Positron Emission Tomography Certificate
The Positron Emission Tomography Certificate (PET) within the School of Medical Imaging Sciences is a distance education program with a clinical internship component consisting of 1,000 hours. The Positron Emission Tomography Certificate (PET) prepares students to practice competently and effectively as medical imaging professionals in diverse healthcare environments. The academic and clinical foundation in the curriculum develops graduates with professional flexibility and adaptability to assume prominent roles and responsibilities after graduation in both career and scholarly pursuits.
The fulfillment of our mission and goals through an integrated curriculum ensures students attain the following learning outcomes:
- Obtain a level of clinical competence appropriate for an entry-level medical imaging professional.
- Possess critical thinking skills to adapt to changing clinical environments and patient needs.
- Exhibit professionalism through consistent ethical behavior.
- Demonstrate communication skills for effective communication with patients, families, and other healthcare providers.
Upon completion of the core and required specialization courses, the following credential will be awarded: Positron Emission Tomography Certificate
Credits: 18
Duration: 1 Year (2 semesters)
JPU offers three (3) semesters per calendar year. Students enrolling in two (2) consecutive semesters can complete the program in approximately 8 months.
Curriculum
| PET400 | Orientation to Positron Emission Tomography | 1 Credit |
| PET406 | PET Applications | 3 Credits |
| PET408 | Physics and Instrumentation | 3 Credits |
| PET420 | Radiopharmacology | 3 Credits |
| PET424 | Quality Control and Protection | 3 Credits |
| PET421 | Clinical Practice* | 5 Credits |
*The Clinical Practice is competency-based and requires a minimum of 1,000 hours in order to be eligible for the PET examination (effective January 1, 2023). At a minimum, competencies include the following. No more than one competency may be documented per day per category.
- Radiopharmaceutical handling, injection (if permitted by state regulations), and imaging
- 50 competencies in any PET imaging
- 10 competencies in Daily Scanner QC
- 10 competencies in Dose Calibrator QC
- 10 competencies in Daily Survey and Survey Meter QC
- 10 competencies in package receipt, disposal, and return
- 10 competencies in radiopharmaceutical preparation, including dose calculation and dose assay
Plan of Study
| Semester 1 | |
| Orientation to PET | 1 Credit |
| PET Applications | 3 Credits |
| Radiopharmacology | 3 Credits |
| 7 Credits | |
| Semester 2 | |
| Physics and Instrumentation | 3 Credits |
| Quality Control and Protection | 3 Credits |
| Clinical Practice | 5 Credits |
| 11 Credits |
Positron Emission Tomography Certificate (PET) Program Application Requirements:
- 3 letters of reference
- Curriculum Vitae/Résumé
- Official transcripts from all higher education institutions attended
- Personal statement letter
- Copies of TOEFL or IELTS scores, if applicable
- Application, $35.00 application fee (non-refundable)
Program Admission Requirements
- Must possess the following active certifications:
- CAMRT(RT), CAMRT(RTT), ARRT(R), or ARRT(T)
- Certification in Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) from a nationally recognized certification board
- If applicant’s first language, or language of instruction, is not English, English proficiency examination scores are required.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) minimum scores are 550 (pBT) or 213 (cBT) or 79 (iBT).
- The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) minimum score required is 6.5.
- The PTE Academic minimum score required is 53.
- Interview with JPU representative
Certification
The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) contains the most updated information on licensure, as well as each individual state. JPU reviews the information annually.