Radiology Technologist Nuclear Medicine

Summary The Albany VA Medical Center's Diagnostic Imaging Department is currently recruiting for one Nuclear Medicine Technologist. The incumbent performs a wide variety of functional imaging and non-imaging radionuclide studies - requiring the administration of radiopharmaceuticals and the use of specialized equipment. The work requires a professional knowledge of the field of Nuclear Medicine technology and various aspects that relate to Nuclear Medicine and radiation safety.
Qualifications and Basic Requirements 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
Grade Determinations: Nuclear Medicine Technologist GS-11 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
Assignments
For all assignments above the journey level - the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity, 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 at this level serve in advanced assignments and will have varying assignments - including special and complex imaging procedures - advanced therapies, clinical instruction, and quality management duties within the program
Advanced therapies may include - but are not limited to - yttrium-90, radium, and palliative bone pain therapy
Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment - the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level
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
English Language Proficiency - Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a - of this part
References: VA Handbook 5005/125 Part II Appendix G19. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
Duties Duties and Responsibilities - Independently performs routine and complex diagnostic imaging procedures including static, dynamic, whole body, and SPECT scans
Prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals by injection, by inhalation, or orally - taking into account precautions relative to radiation hazard, sterility, and radiochemical purity
Calculates volume and amount of activity following protocols approved by Chief of Nuclear Medicine
Has working knowledge of the procedure manual protocols but can independently create new or modify existing imaging protocols as required by the clinical presentation and request of the nuclear physician
Receives patients - appropriately verifies patient identity - explains procedure - answers questions relating to the procedure - positions patient for all necessary views and tends to their comfort for the duration of the procedure
Obtains pertinent clinical data from the patient - electronic chart - requisition - and patient interview for choosing appropriate imaging protocol for all procedures
Determines blood glucose level for PET exams
Administers F‑18, Ga‑68 and operates PET‑CT scanner for acquisition of PET scans and CT for anatomic localization and attenuation correction
Understands and applies calculation of exposures from both X‑Ray and photons emitted from Fluorine‑18 and the many other isotopes used in nuclear medicine
Determines if additional information is needed for clarification of test results
Identifies positive results and notifies the Nuclear Medicine Radiologist immediately
Ensures that informed consent and written directive are properly obtained and dose accurately assayed
Follows radiation safety practices to minimize exposure to patient, staff and self
Performs daily and weekly laboratory surveys to verify absence of radioactive contamination
Maintains records associated with receipt, administration, and disposal of radionuclides for nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, and research labs as mandated by the NHPP and NRC
Immediately reports to RSO any packages not compliant with regulations
Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients
Registers and edits patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (VISTA) as well as the work‑list management portion of the PACS interface
Performs physiologic and pharmacologic stress testing under the supervision of cardiology staff
Explains exams to patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards - if any - are possible
May be required by procedure or patient’s condition to monitor vital signs - recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Calibrates and performs quality control on gamma cameras and a variety of non‑imaging instruments - including well and liquid scintillation counters, thyroid uptake probe, surgical probe for intra‑operative procedures, and various survey meters
Performs prescribed dose calibrator linearity and accuracy checks and provides radiation safety training for new hospital employees
Radiation Safety - follows radiation safety practices to minimize exposure to patient, staff and self
Performs daily and weekly laboratory surveys to verify absence of radioactive contamination
Maintains records associated with receipt, administration, and disposal of radionuclides as mandated by the NHPP and NRC
Immediately reports to RSO any packages not compliant with regulations
Understands consequences of improper packaging
Understands and applies calculation of exposures from both X‑Ray and photons emitted from the wide variety of isotopes used in nuclear medicine
Calculates exposure rates based on administered dose and published physiologic distribution of pharmaceuticals
Performs therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures and understands the significance of post therapy exposure levels and restrictions on patient release from the service commensurate with the home environment
Assists the RSO in establishing routine monitoring of rooms associated with the Nuclear Medicine service area to document excessive exposure rates
Performs other duties as required within the scope of a Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Work Schedule - Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 3:30 pm and on‑call rotation
Functional Statement #:21V92‑A

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