Preparing for Practice, Part 1: Clinical Partner Perspectives on Entry-Level Competency in Radiopharmaceutical...

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine Technology
• Radiopharmaceutical Therapy
• Theranostics

Background:

• The expansion of radiopharmaceutical therapy and theranostics presents challenges for nuclear medicine technology (NMT) educational programs.
• Variability in clinical exposure and resources complicates defining entry-level competencies for NMT students.
• GateWay Community College's NMT program initiated improvements to align curriculum with regional clinical expectations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify foundational competencies for NMT graduates and skills best acquired post-entry into practice.
• To explore barriers to student theranostics exposure and identify common skill gaps in new graduates.
• To understand the evolving role of NMTs in radiation safety education and post-infusion imaging/dosimetry.

Main Methods:

• Conducted outreach to clinical preceptors, education supervisors, and managers at diverse healthcare sites.
• Gathered input from a physician assistant with NMT experience.
• Analyzed responses to identify convergent themes regarding NMT competencies and training needs.

Main Results:

• A clear distinction emerged between foundational competencies expected at graduation and procedural skills for post-graduate development.
• Identified structural barriers to student theranostics access and common skill gaps in students/new graduates.
• Highlighted the NMT's emerging role in interdisciplinary radiation safety education and the importance of post-infusion imaging and dosimetry.

Conclusions:

• Traditional NMT curricula require updates to address theranostics and evolving technologist roles.
• Vendor training is insufficient for developing the clinical reasoning needed for independent NMT practice.
• A distinction between foundational and advanced skills is crucial for effective NMT education and clinical integration.