Admission Requirements:

• I have read and understand all admission requirements for acceptance into the Amarillo College Nuclear Medicine Program, which can be found on the Nuclear Medicine web page or by contacting the program director; and,
• I understand for my application to be considered, I must attend a Nuclear Medicine meeting and a video/hospital visit; and,
• I know the principal duties and recommended characteristics of a Nuclear Medicine Technologist; and,
• I understand that I will have to have completed and provide documentation for the Texas immunization requirements prior to being involved in direct patient contact in program affiliated medical care facilities. Which include:
  • Two doses of MMR (measles, mumps, & rubella) vaccine or titer results
  • Three injections of hepatitis B vaccines, Hep B fast track, or titer results
  • Two injections of varicella (Chicken Pox) vaccine or titer results
  • One dose of tetanus-diphtheria toxoid within the last ten years
  • Influenza vaccination prior to the seasonal flu season (must be completed annually)
  • Bacterial Meningitis vaccination (optional and only for those age 22 or under)
  • *While not a state requirement, some of the clinical sites do not accept the COVID vaccine waiver
• I have had the opportunity to ask questions concerning:
  • Current and future Nuclear Medicine Technologist job availability; and,
  • Current and future starting salaries for new Nuclear Medicine graduates; and,
• I have provided officials at Amarillo College with any applicable academic transcripts as requested in the Admission Criteria; and,
• I understand that my program application information must be current, complete, accurate, and to do otherwise could jeopardize my acceptance into the program; and,
• I agree to abide by all admission requirements and understand that my application does not guarantee me an appointment in the next Nuclear Medicine class and that I must compete with other applicants for that appointment based on a point system that has been fully described in the admission process documentation.
• The HESI exam is a requirement and calculated into points.

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• Communication: ENGL
• Any approved Social/Behavioral Science course
• Any approved college level Math course
• Any approved college level Language, Philosophy, Cultural, or Creative Arts course
• Any approved college level Speech course
• BIOL 2401 A&P I
• BIOL 2402 A&P II
• Any approved college level CHEM 4 hours

*Medical Terminology course is highly recommended.

For your application to be considered complete, you must meet with the program director.

CPR/BLS (Basic Life Support) for Healthcare Provider, cannot accept online CPR, immunization records, and background check, and drug screen (must purchase Complio) will also need to be completed.

Acceptance into the program is contingent upon passing a drug screen and background check. You will get the information on Complio for completing these tasks once you are accepted.

Admission to any of the five NMTT Practicum/Clinical courses requires that you be able to:

• Fully participate physically and mentally in all on-job-related activities in such a way as to not pose a risk to the safety of a patient, yourself or other medical personnel.
• You must be able to lift fifty pounds without assistance.
• Hear and speak the English language.
• See with a visual acuity not less than that required for a Texas driver's license (20/40).

The National Council on Radiation Detection and Measurements (NCRP) recommendations, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), & Texas Administrative Code Regulations (or applicable state health agency) requirements are adopted as policy by the Amarillo College Radiological Science Programs. This policy is STRICTLY enforced to provide protection for the radiation-sensitive embryo/fetus and to establish radiation protection procedures to ensure safety from any potentially significant exposure.

It is realized that the Radiological Science student who is pregnant may choose to maintain her pregnancy status as confidential. Any such student may still obtain fetal dose and related radiation safety information, at any time, from the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) without officially declaring her pregnancy status. However, a student who is pregnant is encouraged to consider the RSO's responsibility for her safety, as well as the safety of her embryo/fetus, and voluntarily provide the RSO with an official written declaration of pregnancy.

Amarillo College assumes no responsibility for providing fetal radiation dose monitoring and precautions until the pregnant student voluntarily declares her pregnancy status, in writing, to the RSO. Amarillo College's responsibility to protect the embryo/fetus under the 500 mREM (5 mSV) dose guideline begins only when the student officially declares her pregnancy to the Radiation Safety Officer.

Procedures

Once a written declaration of pregnancy has been received by the RSO, the RSO will schedule a counseling session with the student as soon as possible, no longer than one week after declaration.

Major items to be discussed during this session will include:

1. Fetal dose safety and precautions.
2. A copy of the NRC Regulatory Guide 8.13 "Instructions Concerning Prenatal Radiation Exposure”, 25 TAC 289.202 dose equivalent to an embryo/fetus, or applicable state agency guide.
3. Fetal radiation monitoring program, guidelines, regulations and a separate monthly fetal dosimetry badge.
4. Safety aspects of the student, the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) radiation protection philosophy.
5. The student who is pregnant will have several options to consider regarding the duration of her educational program at Amarillo College:
   1. She may remain in all program courses through program completion without any modification or interruption because of her pregnancy.
   2. She may remain in all program courses and request special modifications related to the higher dose potential duties (e.g. portable imaging, surgery, fluoroscopy, I-131 therapy, etc.). The RSO will make the determinations for specific work area assignments during the pregnancy period and each case will be handled on an individual basis.
   3. She may remain in didactic courses only, and take a temporary leave from those courses where she would be directly involved with the use of ionizing radiation equipment with the duration of leave not to exceed a period of time that will prevent program completion within the 36-month requirement as stated in the college General Catalog.
   4. She may take a leave from all program coursework with the duration of leave not to exceed a period of time that will prevent program completion within the 36-month requirement as stated in the college General Catalog.
   5. She may at any time voluntarily withdraw her declaration of pregnancy. Withdrawal of declaration or pregnancy MUST be in writing, by submitting a handwritten or typed note, signed by the student, declaring that they are withdrawing their declaration of pregnancy. It is the responsibility of the student to deliver the note to the RSO. Any declaration not in writing cannot be recognized.

After the counseling session, the student and RSO will be asked to sign a statement confirming that:

1. The student received a copy of the NRC Regulatory Guide 8.13 "Instructions Concerning Prenatal Radiation Exposure”, 25 TAC 289.202 dose equivalent to an embryo/fetus, or applicable state agency guide.
2. Personnel monitoring has been established;
3. Options have been discussed; and,
4. The student has an opportunity to ask questions during the counseling session.

rev. 04/2023-tr

Application Deadline & Review

1. The Nuclear Medicine Program Admission Committee reviews applications beginning in early April 2025, once all have been submitted by the April 25 deadline.
2. Once the committee reviews and scores all applications, they are ranked from highest to lowest.
3. Despite the number of applicants and the ranking, the program can only accept 12 students each year. 9 in Amarillo and 3 in Lubbock.
4. You will receive an email from the Admission Committee shortly after all applicants have been scored on your status in the Program.
5. You will be informed about your next steps if accepted into the program.
6. You must have a Background Check, Drug Screening, and Immunizations before entering the Program.
7. You must be in the process of Hep B Immunizations.

Point System

Program applicants complete the HESI A2 Admission Assessment Exam (A2). Exam results are valid for one year prior to the application period. Content areas include Math, Reading, and Anatomy & Physiology. 

Note: There will be no rounding of the HESI A2 Exam content score.

HESI  Reading

• 70-75 (3)
• 75-85 (5) 
• 85-100 (8)

HESI Math

• 70-75 (3)
• 75-85 (5)
• 85-100 (10)

HESI A&P

• 70-75 (3)
• 75-85 (8)
• 85-100 (10)

HESI Critical Thinking

• 800-869 (10)
• 870+ (20)

48 Points Max

Prerequisite Courses

• Grade of "A" for courses = 10 points
• Grade of "B" for courses = 7 points
• Grade of "C" for courses = 4 points

Note: Students will receive the highest grade for courses earned per category and/or repeated.

• Communication (ENGL) 
• Social & Behavioral Science
• Mathematics (College Level Math) 
• Language, Philosophy, Culture Or Creative Arts
• Speech Requirement
• Anatomy and Physiology I
• Anatomy and Physiology II
• Any college level Chemistry with a lab

80 Points Max

Total Points (128 Possible)

Learn more about the HESI exam

Selection Timetable

During the last week in April, the points for all applicants will be calculated and the applicants with the highest scores will be selected for entry into the program. In the event that two students have the same number of points, the date the student who submitted their completed application to include meeting with the program director, will be used. Applications are not complete until the student has met with the program director.

Program Requirements Once Accepted 

You do not need to complete the following Immunizations and Screening Requirements until you are accepted into the program.

Once you are accepted, you are required to have the following:

• Immunizations
• Screenings
• Criminal Background Check
• Drug Screens

Required Vaccination

• Measles Vaccination
• Rubella Vaccination
• Mumps Vaccination
• Hepatitis B Vaccinations (must have started the series)
• Varicella Vaccination
• Tdap Vaccination
• Flu vaccine
• Bacterial Menengitis Vaccination
• Tuberculosis Skin Test

Texas Immunization & Screening Requirements

The following requirements apply to all students enrolled in health-related programs in Texas schools, which will involve direct patient contact in program-affiliated medical care facilities. See the AC Complio website for screening, immunizations and compliance.

1. Students born on or after January 1, 1957, must show, prior to first patient contact, acceptable written evidence of vaccination of two doses of measles-containing vaccine administered since January 1, 1968. Serologic confirmation of measles immunity is adequate. Evidence of immunity must consist of a laboratory report that indicates either confirmation of immunity or infection.
2. Before program admission, students must show written evidence of vaccination of one dose of rubella (German measles) vaccine. Serologic confirmation of immunity to rubella is acceptable. Evidence of immunity must consist of a laboratory report that indicates either confirmation of immunity or infection.
3. Students born on or after. January 1, 1957, must show written evidence of vaccination of one dose of mumps vaccine prior to first patient contact. Serologic confirmation of immunity to mumps is acceptable. Evidence of immunity must consist of a laboratory report that indicates either confirmation of immunity or infection.
4. Students shall have received a complete series (three injections) of the hepatitis B vaccine prior to first patient contact.
5. Students shall have received a complete series (two injections) of varicella (Chicken Pox) vaccine prior to first patient contact unless the first dose was received prior to thirteen years of age or must present documentation of varicella immunity. Proof of varicella immunity through laboratory results is acceptable in lieu of vaccine.
6. Within the last ten years, one dose of tetanus-diphtheria toxoid (Td) is required. The booster dose may be in the form of a tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis-containing vaccine (Tdap).
7. Students who have patient contact must show written evidence of Influenza Vaccination prior to the seasonal flu season.
8. Meet the AC Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination requirement.

TB Skin Test

All students must present documentation of a negative tuberculin skin test (PPD) administered within one year of beginning clinical activities prior to first patient contact or present evidence of a negative chest x-ray for tuberculosis (T.B.) obtained within one year of beginning clinical activities, if the T.B. skin test is positive. Tuberculosis skin tests must be repeated yearly while students are enrolled in a Health Science Program. Questions concerning Texas immunization requirements should be directed to a private physician or the local or state health department - not to Amarillo College personnel.

Drug Screens

The 10-panel drug screen procedure may take up to 30 days to complete. Students are required to order the drug screen and submit a specimen in sufficient time to be reviewed by the school before starting the clinic.

Incoming students should begin the drug screen process only upon directions from the department. Failure to complete the drug test in the time period required will result in withdrawal from the program. All drug screens must be ordered through the AC Complio website, and urine specimens submitted within 30 days of ordering the drug screen.

For details regarding Drug Screening, refer to the Health Sciences Drug Screening page.

Criminal Background Check

Amarillo College background checks are conducted through the AC Complio website, a firm specializing in background checks for healthcare workers. Your order must be placed online only, and typically takes 3-5 business days to complete.

Complio will not use your information for any other purposes other than a background check. Your credit will not be investigated, and your name will not be given out to any businesses.

Before proceeding with the Criminal Background Check process, you should first view and download the Amarillo College CBC Policy Statement. After reading the policy statement, you will need to sign the attached form and submit the signed form to your program director for placement into your application file. Your application to the program cannot be considered until this signed statement is on file.

Complete all required fields and hit Continue to enter your payment information. The payment of $48.00 plus sales tax for individuals living in Texas can be made securely online with a credit or debit card. You can also pay by money order, but that will delay processing your background check until the money order is received by mail at the Complio office. You will be provided an order confirmation number and instructions on checking the status on the completion of your report by email.

If you need assistance, don't hesitate to contact Complio.