Preparing for Practice, Part 2: A Simulation-Based Curriculum Framework for Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Education-A Program Improvement Initiative.

Abstract

GateWay Community College's Bachelor of Applied Science in Nuclear Medicine Technology and Computed Tomography program developed a simulation-based curriculum framework in response to clinical partner feedback on entry-level preparation gaps in radiopharmaceutical therapy. Part 1 of this series described the outreach process and the themes that emerged from the 6 respondents, drawn from 9 individuals contacted across 8 affiliated clinical sites, including clinical preceptors, affiliate education supervisors, nuclear medicine managers, and a physician assistant contributor. The present article describes the curriculum response to those findings. Four structured simulation activities are presented, progressing from workflow planning and patient communication through integrated therapy day management. Each simulation is grounded in protocol-specific clinical details derived from the [177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE (Lutathera) prescribing information and the Novartis RLT Institute administration protocols and is aligned with the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technologist Section Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Intensive Competencies. The framework addresses the specific skill gaps identified by clinical partners, including errors in radiation measurement recording and survey technique, and incorporates the underrecognized role of the nuclear medicine technologist as an active radiation safety educator in interdisciplinary therapy environments. Guidance for hybrid and online delivery is included. Companion supplemental materials provide complete simulation scenarios, checklists, rubrics, and administration method reference materials.