Getting Started in Authorized User: 200 Hour

AU1 - Physics

Course Description

Nuclear Physics for Radiopharmacists introduces students to nuclear physics and the interactions of ionizing radiation with matter as applicable to radiopharmacy.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Discuss the history of radioactivity including important scientists and their discoveries.
  2. Explain the physical structure and properties of atoms.
  3. Define and explain radiation and radioactive decay.
  4. Define characteristics of radioactivity including mass, specific activity, half
  5. List and explain the different methods of production of radionuclides.
  6. List and explain the different types of interactions of radiation with matter.
  7. Explain and use counting statistics as applicable to measurements of radioactivity.

AU2 - Instrumentation

Course Description

Instrumentation examines the theories and operating principles of radiation detection instruments routinely used within nuclear medicine/pharmacy.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Differentiate between radioactivity and radiation.
  2. Describes the types and uses of gas
  3. Describe theory and operating principles of common scintillation detectors (including wellcounters, liquid scintillators, solid state detectors and gamma cameras) as routinely used in nuclear medicine/pharmacy.
  4. Define and calculate instrument parameters such as resolution, efficiency, sensitivity, minimum detectable activity et al).
  5. Describe the components of an instrumentation quality assurance program.
  6. Describe gamma camera imaging parameters.
  7. Discuss the basic concepts of tomographic imaging.
  8. Explain the function and application of personnel monitoring devices.
  9. filled detectors in nuclear medicine/pharmacy.

AU3 - Radiation Biology

Course Description

Radiation Biology examines the biological effects of ionizing radiation. Physical interactions, energy deposition and chemical changes that result in cell damage will be reviewed. The effects of these interactions on mammalian cells will be the main emphasis including survival and repair, mutagenesis and acute and late effects.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Differentiate between radioactivity and radiation
  2. Explain the physical effects of ionizing radiation
  3. Describe the chemical effects of radiation
  4. Explain the biological effects of radiation on mammalian cells
  5. Discuss the biological effects of low levels of ionizing radiation
  6. Discuss the biological effects of high levels of ionizing radiation
  7. Evaluate the risk associated with the handling of radioactivity

AU4 - Radiochemistry

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Define the ideal characteristics of a radiopharmaceutical.
  2. List three differences between diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals.
  3. List the mechanisms of localization of radiopharmaceuticals.
  4. Discuss the different types of labeling with radiotracers.
  5. Discuss four concerns of solution chemistry of tracer metals.
  6. Explain the radiolabeling of ligands with technetium.
  7. Define impurities found in technetium labeled radiopharmaceuticals.
  8. Discuss the chemical radiolabeling of ligands with other radiometals.
  9. Explain the differences in radiolabeling with iodine.
  10. List the steps in radiolabeling with positron emitters.

AU5 - Radiation Safety and Regulations

Course Description:

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) stipulates that any individual qualified to be named as an Authorized Nuclear Pharmacist (ANP) is also qualified to serve as the facility Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). As such, an ANP must be familiar with radiation protection concepts, radiation regulations and regulations specific to the practice of pharmacy. This course will review the pertinent information specific to the practice of radiopharmacy.

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Explain how interactions of radiation with matter impact biological systems.
  2. Define radiation dose measurements.
  3. Identify and describe the regulatory agencies governing radiopharmacy and the medical use of radioactive materials.
  4. Describe and explain the principles of radiation protection.
  5. Discuss personnel monitoring and precautions.
  6. Explain area monitoring.
  7. Discuss regulations concerning sealed references sources.
  8. Explain the preparation and handling of packages containing radioactivity.