Career Center

Summary

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist is responsible for providing a variety of routine and specialized nuclear medicine procedures - including diagnostic imaging and therapy with radioactive materials - as well as radio-assay - in-vivo - or in-vitro procedures - and PET imaging. The technologist evaluates abnormal results - uses and maintains equipment - sets up and monitors quality controls - and performs other related tasks. Also serves as the Associate Radiation Safety Officer (ARSO).

Qualifications

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: Certification 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
• Certification 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
• 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: In addition to the basic requirements above - the following criteria must also be met: Experience: One (1) year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-9) directly related to the position being filled and fully meet the following knowledge - skills - and abilities at that level: 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
• NOTE: Experience that meets the KSAs above must be described in your resume in order to receive credit for this position
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.VA Handbook 5005 - Part II - Appendix G19 - "Nuclear Medicine Technologist Qualification Standard"
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is 11
• Physical Requirements: Light to heavy lifting over 45 pounds
• light to moderate carrying - up to 44 pounds
• straight pulling
• pushing - reaching above shoulders
• use of both hands and fingers required
• walking - standing
• kneeling
• both legs required
• ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4
• both eyes required
• depth perception
• ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors
• hearing (aid permitted).

Duties

• As a Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NMT) you will be responsible for administering - under the direction of a physician - both diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals and adjunct medications
• You will be responsible for the safe use of ionizing and nonionizing radiation for diagnostic - therapeutic - and research purposes
• You will also review patients' medical history to understand the patients' illness and pending diagnostic or treatment procedure
• instruct the patient before - during - and following the procedure
• evaluate the satisfactory preparation of the patient before beginning a procedure
• and recognize emergency patient conditions and initiate lifesaving first aid when appropriate
• You will acquire - process and transfer the imaging study for review by the Nuclear Medicine physician
• As the ARSO duties include - but are not limited to: Track radiation safety training for staff Manage dosimetry for clinical staff Ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory bodies Monitor CT optimization and review patient exposures Monitor fluoroscopy exposures in patient procedures Assist the RSO with oversight and management of the radiation safety program Notify RSO of any radiation safety problems - investigate - recommend and provide corrective actions Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm
• Telework: Not Available
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 08019-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required