Nuclear Medicine Technologist

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.

01Basic Requirements

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

02Certification

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.

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. (1) 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. (2) 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).

03Grade Determinations

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.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Ability to produce and assess high quality scans and quality control images using independent judgement to recognize abnormal or unacceptable results. Knowledge and skill in 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.

Ability to obtain, assess, and document pre-therapy patient preparation information and provide post-therapy patient education following proper administration of advanced therapy dose. Ability to develop new protocols for imaging procedures. Ability to analyze instances of increased radiation exposure levels and recommend measures to reduce 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.

04Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to do the following: heavy lifting (45lbs and over), moderate carrying (15-44lbs), pushing, use of fingers, use of both hands, walking (up to 8hrs), standing (up to 8hrs), repeated bending (up to 8hrs), ability to distinguish basic colors, emotional/mental stability. Environmental factors include: exposure to radiant energy, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, working closely with others and/or working alone.

The major duties of the Nuclear Medicine Technologist include, but are not limited to: Expected to work independently performing routine imaging procedures. Prepares proper instrument, computer and auxiliary equipment expected to work and acquires imaging procedures as indicated by protocol.

Performs, evaluates, and monitors quality control measurements of specialized equipment used in the performance of imaging studies, such as camera imaging systems, computers, dose calibrators, well/probe detector systems, and other ancillary equipment used on a daily basis. Reviews the daily work schedule to plan radiopharmaceutical needs. Performs the role of radiopharmacist by preparing radiopharmaceutical kits, performing quality control, and evaluating the results.

Labels blood components with a radiopharmaceutical. Performs and processes routine SPECT-CT studies following the performance, evaluation and troubleshooting of quality control procedures on the system. Performs radiation safety duties associated with the radio pharmacy/hot lab. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30 am-4:00 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 93764-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized