NNC NSREN Specialist study plan

Explain the signal chain of a gamma camera from collimator to photomultiplier tube to position logic, and sketch it from memory

Distinguish NaI(Tl), CZT, and gas-filled detector operating principles and state one clinical use for each

Calculate energy resolution from a pulse-height spectrum and interpret what a widening photopeak implies for scatter rejection

Compare parallel-hole, pinhole, converging, and slant-hole collimators by sensitivity, resolution, and depth dependence

Describe how photomultiplier gain, pulse pileup, and dead time affect count-rate linearity at high activity

Set up and interpret a daily and weekly gamma camera QC series (uniformity, energy peaking, collimator integrity)

Explain the purpose of intrinsic versus extrinsic uniformity testing and which artifacts each reveals

Identify common image artifacts (center-of-rotation offset, photopeak drift, septal penetration) and state the corrective action for each

Convert between activity, exposure, absorbed dose, and effective dose using standard SI and traditional units without reference

Apply ALARA, time-distance-shielding, and dose constraints to a worked shielding scenario for a hot lab and an imaging room

State the dose limits and monitoring requirements for occupationally exposed workers, declared pregnant workers, and the public

Describe the required content and handling of a written directive and a misadministration report

Outline radiopharmaceutical receipt, survey, storage, and disposal procedures including wipe-test acceptance criteria

Explain generator elution principles for Mo-99/Tc-99m and the tests that confirm eluate purity

Perform and interpret radionuclide purity, radiochemical purity, chemical purity, and sterility testing results

Calculate decay-corrected activity for a dose drawn at a stated calibration time

Map each common radiopharmaceutical to its mechanism, target organ, normal biodistribution, and typical adult activity

Explain patient preparation and interfering factors for bone, myocardial perfusion, renal, thyroid, and hepatobiliary studies

Describe acquisition parameters and reconstruction choices for SPECT and PET/CT studies and how each affects image quality

Recognize and explain common normal variants and benign pitfalls on planar and SPECT images

Differentiate indications and expected findings for ventilation/perfusion, sentinel node, GI bleed, and infection imaging studies

Explain the principles of I-131 therapy for hyperthyroidism and thyroid carcinoma, including dose determination approaches

Describe patient release criteria after radioiodine therapy and the written instructions given at discharge

Outline radiation safety counseling for patients receiving Lu-177 DOTATATE or Ra-223, including household precautions and monitoring

Apply informed-consent, capacity, and shared decision-making principles to a therapy consultation scenario

Demonstrate plain-language explanation of radiation risk to a pregnant or breastfeeding patient and document the discussion

Describe how to handle a patient question about incidental findings or an error disclosure conversation

Identify scope-of-practice and confidentiality obligations when coordinating care with referring clinicians

Rehearse weak-area topics flagged by earlier practice scores and close each gap with a written explanation

Complete two full-length timed practice exams under exam conditions and log every missed item by domain

Recite the key formulas, dose limits, QC pass criteria, and release thresholds from memory

Build a final-week review sheet limited to items you missed more than once