INME PROGRAM OF CLASSES

FUNDAMENTALS OF RADIOISOTOPE HANDLING
100 HOURS - 9 Days

For Cardiology, Neurology, Endocrinology, Radiation Safety, Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, Radio Pharmacy, Technology

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF RADIOISOTOPE HANDLING is a nine (9) day program designed to provide the basic education and laboratory experience in all general aspects of the Basics of Radioisotope Handling.

This Program exceeds the recommendations of some medical organizations and provides a broad exposure to the basic science of this field. The program may be utilized as minimal instruction in the topics deemed necessary for general, minimal, competency.

The participant may expand their knowledge by continuing with the Extended Comprehensive INME program to achieve Comprehensive education and laboratory experience meeting the 200 hour traditional standards (When combimed with the Fundamentals of Radioisotope Handling program.

What is Presented in the Fundamentals of Radioisotope Handling Program
The basic function and use of radiation measuring devices, radiation regulations for the safe use of radionuclides, techniques for the ordering, receiving, storing, administration, and disposal of licensed materials, and the fundamental indications, quality control, and use of radiopharmaceuticals.

Objectives:

To provide a fundamental understanding of radiation physics, detectors and imaging instrumentation; mathematics as applied to radiation measurement; radiation protection; radiopharmacy, dosimetry, and waste management. The participants receive an introduction to all aspects of radioisotope handling, including the fundamental activities required of an authorized user or radiation safety officer. An examination is given at the end of this program to determine the level of understanding achieved by the participant. The participant may provide success in this examination to a Preceptor, as evidence of their attendance and competency. The successful participant will understand basic protocols, procedures, and measurements associated with daily activities of an authorized user or radiation safety officer.

CURRICULUM DISTRIBUTION

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INME PROGRAM Extended Comprehensive Radioisotope Handling
100 HOURS

COMPREHENSIVE RADIOISOTOPE HANDLING provides the participant with an opportunity to expand their knowledge into a comprehensive understanding of the science and technological aspects of Physics, Instrumentation, Radiation Protection, and Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry. The participant will develop an understanding that will be sufficient to document an in-depth knowledge, that has traditionally been recognized as the standard for an acceptable level of competency. Participants completing the first course (The Fundamentals of Radioisotope Handling) or parts A & B from the previous classes offered may enroll in the INME Program Extended Comprehensive Radioisotope Handling to achieve a more comprehensive education.

Both INME programs, The Fundamentals of Radioisotope Handling and the Extended Comprehensive include the following areas of instruction. The Fundamentals covers the basic instruction while the Extended Comprhensive covers the more advanced Concepts.

MEDICAL RADIATION PHYSICS
Objectives: To provide an understanding of currently accepted structure and methods of research into the nature of matter; to differentiate the types of radiation emissions and their characteristics, including interaction; to measure radiation from various sources using detection systems; to convert sources using detection systems; to convert radiation measurements into appropriate activity, exposure, dose, and biologically effective units; to discuss Federal/State regulatory requirements in relation to the medical use of radioactive materials, and to demonstrate and participate in measurements of half valve layers, half thickness, radioactive decay, inverse square law and particulate, and electromagnetic energy.

 

MEDICAL RADIATION INSTRUMENTATION
Objectives: To identify the types and application of medical radiation detection systems available and their operational characteristics; to identify and demonstrate
the theory of calibration techniques and quality control procedures for G-M
and ionization survey meters, dose calibrators, scintillation probes, wells,
cameras and medical computers; to calibrate and determine geometry and
count rate efficiency of various detectors to convert radiation measurements into activity, exposure and dose units; to determine the clinical performance
characteristics of gamma cameras and document professional and regulatory requirements.

MEDICAL RADIATION PROTECTION (Level 1–4)
Objectives: To provide an explanation of the biological effects of radiation on human cells, tissues, and organs at chronic and acute levels; to identify the implications and remedial actions necessary in cases of acute and chronic contamination and exposure to radiation; to determine the operation and use of personal dosimeters and protection/measurement instruments; to establish an effective ALARA program; to determine and comply with Federal and State radiation safety regulations, including appropriate measurements and documentation; to establish and administer personnel and operational policies and procedures to ensure patient, worker, and population safety from unreasonable biological, mechanical, electrical, and radiation hazards.

RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS AND CHEMISTRY
Objectives: To provide a discussion of the indications, contraindications, and pharmacological effects of various radiopharmaceuticals and radiation sources; to identify the production of radiation sources and their regulatory control, specific activity, and radionuclide purity; to explain and provide for implementation of operational procedures for ordering, receiving, storage, and disposal of radioactive materials; to review the regulatory requirements for the development and use of radiopharmaceuticals; to calculate the activity, concentration, and radiation dose of diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals; to identify and demonstrate handling and administration techniques for radiopharmaceutical agents.

EXTENDED COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM CURRICULUM DISTRIBUTION
(Hours of classroom and laboratory training)

COMPREHENSIVE RADIOISOTOPE HANDLING has been the standard for excellence in this field for over 20 years. Thousands of physicians have completed this program and become licensed to practice medicine utilizing radiopharmaceuticals. Physicists, radiopharmacists, and skilled technologists have also utilized this program as the foundation of their professional competency.

 

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INME REVIEW PROGRAM
16 HOURS

EXAM REVIEW OF RADIOISOTOPE HANDLING

Review is a two (2) day program providing an accelerated review of the topics critical to the fundamental concepts of radioisotope handling. This program is directed to individuals who desire to receive a review of the topics to refresh their understanding or as preparation for examination. The program provides multiple-choice questions covering each topic for self-evaluation and to practice participating in examinations in radioisotope handling.

OBJECTIVES:

As a result of participating in this program, attendees should be able to:
• Affirm their understanding of the science necessary
to handle radioisotopes.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental
concepts.
• Improve their response to questions associated with
the topics.
• Evaluate technical situations to determine the
appropriate response.
• Discuss the interrelationship to self-administered
multiple-choice examination questions.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

The Basics of Radioisotope Handling serves as the basics for knowledge and evaluation in this field. Some attendees may be interested in renewing their basic skills and determining their level of understanding through self-administered examinations. Other attendees may be preparing for examinations and wish to renew the concepts as well as practice their skills in completing examinations covering these topics. Physicians in practice as well as Residents and Fellows will find this an appropriate review. Non physicians, technologists, physicists, and radiopharmacists will refresh their knowledge and evaluation skills.

 

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INME DOT HAZMAT PROGRAM
3 HOURS

DOT HAZMAT CERTIFICATION IS NOW PART OF THE EXTENDED COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM

The Department Of Transportation (DOT) required hazardous material (HazMat) program is a very brief but mandatory program. This program is designed to enable the participants to understand and apply the techniques and procedures for shipping radioactive materials. Upon completion of the program, there is a written examination which, if completed, results in CERTIFICATION that meets the DOT HazMat shipping requirements. The requirements for this training are established in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 172.702. Most medical personnel are not aware of the training requirements and thus have had no training or if they have training, the training does not meet the requirements to obtain CERTIFIED training. A short program but a required program for at least one, designated HazMat employee in each facility.

OBJECTIVES

As a result of completing this program, participants should be able to:
• Understand the regulatory authority of multiple jurisdictions.
• Select the regulatory statutes that apply to the participants specific
responsibilities.
• Demonstrate the measurement of package activity, potential
contamination, and exposure.
• Understand radiation safety and response to unscheduled events.
• Complete documentation of the eligibility of both shipper and
recipient.
• Prepare shipping documents and lables.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

The requirements for DOT HAZMAT training and certification of that training applies to all facilities that receive or ship licensed radioactive materials. Materials from the original manufacturer or radiopharmacy are subject to the DOT as well as NRC and/or Agreement State regulations. The shipping of items to the manufacturer or radiopharmacy are covered under the same statutes. Technologists, Radiation Safety Officers, and Authorized Users that may be involved with receiving or shipping radioactive materials must have the required training. The training must be certified as having been completed, and the training records must be available for inspection by regulatory agencies. The DOT HAZMAT program by INME meets or exceeds these requirements.

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INME CREDENTIALS

APPROVED SCHOOL

Certified as an Approved School and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education Private Occupational School Board

ACCREDITED INSTITUTION

Accredited by a national accrediting agency listed by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education (US DOE)

LICENSED - RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and Agreement States

LICENSED AND CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS

Program instructors are licensed and certified to teach this BRIH program.

RECOMMENDED FOR UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE CREDIT

Recommended for College/University credit for all courses by the
American Council on Education (ACE) recognized by
American Association for Collegiate Registrars Council
on Post-Secondary Education

MEDICAL EDUCATION
CONTINUING EDUCATION - CME

Category 1 CME AMA (PRA) - Call INME Registrar

CONTINUING EDUCATION - CEU

Accredited to provide Continuing Education Units (CEU)
International Association for Continuing Education and Training

Pharmacy Specialty Boards (NUSPEX)

Programs are designated as applicable to the fulfilling of requirements
Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties American Pharmaceutical Association

College/University Credit - Physics

College/university credit for physics instruction
Several Accredited Universities - ME / U

Approved Training Nuclear Medicine Technology -IIIB

NMTCB Requirements for Examination

Approved Training – Nuclear Medical Technology

Reviewed and approved for didactic instruction to qualify Nuclear Medical Technologists for state licensure.
Board of Medical Examiners—Agreement States

Inspected and Approved

Inspected by several state radiation control programs and approved.
Several Agreement States

Accepted For Licensure — Medical License – U.S. NRC

Licenses issued for medical use in compliance with 10CFR 35.
Medical Licensing Branches
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Accepted For Licensure — Medical License

Where application has been made, every Agreement State, has found the program in compliance and issued licenses for medical use by
Medical Licensing Branch - Agreement States

Accepted For Licensure — Radiation Safety Officer - RSO

The requirements of 10CFR 35 for Radiation Safety Officers may be met by the Comprehensive BRIH program through the
U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission or Agreement States

Accepted For Licensure — Radiopharmacy

The requirements of 10CFR 35 may be addressed through NRC or Agreement States.

Cardiovascular Nuclear Medicine Training

Listed as one of the programs providing formal training
Cardiovascular Council – Society of Nuclear Medicine

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OTHER DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE FROM INME

PRECEPTORSHIP GUIDE
Responsibilities of Preceptor and Documentation

FEDERAL REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS
For Training and Licensing in Medicine

FELLOWSHIP REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS
For Training Authorized Users/RSO's/Physicists and Others

UNDERSTANDING MEDICAL LICENSING
For The Use of Radiopharmaceuticals

NUCLEAR CARDIOLOGY MANAGEMENT
In the Office Setting

FACILITY ACCREDITATION
A Guide To Options