Nuclear Medicine Physicians

Overview

Introduction

Nuclear medicine physicians, who are also known as nuclear radiologists, use radioactive techniques and materials to diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the human body. They are physicians who specialize in analyzing medical images of patients and making recommendations for treatment. They hold a doctor of medicine (M.D.) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) from an accredited school and are board certified in radiology.

Quick Facts


Median Salary

$300,000

Employment Prospects

Good

Minimum Education Level

Medical Degree


Experience

Two or more years experience in a medical practice


Skills

Interpersonal|Math|Scientific|Research


Personality Traits

Helpful|Problem-Solving|Scientific

Earnings

Physicians have among the highest average earnings of any occupational group, and nuclear medicine physicians are among the top earners among physicians.

Nuclear medicine physicians earned average salaries of $253,148 in 2025, according to ZipRecruiter.com. Salaries ranged from $67,500 to $378,500.

Salary.com reported that physicians that specialized in nuclear medicine earned an ...

Work Environment

The offices and work spaces of nuclear medicine physicians are well equipped, well lighted, and well ventilated. They work with hazardous materials in conducting diagnostic imaging of patients, and therefore follow safety procedures. Nuclear medicine physicians usually work 40 hours per week during business hours. They spend a great deal of time on their feet so a degree of fitness and stamina ...

Outlook

Nuclear medicine will continue to play an important role in detecting, diagnosing, treating, and monitoring diseases. As described by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, "With the development of new technologies and imaging agents, many of which are now in clinical trials, nuclear medicine and molecular imaging promise to continue to deliver improvements to patient care."

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