Two associations representing radiologic technologists have jointly crafted recommendations for PET/MRI education, certification, and staffing requirements for technologists.
A task force formed by the Society of Nuclear Medicine Technologist Section (SNMMITS) and the Section for Magnetic Resonance Technologists (SMRT) has recommended that additional education about the hybrid modality be available in forums such as a master's program. In addition, the task force recommends consideration of a new specialty certification exam that would show a technologist's competency in PET/MRI.
SNMMITS and SMRT also believe PET/MRI technologists should be licensed in states in which nuclear medicine or MRI licensure currently exists. The task force also recommends that a set number of credits in nuclear medicine/PET and MRI be established by each of the three certifying organizations recognized by SNMMITS and SMRT.
The recommendations come in a paper that also addresses staffing challenges. SMRT endorses the American College of Radiology guidance document stating that at least two MRI technologists or at least one MRI technologist and designated MRI personnel (someone who is at least trained in MR safety) be present during a scan.
The ultimate goal for the future of the field is a PET/MRI technologist trained to be fully functional in both modalities, according to the task force.
