Curriculum
Classroom instruction is scheduled primarily in the fall, followed by clinical rotations.
A building block approach is used for all instruction. Lectures and workshops start with a review of college course work and build on those concepts as they apply to nuclear medicine. Workshops include topics such as cell-labeling techniques, instrumentation, patient-handling techniques and computer applications.
You will gain supervised clinical experience using state-of-the-art equipment including computers, cameras and PET. Clinical rotations in each area of imaging and nuclear pharmacy are one to two weeks in length. As your knowledge and skills in nuclear medicine increase, supervision will be reduced, allowing you to function more independently on routine procedures.
Rotations
Students who are in good standing, academically and clinically, may be offered a four-week elective rotation to Mayo Clinic's practice in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Ariz. This rotation will give you intensive clinical experience in a broader range of practice environments. These rotations take place between March and July. Mayo Clinic funds the authorized additional costs for those selected.
Students may elect to participate in rotations to three other sites:
- Mayo Clinic Health System - LaCrosse, Wis.
- Mayo Clinic Health System - Mankato, Minn.
- CentraCare Heart and Vascular Center at the St. Cloud Hospital - St. Cloud, Minn. (two-week rotations during the spring and summer)
Course sequencing
The curriculum for the program is taught on a semester-based schedule to match the academic structure of our program affiliates.
Course schedule for semester-hours program
Fall Semester I
| Course | Credits |
|---|
| Hospital Orientation | 1 |
| Radiation Protection | 3 |
| Mathematical Evaluation of Clinical Data | 1 |
| Clinical Nuclear Practicum I | 6 |
| Nuclear Radiation Physics and Instrumentation | 3 |
| Radiopharmacy | 3 |
Spring Semester II
| Course | Credits |
|---|
| Total | 34 |
| Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology | 3 |
| Clinical Instrumentation and Techniques | 3 |
| Clinical Nuclear Practicum II | 7 |
| Application of Radionuclides to Medicine | 2 |
| Clinical Radiation Biology | 1 |
| Application of Computers to Nuclear Medicine | 1 |
Grading or evaluation
Mayo School of Health Sciences uses student evaluative tools that include:
- Written examination
- Demonstration of skills
- Self-assessment exercises
- Faculty reviews
Our system of evaluation provides students and faculty with a comprehensive look at individual performance. This allows faculty and administrative staff to direct students who are experiencing academic difficulty to the appropriate support resources, including tutoring programs and counseling opportunities.
Curriculum enhancement
Mayo School of Health Sciences is committed to developing and maintaining the very best education programs. Changes may be made to the curriculum and other aspects of this program as necessary to assure the highest-quality training.
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