Frequently Asked Questions
 

Does my bachelor’s degree need to be in nuclear medicine technology?

No, the bachelor’s degree can be in any field of study at a regionally accredited college or university.  You must still have completed an accredited program in nuclear medicine technology, and you must submit a transcript from the nuclear medicine school you attended, even if it was a certificate program.

What scores must I receive on the GRE to be considered?

The NMAA program is designed for experienced technologists who are highly motivated and exceptionally qualified.  Applicants with modest GRE scores should not be discouraged and may demonstrate their academic ability by submitting transcripts that reflect outstanding grades from previous, relevant, course work.  Conversely, applicants with average grades on their transcripts may demonstrate their academic abilities by achieving high GRE scores.  Each applicant’s documentation is reviewed as a whole; therefore, no single factor will determine the strength of the application, providing at least the minimum requirements are all met.

Is there a deadline on submitting paperwork?

The NMAA program may be started in any semester.  Applications postmarked by June 1^st will be considered for admission for the following fall semester, which begins in August.  Applications postmarked after June 1^st, but no later than November 1^st, will be considered for admission in the spring semester, which begins in January.  Applications postmarked after November 1^st, but no later than March 1^st, will be considered for admission in the summer semester, which begins in May.  Only applicants with completed application files will be considered for admission, so all remaining required documentation should be submitted as soon as possible after the application is submitted.  This includes the reference forms, clinical preceptor form(s), official GRE scores, transcripts for all post-secondary institutions, proof of current certification or registry, verification of ACLS certification, and completion of the professional résumé and letter of interest.  Please refer to the admissions procedure document for more details.

Are all the courses online?

All courses are available in distance learning formats.  Clinical internship course work is completed primarily in the clinical setting, but some is completed through distance education.  An individualized degree plan is developed for each NMAA student, depending on the number of semesters anticipated for completion of the program. 

Will I be eligible for in-state (i.e., resident) tuition since this program is online?

Tuition is based on your state of residency.  Students in Arkansas and Missouri are eligible for in-state tuition at graduate student rates.   Contact the UAMS Student Financial Aid Office at 501-686-5451 for information on obtaining financial assistance.  Contact the NMAA program for current tuition rates.  Students may also find they are eligible for tuition assistance at their place of employment or that their physician preceptor’s practice is willing to help with tuition expenses. 

How often will I need to be on campus for the NMAA program?

Student visits to the UAMS campus are scheduled periodically throughout the program.  Typically, two visits are mandatory.  The first will be during the completion of a clinical skills assignment with a simulated patient. This will take place approximately midway through the Patient Assessment course.  The second visit will occur when students present their research projects, usually in the spring semester just prior to graduation.  Additional visits to campus may be scheduled if requested by the NMAA student or if deemed necessary by the program director.

Do I need any special equipment for the program?

Unlimited availability of a computer with Internet access will make it much easier to complete the NMAA program.  Computer software used in the program includes, but is not limited to, Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat.  Specific models of peripherals such as a Web camera or headset microphone may be required for some courses.

Can you assign me to a physician preceptor?

Most physicians agreeing to serve as clinical preceptors have previously established professional relationships with the persons they mentor.  The future student has demonstrated his/her commitment and ability and earned the physician’s confidence over time.  It may be possible to arrange specific rotations with other physicians to meet program goals; however, recruitment of the physician preceptor(s) is ultimately the student’s responsibility.  Applicants are encouraged to have more than one preceptor, if possible.  

What are the physician preceptor’s responsibilities?

The physician preceptors guide the NMAA students’ clinical experiences.  They help the NMAA students arrange the sequencing of their clinical rotations, supervise the NMAA clinical activities, and evaluate the NMAA students’ performance.  Specific information to share with interested physicians describing the role of the preceptors and explaining their responsibilities is available on the NMAA application process Web page.  Additional information regarding preceptor responsibilities may be found on this link.

May I enroll in NMAA courses before being accepted into the program?

Applicants may be considered for enrollment in non-clinical courses as non-degree, non-certificate seeking students for up to one course per semester.  Enrolling as a non-degree, non-certificate student does not guarantee admission to the NMAA program nor does it enhance the likelihood of acceptance; however, the course credit earned may satisfy specific program requirements if the student is ultimately acceptance into the NMAA program.  Applicants interested in this option must have a signed preceptor agreement.  Permission to enroll as a non-degree, non-certificate seeking student will be granted on a space available basis.

How are clinical rotations scheduled?

The NMAA student and his/her physician preceptor create the clinical internship schedule.  Each clinical internship course requires documenting a minimum number of contact hours that equate approximately to at least three full days per week.  NMAA students may choose to increase their clinical time as needed to master clinical objectives.  Some employers permit NMAA students to complete clinical requirements during work hours. 

Will I need liability insurance protection?

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