Frequently Asked Questions
How many students are accepted each year into the Nuclear Medicine Technology Program at Old Dominion University?
Twelve (12).
What kind of GPA should I have to apply to the NMED program?
The minimum GPA is 2.0, however the average entering GPA over the past decade has been about a 3.0.
When is the deadline for applying to the program?
Students are typically enrolled in NMED 300 and NMED 331 during the fall semester of their junior year. Students submit an application packet by October 15th to be considered for admission into the program.
What information/forms are to be included in the packet submitted by the student seeking admission?
By October 15th of their junior year, those students who wish to apply for admissions must submit a complete packet which contains:
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Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
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Three letters of reference. (form provided by ODU, sealed in an envelope, signed.)
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Application Forms.
What other requirements are there for admission into the program?
Depending upon the number of applicants, a “first cut” may occur via GPA to determine which students are granted an interview. Typically 18-20 applicants who have submitted a complete packet are scheduled for an interview, which generally occurs the first week of November during the Fall semester. Applicants are also encouraged to observe an operating nuclear medicine department before applying to the program.
What things are asked of applicants during the interview?
An admissions committee composed of nuclear medicine professionals from the Hampton Roads area are free to ask any relevant question of the applicants. The questions are intended to ascertain whether the applicant knows what nuclear medicine technology is, what a nuclear medicine technologist does, and understands how the program is set up.
Where can I observe a nuclear medicine department, who sets up the observation, and how long should I observe?
Students set up their own observation dates, and can observe in any nuclear medicine department they wish. Most of the hospitals and clinic sites in Hampton Roads are accustomed to having students call and set up observation times, so you may wish to observe locally. Spend at least 2 hours observing, but ask to stay as long as the site can accommodate you and as long as it takes you to gain a basic understanding of what nuclear medicine technology is.
Should I volunteer in a nuclear medicine department?
No. It is not necessary.
What if I am not one of the 12 applicants selected during this admissions process?
We suggest that all applicants have alternative plans in case they are not accepted into the program. All students are typically enrolled in NMED 331, and must complete the semester, which ends in December.
You can try again next year, apply to a different program, etc.
How exactly are the 12 students selected?
Selection is based upon a series of criteria obtained from the applicants transcripts, references and interview. Specifically an applicant's GPA is broken down and ranked in several categories: Overall GPA, Math GPA, Chemistry/Biology GPA, and Physics GPA. Student references are also ranked according to a 5 point scale and interview ranking are obtained.
I am transferring to ODU from a community college/another institution. What should I do?
Contact either the College's pre-health Advisor - she or one of her staff can assist you in getting prepared to apply to the NMED program:
Sandra Breeden, College Advisor
William B. Spong, Jr. Hall
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia 23529-0288
Phone: (757) 683-5137
Email: sbreeden@odu.edu
