Nuclear Medicine Technologist
What you'd do
The incumbent will be tasked with independently performing fusion imaging, such as positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT), and complex PET procedures that include non-diagnostic low dose CT attenuation corrected fused images. The incumbent will also be required to perform advanced therapies involving radiopharmaceuticals.
Major duties
Duties include, but are not limited to: Ability to recognize improper packaging of radioactive material and take appropriate actions. Ability to perform radiopharmaceutical preparation. Familiarity with hot lab procedures. Ability to develop new protocols for imaging procedures. Flexibility to handle a decrease in staffing or increase in workload. Ability to coordinate workload with other technologists to maintain efficient functioning of the clinic. Receive and interpret requests for procedures. Evaluate the suitability of the procedure requests and obtain physician review if request is thought to be inappropriate. Selects, performs, evaluates and monitors the performance of test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols. Performs and monitors special studies including liver, brain, bone, lung, cardiovascular, and endocrine studies, and assists physician with radiopharmaceutical therapies (i.e., Lu-177 Dotatate, Iodine-131, Samarium-153, Strontium-89, Yttrium-90 Zevalin, and Radium-223). Studies include planar-single-photon imaging, SPECT, SPECT/CT, and PET/CT scans. CT training and credentialing is preferred. Demonstrates practical knowledge and skill in the use of ancillary equipment with an understanding of how the results will affect the study outcome. Operates, maintains, calibrates, standardizes, and adjusts instruments. Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks and monitoring. Identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple corrections. Knowledge of CT and/or MR techniques utilized in quality control and acquisition parameters. Responsible for the generation and verification of laboratory results and transfer of data from the work area into the imaging Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. work schedule, but work schedule may be adjusted to meet the needs of the service. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000, Nuclear Medicine Technician Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
What you need to qualify
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: 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. 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 (Fusion Imaging 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 (GS-9). 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. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical GS-11 grade KSAs: Ability to produce and assess high quality fusion and quality control images using independent judgement to recognize abnormal or unacceptable results. Practical 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. Knowledge of CT and/or MR radiographic techniques utilized in quality control and acquisition parameters. Ability to recognize and correct fusion imaging system errors. Preferred Experience: Two (2) years of Oncology PET/CT experience, general Nuclear Medicine experience, and at least 1 year of therapy experience. 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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is also a GS-11. Physical Requirements: Moderate to heavy lifting is required: This is necessary to help patients on and off examination tables and to assist other technologists with lifting patients out of wheel chairs and off gurneys onto examination tables when necessary. The incumbent must be able to move and maneuver medical equipment. Pushing (1 Hour), Reaching above Shoulder, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking (2 hours), Standing (2 hours), Hearing (aid Permitted).
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