The Distance Assisted Training (DAT) for Nuclear Medicine Technologists & Residents is a joint project of the IAEA, PNRI, and PSNM. This is a 2-year program commencing on August 2006 until Ausust 2008. The training programme is set to vastly improve the skills and expertise of nuclear medicine technologists and residents throughout the Philippines and even to transform their status and recognition within the medical community. Also since many nuclear medicine technologist's qualifications are not recognised internationally, DAT aims to provide technologists with a more sustainable career path by offering them a fully accredited course. The DAT programme is cost effective, highly adaptable to diverse teaching and learning environments, and designed to support sustainable in-country distance education practices.

In August 2005, PSNM President Dr. Orestes P. Monzon represented the Philippines in the Asian Leader's Forum for the DAT Program for Nuclear Medicine Technologists at Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia. A total of 10 countries were represented in the meeting. The objective of the forum is to implement the DAT course with new set of 2006 modules.

The DAT programme has 25 subjects at basic and advanced levels. The complete programme now runs for 600 hours (six hours a week over two years for in-service training) and includes workshops and other hands on experiential learning techniques to reinforce students' understanding of theoretical principles and to build their confidence in on-the-job problem solving. By giving technologists a common standard of conceptual knowledge and clinical practice, the programme will enhance the quality and consistency of nuclear medicine services throughout the country.

There are a total of 54 participants: 42 nuclear technologists (27 from Metro Manila, 13 from outside Metro Manila, 3 from Singapore), and 12 residents.

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