The Nuclear Medicine Technologist works for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Imaging Service with the responsibility for performing routine, specialized, and new radionuclide studies for the diagnosis, treatment, and investigation of pathological disorders. The nuclear medicine technologist is expected to independently perform the full scope and complexity of the responsibilities of their position receiving guidance from higher-level or supervision for only the most complex patients. 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. English Language Proficiency: Applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Certification: All applicants must be currently 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. NOTE: Technologists functioning as multi-modality technologists require additional specific certifications as stated in assignment descriptions below. 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, GS-0601-11Experience. 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. Resume must include hours per week for work experience credit. 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. Preferred Experience: CT Certification References: VA Handbook 5005/125, Part II Appendix G19, Nuclear Medicine Technologist Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over), Moderate carrying (15-44lbs), pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking, standing, kneeling, repeating bending, climbing, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, both eyes required, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid permitted).Environmental Factors: fumes/smoke/gases, radiant energy, working with hands in water, working closely with others, working alone, protracted or irregular hours of work. (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services). ["The duties of the Nuclear Medicine Technologist include but are not limited to: Performance of Nuclear Medicine Imaging: Independently performs routine and complex diagnostic imaging procedures including static, dynamic, whole body, and SPECT scans. Examples are bone, lung, thyroid, renal, and cardiovascular imaging, PET-CT, and SPECT-CT (CT for attenuation correction and anatomic localization). Prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals by injection, by inhalation, or orally, observes precautions relative to radiation hazard, sterility, and radiochemical purity. Calculates volume and amount of activity following protocols approved by Chief of Nuclear Medicine. Administers F-18 FDG 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. Assists radiologist in special administrations of radiopharmaceuticals (e.g., for cisternography or lymphoscintigraphy) and in therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures. Assists authorized user with Assists authorized user with therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures. The technologist ensures that informed consent and written directive are properly obtained and dose accurately assayed. Radiation Safety Procedures: Follows radiation safety practices to minimize exposure to patient, staff, and self. This is achieved using shielding, appropriate PPE and practicing ALARA principles. 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. 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. Associated duties: Schedules inpatients and assigns outpatient delayed imaging studies a return to clinic time in accordance with equipment availability. Assigns appointment date and time for Netspot and Pylarify patients with the assistance of the radiology scheduling team. Accurately performs all documentation and record keeping related to each examination. This includes case register and edit in VISTA, CPRS progress notes, IMED consent, dose documentation, quality assurance records of equipment and radiopharmaceuticals, radioactive materials disposal records, and archival of image data on appropriate medium and to PACS. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
About Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
