Nuclear Medicine Technologist
What you'd do
The Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NMT) performs a wide variety of functional imaging and non-imaging studies requiring the administration of radiopharmaceuticals. The NMT utilizes specialized equipment such as integrated computer/gamma camera systems and counting instruments to perform related duties and responsibilities.
Major duties
The Nuclear Medicine Technologist will be scheduled and assigned to all areas of the Nuclear Medicine Department and must possess the required professional knowledge, skill, and abilities to perform the following functions: Performs routine and complex diagnostic imaging procedures including static, dynamic, whole body, Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography-Computed Tomography (SPECT/CT) and SPECT scans. Examples are bone, lung, thyroid, renal, parathyroid, gallbladder, and cardiovascular imaging, and SPECT-CT (CT for attenuation correction and anatomic localization). Performs all Nuclear Medicine and Nuclear Cardiology procedures in combination with Low Dose Computer Tomography (LDCT) for fusion imaging. Demonstrates skill and knowledge in operating a survey meter, dose calibrator, well counter, thyroid uptake probe, Biodose software, SPECT/CT and SPECT gamma camera. Verifies patient identity prior to starting exam by using 2 of 3 standard patient identifiers (full name, date of birth, and full SSN). Verifies status of pregnancy and breast feeding. Explains the procedure in a manner that can be understood by the patient, answers patient questions about the procedure, and addresses patient concerns on use of radioactive materials and radiation safety. Obtains relevant patient history and collects pertinent data about the patient to verify that patient has not had previous diagnostic studies, medications, or conditions that may invalidate the scan/test result or cause artifacts. Assuring that any pre-study preparation has been completed, such as hydration, voiding, suspension of interfering drugs, and intravenous line before any procedures are started. Determines if additional information is needed for clarification of test results. Identifies positive results and notify the reading Radiologist or Cardiologist immediately. Performs difficult, complex, non-standardized tests. Evaluates and adapts new procedures for introduction into general use. Assists in the development of new computer applications in Nuclear Medicine and Fusion imaging. Follows the VHA Directive 1234, Radiology Outpatient Scheduling and Orders Management for the handling of all Nuclear Medicine orders. Schedules exams taking into consideration camera availability, scan length, patient condition, other clinic appointments of the patient, contraindications for the test and urgency of the request. Inform patients of all pertinent preparations for their scan, i.e., NPO, follow certain diet, medication restrictions, etc. Interpret information provided to ensure that the correct exam is ordered by the physician and when in question, the order is protocoled by a Radiologist prior to scheduling. Performs required technical procedures for safe receipt, handling, transport, usage, and disposal of radioactive materials, assuring compliance with Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRG), National Health Physics Program (NHPP), Department of Transportation (DOT) and license conditions. Understand different precautions used based upon the various package types. Performs other related duties as listed on functional statement. Work Schedule: 7:30am - 4:00pm/7:00am -3:30pm, Monday - Friday Telework: No Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
What you need to qualify
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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019[, Employee Occupational Health Service. 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. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met: 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 (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 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 scans and quality control images using independent judgement to recognize abnormal or unacceptable results. ii. Knowledge and skill in 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. Ability to obtain, assess, and document pre-therapy patient preparation information and provide post-therapy patient education following proper administration of advanced therapy dose. v. Ability to develop new protocols for imaging procedures. vi. Ability to analyze instances of increased radiation exposure levels and recommend measures to reduce. vii. Ability to analyze consequences of improper packaging of radioactive material and take appropriate actions. . Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Essential requirements include, bending, pushing, pulling, reaching and occasional kneeling, crawling, and squatting; lifting, carrying, bending, and manipulation of equipment; patient assistance and positioning; walking and prolonged standing; the ability to read written orders, computer screens, patient records, and equipment controls; and the ability to communicate with patients, physicians, and coworkers. Near visual acuity to assess patient's physical condition when performing exams and evaluating images for diagnostic quality. Must be able to speak and hear to communicate with patients. Must have the ability to make critical decisions, interact with patients of different ages and health conditions, maintain patient confidentiality and work under stressful conditions.
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