How many students are admitted to the program each year?
Approximately eight students are admitted each year to the Nuclear Medicine Technology program with the curriculum beginning in September (fall quarter). Approximately 30 students apply each year.
What if I have completed part of another nuclear medicine program?
You are welcome to apply to the Bellevue program, but you will have to complete it in its entirety. Different programs are set up differently, so the only way we can ensure that you have all of the required knowledge and competencies is to have you do the program from beginning to end. See our Advanced Placement Policy.
Where should I submit the completed application?
Program applications must be completed online. All other required documents (for example: transcripts) need to be mailed/hand delivered on or before the deadline date to:
Nuclear Medicine Technology
Bellevue College, Main Campus, Room T-208
3000 Landerholm Circle SE
Bellevue, Washington 98007-6484
For more details on the application and requirements for applying, check out the How to Apply section of this site.
Should I visit a Nuclear Medicine department?
Yes. Call and make an appointment with the supervisor of any nuclear medicine department. You should observe in at least two nuclear medicine departments, at least one of which must be a major clinical site for the BC program. Documentation is required. A print-ready observation form [PDF] with contact information is provided for you on this site. Plan your visits so they occur before your first interview.
Are my prerequisite grades important?
Yes. The Program Director will review your current college grades for the prerequisite courses. There is no minimum GPA requirement; however the grades will be taken into consideration as part of the acceptance decision process. Students accepted into the program generally have a GPA of 3.0 or greater in the prerequisite courses.
Do I need to complete all prerequisite courses?
All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to starting the Nuclear Medicine Technology program. You may apply to the program before your prerequisites are completed as long as you demonstrate the ability to complete them before the program begins. However, preference may be given to persons who have completed all courses prior to the first interview.
Do I need to complete the prerequisite courses at Bellevue College?
Prerequisite courses may be completed at any accredited two- or four-year college. It’s the student’s responsibility to make sure that courses taken at other institutions of higher education meet the curriculum content of BC courses. For more information, see the Prerequisites information on this site.
How are students selected for the program?
Selection criteria include:
- The applicants’ performance in interviews.
- Understanding of the job of a nuclear medicine technologist.
- Prior medical experience.
- Prerequisite GPA.
- Reference letter.
There are two interviews, one with the program director, and one with the program’s Admissions Committee. These generally take place in February and March. Not all applicants who get a first interview will necessarily get a second interview.
When will I know if I’ve been accepted? And what do I then need to do to be ready to start the program?
We generally contact all applicants in May to confirm their status (accepted, alternate or not accepted). If you are accepted, we’ll need you to confirm your intent to enter the program and pay a $250 deposit toward your fall quarter tuition. This ensures that you’re taking your ‘yes’ answer seriously. You also need to submit a national background check – you will be responsible for the cost of the background check, approximately $40. Hospitals are very picky about who can work for them, and we need to be sure that all students will be acceptable to them.
Over the summer, you’ll need to verify that all of your immunizations are up to date. If you haven’t started the Hepatitis B series, be sure you do so by the end of June. You’ll also need to have a tuberculosis (TB) test. Information about all these requirements can be found on the Immunizations (hyperlink) page.
We’ll be in touch with you around mid-July to let you know about registration, books, and plans for orientation and fall quarter.
Does the program follow the BC calendar in regard to breaks and time off?
No. This is an 18-month inclusive program beginning at fall quarter and continuing for six consecutive quarters. You will attend 40 hours per week. You are allowed 120 hours of personal time, plus a three-week break between fall and winter quarter in the second year of the program.
What about working while I am in the Program?
Students find it difficult to work while in the Program due to the time commitment necessary for successful completion. Students are required to attend for 40 hours per week during the clinical training periods.
Can the program be taken on a part-time basis?
No, the program is designed for full-time attendance only.
How are classroom and clinical time arranged? Do I receive all my clinical education instruction at one clinical education center?
Daytime classes are held at BC during the first fall quarter and in the months of January, April, and June/July. Clinical instruction is conducted at several clinical sites in the Puget Sound area and southeastern Washington. Students will receive training at a total of seven or eight clinical sites in their 18 months of participation in the program.
Why are the costs not the same as regular BC tuition?
Students in the nuclear medicine program pay tuition according to the BC tuition schedule (14-17 credits per quarter). In addition, in the 2nd–6th quarters, an additional fee of $200 per quarter is also required to pay for costs related to clinical education.
Last Updated December 15, 2022
