The Syracuse VAMC is hiring for 2 Nuclear Medicine Technologists. The incumbent is responsible for performing a full range of routine and non-routine radionuclide studies to aid in the diagnosis of various organ functional disorders. The primary responsibility is to perform Nuclear imaging scan duties, and radionuclide therapy to patient in accordance to the NHPP recommendations. Work is performed in the Nuclear Medicine section of the Imaging Department. Basic Requirements: The basic requirements for employment as a NMT are prescribed in 38 U.S.C. § 7402(b)(14). To qualify for appointment as a NMT, all applicants must possess the following: 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) (CT) 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. 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: Experience. Completion of 1 year of [creditable] experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position to be filled (i.e., experience that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics needed to provide nuclear medicine technology services at that level) [is required.] Assignments. Candidates at this grade level serve as staff NMTs [at the journey level. NMTs at this level have a full understanding of proper methods of receipt, use, storage, and disposal of radioactive material; properly and independently handle unusual circumstances; perform and evaluate daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly quality control on all imaging and non-imaging instrumentation and auxiliary equipment, provide basic patient care, and can recognize and respond to emergency conditions. It is expected that they routinely and independently perform the full scope and complexity of these responsibilities and receive guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff members for only the most complex patients.] Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, ability to apply knowledge to assay radiopharmaceuticals Knowledge of digital imaging techniques and trouble shooting Knowledge of PACS systems, CDROMS and basic computer skills. Preferred Experience: Applicant must have Board Certification in ARRT [N] or CNMT Board and be in good standing. References: VA Handbook 5005/125 Part II Appendix G19 dated December 10, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 9. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service. ["Major Duties: The Nuclear Medicine Technologist performs the majority of procedures including complex patient examinations under the direction of radiologist, other medical officers, and senior staff members. The incumbent may be called upon to assist in performing procedures in DEXA scanning. The incumbent must be knowledgeable in preparing radiopharmaceutical kits, performing quality control, and evaluating the results. The Technologist prepares and dispenses diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceutical dosages. Schedules patient studies, ensuring appropriate sequence of multiple procedures and interact 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. Surveys, inspects and inventories incoming radioactive materials. Reviews radioactive materials packages to determine if it is properly packaged and takes appropriate actions. Utilizes proper methods for the use and storage of radioactive materials. Monitors and disposes of radioactive waste. Prepares & packages radioactive materials for transportation. Performs wipe tests and area radiation surveys. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 7:00am-3:30pm + call rotation Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #24666-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
