggests that the SNMMI-TS Baccalaureate Transition Resource Manual should be considered in programmatic degree criteria related to practitioner preparedness. We believe other institutions may benefit from this experience in the development of their own baccalaureate program. Our experiences may allow other institutions to have insights that will facilitate their own process for new program development. The resource manual delivers an innovative curriculum emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration on degree content among science courses, general education courses, and additional NMT didactic completion courses. The Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology did incorporate many of the recommendations from the Curriculum Guide for Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology, fourth edition, from the SNMMI-TS. The resource manual in conjunction with data on the transitioning of the first 3 pilot schools is the first step the SNMMI-TS has made in helping schools transition to the baccalaureate level. The manual is intended to be a living document and will be changed as additional programs make the transition and new models are created.