PharmD Nuclear Pharmacy Certificate Program Information

About the Program

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy has offered the Nuclear Pharmacist Training Program for over 20 years. This certificate program provides the hours and training necessary to meet the didactic requirements set forth in the NRC regulation 35.55: training for an authorized nuclear pharmacist.

The regulations state that a user complete 200 hours of classroom and laboratory training in areas of radiation physics/ instrumentation, radiation protection, math related to measuring radioactivity, radiation biology, and chemistry of radioactive material. There is an additional requirement for 500 hours of practical experience in a nuclear pharmacy under the supervision of a nuclear pharmacist; those hours are to be obtained outside of the training program. See NRC Reg. 35.55 for specific regulations.

UTHSC College of Pharmacy has a nuclear pharmacy lab where students will perform laboratory work in a hood and on equipment used in nuclear pharmacies. This lab training will allow students to gain hands-on experience using radioactive material while in a controlled setting. This environment will allow real-time feedback as well as opportunities for practice and troubleshooting. Opportunities to visit multiple nuclear pharmacies and a nuclear medicine department in a hospital, as well as observe cameras and imaging equipment in use, are available during the courses.

Requirements

In order to participate in this series of courses, a student must complete the following during their P1 year:

1. Meet with Dr. Morgan to discuss an interest and career in nuclear pharmacy.
2. Shadow a nuclear pharmacy or PET facility at a time and location convenient for the student.
3. Fill out the shadowing form and return to Dr. Morgan
4. Meet with Dr. Morgan for a final interview before acceptance into the program.
5. Students are required to have a 3.0 GPA or better at the end of the P1 academic year before starting the program. 
6. The Office of Academic Affairs determines final approval for admittance into the program.

The Nuclear Pharmacist training consists of three courses that will start Spring Semester P2 year and must be taken in sequence. Students will complete all three courses by the end of P3 year (June). Students must achieve a minimum grade of B- before advancing to the next course. Attendance in both lecture and lab is required to receive course credit. 

Note: Students must be in Memphis during the coursework but may leave Memphis for APPE rotations in other areas of the state.