Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Summary The incumbent serves as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist in the Imaging department at the Syracuse VA Medical Center. The Nuclear Medicine Technologist is responsible for performing a full range of routine and non‑routine radionuclide studies to aid in the diagnosis of various organ functional disorders. Work is primarily performed in the Nuclear Medicine section of the Imaging Department. 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. 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: Completion of a NMTCB‑recognized nuclear medicine technology program – OR 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 Exceptions: Non‑certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for NMTCB or ARRT (N) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate NMT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(a)(1)(D) Failure to obtain certification within 1 year from the date of appointment is justification for termination of the temporary appointment This may result in termination of employment Failure to obtain credential: In all cases NMTs must actively pursue meeting certification requirements starting from the date of their appointment Failure to become certified within 1 year from date of appointment will result in removal from the GS‑0601 NMT occupation and may result in termination of employment Loss of credential: Once certified, NMTs must maintain a full‑valid‑and‑unrestricted certification Loss of credential will result in removal from the GS‑0601 NMT occupation and may result in termination of employment For occupations which require an active certification at all grade levels – at the discretion of the appointing official – an employee may be reassigned to another occupation for which he/she qualifies if a placement opportunity exists For occupations which require an active credential (licensure/certification/registration) in assignments above the journey level only – at the discretion of the appointing official – an employee may remain at an appropriate lower grade level in the occupation when both of the following apply: the credential is not a requirement and a placement opportunity exists 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: NMT – GS‑09 requires one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position to be filled Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities: The candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: • Ability to document excessive radiation exposure in the working environment • Knowledge of medical events requiring documentation and the ability to properly document them and make recommendations to the radiation safety officer (RSO) • Ability to communicate orally and in writing post iodine‑131 therapy radiation safety precautions • Ability to troubleshoot gamma camera and auxiliary equipment problems • Ability to analyze computer‑generated data for technical quality and artifacts and initiate corrective measures KSAs must be demonstrated on your resume or submitted as a supporting document to receive credit Creditable experience: Experience must be earned after passing the NMTCB or ARRT (N) certification exams or as a graduate NMT who subsequently passed the certification examination Preferred experience: At least one year experience working in nuclear medicine Physical requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit Duties The Nuclear Medicine Technologist's primary responsibility is to perform nuclear imaging scan duties and radionuclide therapy with patients in accordance with the NHPP recommendations The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor body systems susceptible to radiological hazards Interpret the examination requests accurately Understand the functioning and inter‑relationship of the various organs Use methods and techniques that identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor and judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use, emphasizing aspects of particular interest to the physician At this level, the incumbent performs the majority of procedures, including complex patient examinations under the direction of radiologist, other medical officers, and senior staff members The incumbent may assist in performing procedures in DEXA scanning The purpose of these examinations and procedures is to produce imaging studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body The incumbent must be knowledgeable in preparing radiopharmaceutical kits, performing quality control, and evaluating the results Prepares and dispenses diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceutical dosages Schedules patient studies, ensuring appropriate sequence of multiple procedures and interacts with staff regarding exam preparation Receives patient and provides proper care during nuclear medicine procedures Communicates effectively with patient, family, and staff Provides safe and sanitary conditions Recognizes and responds to emergency conditions The technologist performs radiation safety duties associated with the radiopharmacy/hot lab Posts appropriate signs in designated areas to comply with NRC regulations Surveys, inspects and inventories incoming radioactive materials Reviews radioactive material packages to determine if they are properly packaged and takes appropriate actions Utilizes proper methods for the use and storage of radioactive materials Monitors and disposes of radioactive waste Prepares and packages radioactive materials for transportation Performs wipe tests and area radiation surveys The technologist uses proper procedures for managing emergency surveys in the event of a radiation accident, radioactive spill, or contamination by performing the proper clean‑up, surveying, and monitoring of the area Analyzes circumstances contributing to radiation exposure and recommends procedures to minimize exposure Provides instruction on proper radiation emergency procedures Work schedule: Day shift Telework: Not available; virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional statement #: 00000; relocation/recruitment incentives: not authorized; permanent change of station (PCS): not authorized #J-18808-Ljbffr