Nuclear Pharmacy Track

The Nuclear Pharmacy track at the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy allows students with an interest in nuclear pharmacy to engage early in focused training and career preparation. Through this track, professional pharmacy students can work toward becoming an Authorized Nuclear Pharmacist (ANP), a designation recognized by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) that permits handling and preparation of radioactive materials for medical use. This structured pathway integrates foundational knowledge with applied learning to prepare students for specialized practice in nuclear medicine.

ANPs practice in a variety of settings, including approximately 380 centralized nuclear pharmacies operated by organizations such as Cardinal Health, RLS, PharmaLogic, Jubilant, and independent providers. Additional opportunities exist in positron emission tomography (PET) facilities, where radiopharmaceuticals are manufactured and dispensed, as well as in hospital-based nuclear pharmacies, particularly within large health systems and academic medical centers. Beyond clinical roles, ANPs contribute to research, development, and academic instruction. Their responsibilities include preparing and dispensing diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals used in nuclear medicine for conditions such as infection, myocardial perfusion, pulmonary embolism, thyroid disorders, and cancer.

The nuclear pharmacy track provides all required didactic coursework necessary for ANP eligibility and approximately 70% of the required experiential training hours. This combination of classroom instruction and practical experience ensures that graduates are well-positioned to complete certification requirements and transition into specialized roles within nuclear pharmacy practice.

Applications will only be open to students enrolled in the elective course PHAR 7334 Nuclear Pharmacy. Applications will be open to these students in November of the P3 Fall year.

https://redcap.link/pharmacycommonapp

• Didactic - required (8hrs):
  • PHAR 7334 - Nuclear Pharmacy
  • PHAR 7324 - Radionuclide Methodology 
  • PHAR 7324 - Radionuclide Methodology

• Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (8 hrs) 
  • PHAR 7094 - Elective Pharmacy Practicum
  • PHAR 7654 - Nuclear Pharmacy Patient Care Practicum

• Pharmacist in a centralized nuclear pharmacy (e.g., Cardinal Health, RLS, PharmaLogic, Jubilant, independent providers)
• PET radiopharmacist in facilities that manufacture and dispense PET radiopharmaceuticals
• Hospital-based nuclear pharmacist in large health systems or academic medical centers
• Radiopharmaceutical industry pharmacist (manufacturing, QC, QA, radiopharmaceutical development)
• Regulatory or compliance specialist focused on radiopharmaceuticals and radiation safety
• Clinical applications or medical science liaison roles for radiopharmaceutical and imaging companies
• Research pharmacist in radiopharmacy, molecular imaging, or theranostics (academic or industry settings)
• Academic faculty member teaching nuclear pharmacy, radiopharmacy, or nuclear medicine-related content
• Continuing education instructor or program director for nuclear pharmacy and radiation safety training

Wendy Galbraith, PharmD, FAPhA, BCNP
Clinical Associate Professor
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
OU College of Pharmacy
wendy-galbraith@ou.edu