Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Multi-Modality Technologist)

A recruitment/relocation incentive may be authorized for highly qualified applicants.

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. NOTE: Technologists functioning as multi-modality technologists require additional specific certifications. For this assignment, the Multi-modality technologist must hold appropriate specific certifications in nuclear medicine (NMTCB or ARRT(N)), as well as CT (NMTCB(CT)) or ARRT (CT)).

English Language Proficiency: NMTs must be proficient in spoken and written English Grade Determinations: GS-11 Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Multi-Modality Technologist) Experience: For assignments above the journey level, the candidate must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-9, directly related to the position being filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level.

These include: 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.

AND Certification: (NMTCB or ARRT(N)), as well as CT (NMTCB(CT)) or ARRT (CT)) AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: i. Knowledge of contrast media, side effects, medication allergic reactions, drug interactions, and extravasation assessment. ii. Skill to differentiate multi-modality protocols and adjust protocols according to patient needs, body mass index, or area of interest. iii.

Knowledge of unique scanning and processing parameters required of multimodality imaging. iv. Ability to troubleshoot and make simple repairs to PET/CT and/or PET/MR imaging systems. v. Ability to care for patients during all stages of the procedure and provide emergency response care when necessary. vi. Knowledge of all contraindications for performing CT and/or MR scans.

Preferred Experience

NMTCB certification 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

You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

A recruitment/relocation incentive may be authorized for highly qualified applicants. Duties include, but are not limited to: PET/CT Specific Serves as a technologist for the PET/CT modality, performing daily and periodic quality control testing of PET/CT scanner (and other supporting equipment), organizing workflow, and performing patient studies. Receives patient, explains procedure, answers questions relating to the procedure, positions patient for all necessary views and tends to patient comfort.

Obtains clinical data from the patient, electronic chart, requisition, and interviewing the patient and/or family for choosing appropriate imaging protocol. Qualified to obtain patient blood glucose level prior to injecting imaging tracer to determine if scan is appropriate based on that level. Routinely passes quality control testing to stay current on operating glucometer.

Prepares, assays, and administers F-18 FOG or other prescribed positron emitting radiopharmaceuticals, recording, patient and dose parameters essential to interpretation of scan.

Utilizes knowledge and proficiency in the performance of CT scans with optimization of scanning parameters (mA, kVp, pitch, FOV, etc).Prepares studies for nuclear medicine physician's and general radiologist's interpretation by ensuring completeness of all forms involved in the procedure, processing, and transmitting images to fusion workstation/PACS. Nuclear Medicine Specific Independently performs routine and complex diagnostic imaging procedures including static, dynamic, and SPECT/CT scans.

Receives all nuclear medicine procedure requests and schedules according to preferred date, taking into consideration other appointments, preparation criteria, and convenience for veterans. Prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals by injection, inhalation, or orally.

Explains exams to patient so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards if any.Prepares patient for exams by achieving intravenous access and placing IV catheter when needed utilizing aseptic technique and standard precautions for infection control. Ensures correct study is being performed on the specified patient by reviewing appropriateness of indication and patient's medical history.

Works with cardiology staff physicians, fellows, and other personnel to screen all patients and determine which nuclear medicine cardiac test is appropriate; taking into consideration lung diseases, weight, ability to exercise, medications, etc. Radiation Safety Follows radiation safety practices to minimize exposure to patient, staff, and self. This is achieved by using shielding and appropriate PPE, with thorough understanding and practice of "As Low As Reasonable Achievable" (ALARA) principles.

Capable of performing complex therapies and other duties that relate to treatments. Performs in-vitro cell labeling for various procedures while carefully following appropriate blood labeling measures and record keeping. Performs daily and weekly laboratory surveys and wipes tests to verify absence of radioactive contamination. Assists the National Health Physics Program (NHPP) and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in audits and inspections ensuring regulatory compliance.

Maintains records associated with incoming diagnostic doses, DOT wipes, departmental surveys, administration, and disposal of radionuclides as mandated by the NHPP and NRC. Scheduling Fields all orders while screening them for urgency, appropriateness, and contraindications. Completes a full history that's applicable to scan such as: Medications that interfere with exam and notes the length of discontinuation to avoid inaccurate results. Obtains physician approval before any medications stopped.

Works with patient and other clinics to schedule and coordinate exam(s) in accordance with VA scheduling mandates. Explains test and extensive prep that patient must follow to complete exam. Work Schedule: Full-time; Monday-Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized