Nuclear Medical Technologist

Summary: Nuclear Medicine Technologists are responsible for providing a wide range of specialized nuclear medicine procedures—including diagnostic imaging, therapy with unsealed radioactive materials, and in‑vivo or in‑vitro cell labeling—evaluating abnormal results, setting up and monitoring quality control, and working within guidelines from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Department of Transportation, National Health Physics Program, and Occupational Safety and Health Association. Qualifications United States Citizenship: Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Certification: All applicants must be certified in nuclear medicine technology by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT). NMTCB or ARRT certification eligibility requirements are normally satisfied by completion of an NMTCB‑recognized program or an accredited program by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT), culminating in a certificate, associate, baccalaureate, or master’s degree. Educational programs must have structured clinical training sufficient to provide competency in radiation safety, instrumentation, clinical procedures, and radio‑pharmacy, as deemed acceptable by the NMTCB. May qualify based on the Grandfathering Provision described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (applicable only to current VHA employees who meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: Nuclear Medicine Technologist GS‑11 experience; 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to produce and assess high‑quality scans, use ancillary equipment, understand physiological processes related to radiopharmaceutical uptake, obtain and document pre‑therapy patient preparation, develop new imaging protocols, analyze increased radiation exposure levels, and address improper packaging of radioactive material. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit . Physical Requirements: Work is normally accomplished in a clinical setting; duties include walking, standing, sitting, bending, and climbing for up to 8 hours per tour, lifting, pulling, pushing, and carrying items up to 50 pounds. Duties Perform a broad range of imaging and non‑imaging nuclear medicine studies using radiopharmaceuticals and specialized diagnostic equipment. Apply professional‑level expertise in nuclear medicine technology, including related principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, biomedical science, and radiation safety. Prepare, assay, and administer radiopharmaceutical doses by injection, inhalation, or ingestion; proficiently introduce intravenous catheters for administration of radiopharmaceuticals or medications. Obtain pertinent clinical data from the patient, electronic chart, requisition, and patient or family interviews; move wheelchair and litter patients safely using ergonomic methods. Operate nuclear medicine equipment such as gamma cameras and dose calibrators for various patient procedures. Recognize possible side effects of radiopharmaceuticals and medications, take immediate action to remedy any noted effects, and educate patients, families, and nursing staff on radiation safety precautions. Properly monitor and store radioactive waste for disposal, determine exposure patterns, and recommend actions to reduce exposure levels while ensuring compliance with Nuclear Medicine, Medical Center, VISN, and Radiation Safety policies. Work schedule: Monday – Friday, 7:00 am – 3:30 pm CST; mandatory on‑call after‑hour duty. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr