NMTCB 2003 task analysis report.

Abstract

RATIONALE: The Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) undertook a task analysis survey in the summer of 2002 as a part of its ongoing efforts to maintain the validity of its entry-level examination. METHODS: A task analysis survey, including sections on demographics, procedures, equipment, pharmaceuticals, and tasks performed or used by nuclear medicine technologists, was prepared and sent to 1,800 certified nuclear medicine technologists (CNMTs). Survey recipients were asked to indicate the frequency with which specific tasks are performed in their departments and whether these tasks are performed by nuclear medicine technologists or by other professionals. Criticality ratings for each task were determined by the NMTCB Board of Directors. These data were combined using the Kane weighting method to determine an importance rating for each task. Survey recipients were also asked which procedures are performed and which equipment and pharmaceuticals are used in nuclear medicine procedures in their institutions. CONCLUSION: A new task analysis for nuclear medicine technology is presented. It will form the basis for the NMTCB's entry-level examination, beginning in March 2004. Lists of procedures, equipment, and pharmaceuticals used in the practice of nuclear medicine technology are also presented.