Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Summary The Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn Columbia VA Healthcare System is currently seeking a Nuclear Medicine Technologist that will be assigned in the Diagnostic Imaging Service Line. 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: 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) (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 (Transcripts required NOTE: Technologists functioning as multi-modality technologists require additional specific certifications as stated in assignment descriptions below.] Grade Determinations: GS-11: (a) Experience [For assignments above the journey level - the candidate must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled - and must fully meet the KSAs at that level (b) Assignments For all assignments above the journey level - the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope - complexity (difficulty) - range of variety - and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time NMTs at this level are fully functional as an advanced NMT and carry out their assigned tasks independently NMTs in this assignment perform fusion imaging such as positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) - single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) and/or positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance (PET/MR) procedures that include non-diagnostic low dose CT attenuation corrected or MR fused images They carry out these complex assignments independently Assignments may include advanced therapies The work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge - skills - and abilities to perform at this level (c) Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: i Ability to produce and assess high quality fusion and quality control images using independent judgement to recognize abnormal or unacceptable results ii Practical knowledge and skill in the use of ancillary equipment with an understanding of how the results will affect the study outcome iii Knowledge of physiologic processes as they relate to altered radiopharmaceutical uptake and/or artefactual findings iv Knowledge of CT and/or MR radiographic techniques utilized in quality control and acquisition parameters v Ability to recognize and correct fusion imaging system errors References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II APPENDIX G19 NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-[0]601 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11 Physical Requirements: Light lifting (under 15 pounds) - Pushing (1 Hour) - Reaching above Shoulder - Use of fingers - Both hands required - Walking (2 hours) - Standing (2 hours) - Hearing (aid Permitted)Light lifting (under 15 pounds) - Pushing (1 Hour) - Reaching above Shoulder - Use of fingers - Both hands required - Walking (2 hours) - Standing (2 hours) - Hearing (aid Permitted) Duties The Nuclear Medicine Technologist has the responsibility for 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 (INRC) - Department of Transportation (DOT) - National Health Physics Program - Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) among others Other duties consist of but are not limited to: Calculate - prepare - assay - and administer radiopharmaceutical doses by injection - inhalation or ingestion as prescribed - which includes the 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 Calculate the required pharmaceutical dosage for procedures prepare pharmaceuticals for injection - such as sincalide - lasix - captopril - adenosine - dipyridamole - regadenoson - and dobutamine and administer the pharmaceuticals with the Nuclear Medicine Physician and/or the Nuclear Medicine Physician Assistant Operate nuclear medicine equipment such as gamma cameras - well counters - multi??channel analyzers - GM survey meters and room monitors - thyroid uptake systems - and dose calibrators for various patient procedures Operate bone density systems and analyze images for bone composition comparisons Receive patients - explain procedure - answer questions and evaluate the patient's medical condition and tolerability for the procedure - position patient for all necessary imaging steps and tend to their comfort for the duration of the procedure Perform a full range of nuclear medicine diagnostic imaging - non-imaging - In-vitro and therapeutic procedures - including highly specialized computer assisted studies such as gated - tomographic - dual-modality (SPECT/CT and PET/CT) - and quantitative procedures Demonstrate a thorough understanding of personnel requiring film badges Read and understand the film badge exposure report Prepare studies for nuclear medicine physician's interpretation by insuring completeness of all forms involved in the procedure Record appropriate data and related information on the proper patient worksheet and images Analyze procedure images for quality and obtain additional images when necessary Correctly administer radio pharmaceuticals and pharmaceuticals to patients Utilizes necessary quality management methods of patient identification such as using two unique identifiers and using active rather than passive identification Obtain pertinent clinical data from the patient - electronic chart - requisition - and interviewing the patient and/or family Recognize potential radiation contamination by visual and mechanical method Work Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm - M-F Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 61251F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive Contact View email address on click.appcast.io - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized #J-18808-Ljbffr