Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Overview Nuclear Medicine Technologists independently perform advanced nuclear medicine and fusion imaging (PET/CT - SPECT/CT - PET/MR). They handle complex diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, maintain equipment and quality controls, follow NRC/DOT/OSHA/VA regulations, and require multimodality certifications to safely perform imaging, contrast use, and result evaluation. Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: 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) (N) NMTCB or ARRT (N) certification eligibility requirements are normally satisfied by one of the following: (1) Completion of a NMTCB-recognized nuclear medicine technology program - OR (2) Completion of a nuclear medicine technology program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT) - or other accrediting agencies as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) - culminating in a certificate - associate - baccalaureate - or master\'s degree Educational programs must have structured clinical training sufficient to provide clinical competency in radiation safety - instrumentation - clinical procedures - and radio-pharmacy - as deemed acceptable by the NMTCB English Language Proficiency NMTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2 - section D - paragraph 5a - of this part May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria) Grade Determinations: Nuclear Medicine Technologist - GS-11. Experience: Completion of 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-9) level directly related to the position Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Ability to produce and assess high quality and quality control images using independent judgement to recognize abnormal or unacceptable results Knowledge and skill in the use of ancillary equipment with an understanding of how the results will affect the study outcome Knowledge of physiologic processes as they relate to altered radiopharmaceutical uptake and/or artefactual findings Ability to obtain - assess and document pre-therapy patient preparation information and provide post-therapy patient education following proper administration of advanced therapy dose Ability to analyze instances of increased radiation exposure levels and recommend measures to reduce Ability to analyze consequences of improper packaging of radioactive material and take appropriate actions References: VA Handbook 5005/125 Part II Appendix G19 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11 Physical Requirements: The incumbent usually works standing and has patient contact involving occasional heavy lifting - and/or assisting patients This can be particularly severe when patients are combative and uncooperative The computer area of the in vivo section calls for long periods of working around loud noise - prolonged concentration and long periods of sitting - while working under pressure of a deadline to produce accurate patient test results They must have full manual dexterity and keyboarding skills Must be able to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken and written word Must be able to view and read information on computer screens. Duties Duties include, but are not limited to: providing a wide range of specialized and complex nuclear medicine procedures, including diagnostic imaging, therapy with unsealed radioactive materials, radio-assay, in-vivo or in-vitro cell labeling Evaluating abnormal results Using and maintaining equipment Setting up and monitoring quality control Working within guidelines from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Department of Transportation (DOT), National Health Physics Program, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Calculating, preparing, assaying, and administering radiopharmaceutical doses by injection, inhalation or ingestion as prescribed, including compounding of cold pharmaceutical kits with the required radioactive agent under sterility requirements Proficient in introducing intravenous catheters in patients for administration of radiopharmaceuticals and/or pharmaceuticals Calculating the required pharmaceutical dosage for procedures Preparing pharmaceuticals for injection (e.g., sincalide, lasix, captopril, adenosine, dipyridamole, regadenoson, dobutamine) Administering pharmaceuticals with the Nuclear Medicine Physician and/or Nuclear Medicine Physician Assistant Operating nuclear medicine equipment such as gamma cameras, well counters, multi-channel analyzers, GM survey meters and room monitors, thyroid uptake systems, and dose calibrators Operating bone density systems and analyzing images for bone composition comparisons Receiving patients, explaining procedures, answering questions, assessing medical condition and tolerability, positioning patients, and ensuring comfort during procedures Performing a full range of nuclear medicine diagnostic imaging, non-imaging, in-vitro and therapeutic procedures, including computer-assisted studies such as gated, tomographic, dual-modality (SPECT/CT and PET/CT), and quantitative procedures Reading and understanding film badge exposure reports and ensuring appropriate safeguards Preparing studies for nuclear medicine physician interpretation by ensuring completeness of all forms involved Recording data and related information on patient worksheets and images Analyzing procedure images for quality and obtaining additional images as necessary Administering radiopharmaceuticals and pharmaceuticals to patients correctly Using appropriate patient identification methods and data collection Recognizing potential radiation contamination by visual and mechanical methods Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (rotating shifts) and on-call Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized #J-18808-Ljbffr