Nuclear Medicine Technologist Jobs in California
Nuclear Medicine Technologist jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in major academic medical centers, large integrated health systems, and specialty imaging networks, with openings at every level from entry-level technologist through lead and senior positions. The largest hiring activity is in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where employers like Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Stanford Health Care, and UC San Diego Health maintain consistent demand. The most sought-after specialties include PET/CT imaging, cardiac nuclear medicine, and hybrid imaging with SPECT/CT. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 15+ Nuclear Medicine Technologist jobs
INTRODUCTION
The Nuclear Medicine Technologist is licensed in all scopes of practice as defined by the State of California Radiologic Health branch and performs routine to complex diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures using radiopharmaceuticals to assist in diagnosis and/or treatment in both the inpatient and outpatient environment.
The technologist must be able to work safely in an acute care setting and be able to interact accordingly with anesthesia and/or other patient care departments that visit the Nuclear Medicine environment. Collects, prepares and analyzes biologic specimens and prepares data for interpretation. Responsible for performing radiation safety and quality control procedures on all Nuclear Medicine equipment as required by the department. Participates in orientation and training of assigned staff, students, residents, and faculty. Participates in performance improvement activities in the department.
The Senior Nuclear Medicine Technologist advanced responsibilities can include, yet are not limited to the following:
- Demonstrate competency and participate in the lead/coordinator role.
- Demonstrate competency and the ability to instruct two or more of the specialty procedures.
- Active participation in clinical protocol development, improvement and implementation.
The Principal Nuclear Medicine Technologist advanced responsibilities can include, yet are not limited to the following:
- Demonstrate competency and participate in the lead/coordinator role.
- Active participation in an annual performance improvement project or active participation in NM Quality Assurance/Radiation Safety meetings.
- Demonstrate competency and the ability to instruct two or more of the advanced procedures, in addition to performing the procedures without direction.
- Active participation in clinical protocol development, maintenance, improvement and implementation.
- Active participation in research protocol development, maintenance and implementation.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Graduate of an accredited Nuclear Medicine training program.
- Flexibility in scheduling, ability to rotate locations and shifts and provide coverage for weekends and holidays.
- Senior Nuclear Medicine Technologist: Minimum 3 years of clinical experience as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. Principal Nuclear Medicine Technologist: Minimum 7–10 years of clinical experience as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist, demonstrating advanced technical expertise and leadership capabilities.
- Demonstrate competency and the ability to instruct two or more of the specialty procedures within 6 months of hire/promotion.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURES:
- Require CTNM: NMTCB or ARRT (N)
- Require CA state license – CA Department of Public Health, Certified Technologist, Nuclear Medicine
- Require BLS (CPR) Certification
- Require post-primary certification in Computed Tomography (ARRT) or (NMTCB) for Fusion Tech classification
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Prefer recent work experience in an acute care setting.
- Prefer ACLS.
- Prefer a bachelor’s degree in science, or equivalent credentials.
- Prefer previous experience in a Nuclear Medicine Technologist lead/coordinator role.
About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care.
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Salary Information
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.
Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.
To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html
INTRODUCTION
The Nuclear Medicine Technologist is licensed in all scopes of practice as defined by the State of California Radiologic Health branch and performs routine to complex diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures using radiopharmaceuticals to assist in diagnosis and/or treatment in both the inpatient and outpatient environment.
The technologist must be able to work safely in an acute care setting and be able to interact accordingly with anesthesia and/or other patient care departments that visit the Nuclear Medicine environment. Collects, prepares and analyzes biologic specimens and prepares data for interpretation. Responsible for performing radiation safety and quality control procedures on all Nuclear Medicine equipment as required by the department. Participates in orientation and training of assigned staff, students, residents, and faculty. Participates in performance improvement activities in the department.
The Senior Nuclear Medicine Technologist advanced responsibilities can include, yet are not limited to the following:
- Demonstrate competency and participate in the lead/coordinator role.
- Demonstrate competency and the ability to instruct two or more of the specialty procedures.
- Active participation in clinical protocol development, improvement and implementation.
The Principal Nuclear Medicine Technologist advanced responsibilities can include, yet are not limited to the following:
- Demonstrate competency and participate in the lead/coordinator role.
- Active participation in an annual performance improvement project or active participation in NM Quality Assurance/Radiation Safety meetings.
- Demonstrate competency and the ability to instruct two or more of the advanced procedures, in addition to performing the procedures without direction.
- Active participation in clinical protocol development, maintenance, improvement and implementation.
- Active participation in research protocol development, maintenance and implementation.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Graduate of an accredited Nuclear Medicine training program.
- Flexibility in scheduling, ability to rotate locations and shifts and provide coverage for weekends and holidays.
- Senior Nuclear Medicine Technologist: Minimum 3 years of clinical experience as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. Principal Nuclear Medicine Technologist: Minimum 7–10 years of clinical experience as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist, demonstrating advanced technical expertise and leadership capabilities.
- Demonstrate competency and the ability to instruct two or more of the specialty procedures within 6 months of hire/promotion.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURES:
- Require CTNM: NMTCB or ARRT (N)
- Require CA state license – CA Department of Public Health, Certified Technologist, Nuclear Medicine
- Require BLS (CPR) Certification
- Require post-primary certification in Computed Tomography (ARRT) or (NMTCB) for Fusion Tech classification
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Prefer recent work experience in an acute care setting.
- Prefer ACLS.
- Prefer a bachelor’s degree in science, or equivalent credentials.
- Prefer previous experience in a Nuclear Medicine Technologist lead/coordinator role.
About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care.
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Salary Information
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.
Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.
To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html
See All 15 Nuclear Medicine Technologist Jobs in California
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Find JobsNuclear Medicine Technologist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Prime Healthcare Services4
- University of California - San Francisco2
- CENTSTONE SERVICES1
- Cardinal Health1
- Dignity Health1
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services9
- Education3
- Consulting & Professional Services1
- Distribution & Wholesale1
- Technology & Software1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in nuclear medicine technologist jobs across California.
- ARRT(N) or NMTCB certification required for California nuclear medicine technologist positions
- Associate or bachelor's degree in nuclear medicine technology or a related clinical science
- Hands-on experience operating gamma cameras, PET scanners, and SPECT/CT equipment
- California Radiologic Technology certification issued by the California Department of Public Health
- Ability to prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals following radiation safety protocols
- Strong patient assessment skills and experience with electronic health record systems
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a nuclear medicine technologist in California?
To work as a nuclear medicine technologist in California, you must hold a Radiologic Technology certification from the California Department of Public Health, which administers licensure under the Radiologic Health Branch. You also need to complete an accredited nuclear medicine technology program and hold national certification through ARRT in nuclear medicine technology or through the NMTCB. California does not offer a separate reciprocity pathway, so out-of-state technologists must apply directly to the Radiologic Health Branch.
How much do nuclear medicine technologists make in California?
Nuclear medicine technologists in California earn a median of about $162,380 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $122,760 for the lowest 10% to over $200,990 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire nuclear medicine technologists in California?
Employers hiring nuclear medicine technologists in California right now include Prime Healthcare Services, University of California - San Francisco, and CENTSTONE SERVICES, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of academic medical centers, large integrated health networks, and specialty outpatient imaging clinics keeps demand consistent across the state.
Which California cities have the most nuclear medicine technologist jobs?
La Palma, San Francisco, and Victorville have the most nuclear medicine technologist openings in California. Los Angeles and San Francisco lead because of their dense clusters of academic hospitals, large health systems, and specialty imaging centers, while San Diego's concentration of research-affiliated hospitals and VA facilities drives strong demand in that metro as well.
Are there remote nuclear medicine technologist jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Nuclear medicine technology is a hands-on clinical role requiring direct patient contact and on-site operation of imaging equipment, so the vast majority of positions are fully on-site. About 0% of nuclear medicine technologist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026. The small share of remote work in the field typically involves reading support, quality assurance review, or administrative coordination rather than direct imaging.
How can I get hired as a nuclear medicine technologist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to new-graduate positions at large California academic health systems, which regularly run structured orientation programs for technologists without clinical experience. Cedars-Sinai, UCSF Health, and Kaiser Permanente Northern and Southern California all hire new graduates into supervised roles. Completing a California-accredited nuclear medicine technology program with strong clinical rotation hours, then securing your ARRT(N) or NMTCB certification before applying, gives you a clear edge. Technologists moving from radiologic technology or radiation therapy also find nuclear medicine a natural lateral step.
Where can I find and apply to nuclear medicine technologist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to nuclear medicine technologist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Search by city or sub-specialty to narrow the results to roles that match your experience and credentials, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 15 Nuclear Medicine Technologist Jobs in California
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