Insights about nuclear medicine technology: findings from a 2006 survey of NMT education program directors.

, under a contract with the Society of Nuclear Medicine (SNM), conducted a survey of Nuclear Medicine Technology Education Program Directors to learn about both their personal careers and the education programs for which they are responsible. This report summarizes the responses to this survey and presents a variety of insights about this important group of individuals and programs. This report is the third in a series of seven to be produced by this major study of the nuclear medicine workforce. The initial report, prepared in 2005, was based solely on then existing sources of data and information about nuclear medicine. The second focused on Nuclear Medicine Technologists (NMTs) based on a 2005 survey of certified NMTs from across the U.S. Subsequent reports will be prepared on a national survey of Nuclear Medicine Scientists (NMSs) conducted in 2006, a survey of students graduating from nuclear medicine technology education programs conducted in 2006 and 2007, a national survey of physicians involved in nuclear medicine planned for 2007, and national surveys of nuclear medicine educators and students conducted in 2007 and 2008. A final report will also be prepared synthesizing the findings and conclusions from the several component reports and presenting a series of recommendations about both the field of nuclear medicine and the several nuclear medicine professions. The report was prepared by Margaret Langelier and Paul Wing of the Center staff, with assistance from Ajita De. The authors acknowledge the contributions of Joanna Spahr, the project officer from SNM, to both the survey and the report. The contributions of an informal advisory committee are also gratefully acknowledged. Responsibility for the accuracy of the report rests solely with the authors. The Center was established in 1996 to collect, analyze, and present data about health care workers to inform provider, professional, government, and education organizations; policy makers; and the public. Today, the Center is a national leader in the field of health workforce studies. It supports and improves health workforce planning and access to quality health care through its capacity to collect, track, evaluate, and disseminate information about health care personnel at the national, state, and local levels. Additional information about the Center can be found on its website, Question H1. Please describe any important changes in the student population and student needs that you have experienced in the past few years, including changes in technical proficiency, demographics, or other important changes.. Executive …