Nuclear medicine is a people-orientated discipline and integrates aspects of health sciences and imaging technology. Nuclear medicine technologists are health professionals who utilise their knowledge of human physiology, pathology, technology, physics and chemistry in order to obtain images of optimal quality. These images provide both structural and physiological information on almost any organ of the body.

Nuclear medicine is a patient-centred profession. The role involves acting as an advocate for patients, displaying a high level of professionalism and functioning as part of a multidisciplinary team. Nuclear medicine technologists are required to perform high-quality imaging procedures and ensure holistic patient care.
The role of the nuclear medicine technologist is ever-changing with the introduction of more complex technologies, increasing demand on clinical imaging services and ongoing educational opportunities.

The University of Auckland offers the only nuclear medicine qualification in New Zealand that can lead to professional registration. Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (Nuclear Medicine) will be eligible for registration with the regulatory body, the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board (MRTB), in the Nuclear Medicine scope of practice.

You can study this specialisation in the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (Nuclear Medicine).
The areas of study include:
- Nuclear medicine technology and its application
- Radiopharmaceuticals and safe handling
- Nuclear medicine imaging appearances
- Reflection on clinical practice

Medical imaging technologists (MITs) seeking a clinical training position in nuclear medicine may commence their study before securing a training position. They can begin by enrolling in the PGCertHSc(Medical Imaging) and completing four specific courses. Should they obtain a clinical training position within five years of completing the PGCertHSc, these courses can be transferred into the PGDipHSc(Nuclear Medicine) qualification.

Courses in this subject area are offered in a flexible learning format (online delivery).