April 16, 2026
Photo courtesy of Barnes-Jewish Hospital
At Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Gracie Loepker, BHS ’25, plays a vital role on the care team, using advanced imaging technology to help physicians diagnose and treat diseases. As a nuclear medicine technologist, she performs advanced PET/CT scans and prepares and administers life-saving radiopharmaceuticals.
Just as important, she said, is supporting patients who may be intimidated by the idea of nuclear medicine or radioactive treatments.
“I have learned that my role is not just performing the scan but also providing reassurance,” Loepker said. “Taking a few extra minutes to explain what we’re doing and why can change someone’s perspective and experience. That balance between advanced imaging and compassionate care is what makes this career meaningful to me.”
Loepker developed that approach at the University of Missouri, where rigorous academics, clinical experience and meaningful campus involvement shaped her future as a health care professional.
Loepker is among the more than 95% of recent Mizzou graduates who secured employment or continued their education within six months of earning their degrees. That success rate outperforms the national average and also demonstrates what sets Mizzou apart: a powerful combination of relevant coursework, hands-on training and leadership development.
“My time at Mizzou really helped improve my confidence and competence for this role,” Loepker said. “The nuclear medicine program challenged me both academically and personally, and it pushed me to understand the overall reasoning of why we do what we do.”
At Barnes-Jewish Hospital — the largest hospital in Missouri — Loepker rotates between departments, working with a wide range of patients. In addition to conducting scans, her job duties include patient and team member safety, quality control and image acquisition.
The nuclear medicine program in the College of Health Sciences prepared her for those tasks. At Mizzou, she took courses such as radiation physics, radiopharmaceuticals and anatomy before spending six weeks in clinical rotations at five different hospitals in St. Louis. Working alongside certified technologists, she refined her critical-thinking skills and learned how to assess patient cases in fast-paced environments.
“Through clinical placements and networking within the field, I gained exposure to different hospital environments and expectations,” she said. “Watching experienced technologists navigate complex patient cases showed me what professionalism and leadership look like in practice.”
On campus, she honed her own leadership skills through her involvement in sorority life. As vice president of membership for Sigma Kappa, Loepker led planning efforts for new member recruitment.
“During my term, I faced many ups and downs, and the experience strengthened skills that I now practice in the hospital, such as connecting with new people, managing my time and working as part of a team,” she said.
Mizzou’s unique position in nuclear medicine also shaped her perspective. The University of Missouri Research Reactor — the nation’s only producer of four key medical isotopes used in radiopharmaceuticals — served as a powerful reminder of the field’s ever-evolving future.
“Seeing that side of this field broadened my understanding of what is possible within this profession,” Loepker said. “It is constantly evolving, innovative and deeply connected to research.”
Loepker is now planning to pursue additional certification and a master’s degree as she advances in her career.
“One year into my role at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, I continue learning something new every day, and that is what excites me most about this career,” she said. “I am grateful for the strong foundation that Mizzou and the nuclear medicine program provided.”
