FAQ
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.
When should I apply?
Applications are accepted for the Nuclear Medicine Technology program starting December 1 through February 28 of each year, for the class beginning the following fall quarter.
Where should I submit the completed application?
Applications must be submitted to the Radiologic Science and Imaging Office in room A251 on the BC Main Campus between December 1 and February 28. Your official transcript is required with the application. For more details on the application and requirements for applying, check out the How to Apply section of this site.
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 in 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. [link to 1.4.0]
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.
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.
Should I visit a Nuclear Medicine department?
Yes. Call and make an appointment with the supervisor of any nuclear medicine department [link to 1.6.0]. 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.
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). [link to tuition page] In addition, in the second through the sixth quarters, an additional fee of $150 per quarter is also required to pay for costs related to clinical education.
