Students completing this program of 200 hours of didactic training with the 500 hours of experiential training will be eligible for certification by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.  The student-centered curriculum will include interactive web based course materials, discussion groups, preceptor-led activities, and problem based learning case studies.  A series of cases is based on actual clinical imaging studies and pharmacy situations.  The entire curriculum is mapped to the APhA Syllabus for Nuclear Pharmacy Training, thus the full range of knowledge needed to be a qualified nuclear pharmacists is thoroughly covered.

The curriculum will consists of the following eight courses:

1.  Introduction to Nuclear Education Online:  Before you step off into the nuclear physics, we want to make sure that you have the tools to succeed.  When you register in the program we will take you through a few exercises to make sure that you have the needed hardware and software (and know how to use them!) and refresh your memory on some basic math skills that may have become a little rusty. 

2.  Nuclear Physics for Radiopharmacy:  An understanding of nuclear physics is critical to understanding radiation safety, radiopharmaceuticals and radiation biology.  Concepts and physical properties governing the atom to include systems and units of measure, atomic and nuclear structure, and particulate and electromagnetic radiation.  This material is fundamental to the entire curriculum.

3.  Instrumentation:  How does a GM meter work?  Why is important to determine the MCA counting efficiency?  This course will cover the operational principles of radiation detection equipment to include statistical application and quality control. 

4.  Radiation  Biology:  Introduction to the interactions of radiation and biological systems, including chronic and delayed effects through physical and chemical changes from radiation.  The biological basis for radiation safety will be presented.

5.  Radiation Safety:  A review of the legal, biological and administrative aspects of radiation protection in nuclear medicine. Emphasis on practical means of minimizing radiation exposure to the patient, staff and general public.

6.  Radiopharmacy:  This course explores the chemical, physical, and biological properties of radiopharmaceuticals used in nuclear medicine. Production, quality control, and regulations of a nuclear pharmacy will be examined. Emphasis is placed on clinical applications of radiopharmaceuticals.

7.  Problem-Based-Learning Cases:  People learning by doing and solving problems.  We'll take a real-life case scenario and help you walk through the critical thinking process of deciding what the problem is and determining what information you need to solve the problem.  Buck Rhodes PhD, and NEO faculty will assist you through these important learning exercises.

8.  Experiential Education:  Nothing can replace real life experiences.  Our trained preceptors will assist the students in the important hands-on learning to become a skilled professional.  Kristina Wittstrom, BCNP, will guide the experiential learning process.

Approved by Florida Board of Pharmacy and the Texas Bureau of Radiation Control