Nuclear Medicine Physicians

Nuclear medicine will continue to play an important role in detecting, diagnosing, treating, and monitoring diseases. As described by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, "With the development of new technologies and imaging agents, many of which are now in clinical trials, nuclear medicine and molecular imaging promise to continue to deliver improvements to patient care."

Employment of all physicians is projected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. This is about as fast as the average for all occupations. Population growth, particularly among the elderly, is a factor in the demand for physicians. The widespread availability of medical insurance is also enabling more people to seek treatment from specialists such as nuclear medicine physicians, through both private plans and public programs. In addition, nuclear medicine procedures are gaining in popularity because they are not invasive; they are being used more for diagnosing respiratory problems, kidney and heart functions, gall bladder issues, as well as blood disorders, cancer, and other diseases. More nuclear medicine physicians will also be needed for medical research, public health, rehabilitation, and industrial medicine.

Competition will be especially keen among newly trained physicians entering practice, particularly in large cities. Rural and low-income areas are in need of more physicians, and there is a short supply of general surgeons. Nuclear medicine physicians who are able to relocate for work will have the best job prospects.