Performs a wide variety of functional imaging and non-imaging radionuclide studies requiring the administration of radiopharmaceuticals and the use of specialized equipment such as integrated computer / gamma camera systems and counting instruments. The work requires a professional knowledge of the field of Nuclear Medicine technology and the aspects of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biomedical science that relates to nuclear medicine and radiation safety.
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. 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, 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). (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. Grade Determinations: [Nuclear Medicine Technologist. All individuals assigned to this occupation must have an approved title or parenthetical title, as described below: (1) Nuclear Medicine Technologist (2) Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Fusion Imaging Technologist) (3) Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Multi-Modality Technologist) (4) Lead Nuclear Medicine Technologist (5) Supervisory Nuclear Medicine Technologist (6) Supervisory Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Chief) (7) Nuclear Medicine Technologist (National or Regional Technologist) (8) Supervisory Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Imaging Program Administrator) Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019[, Employee Occupational Health Service Preferred Experience: The work requires a professional knowledge of the field of Nuclear Medicine Technology and those aspects of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and the biomedical sciences that relate to Nuclear Medicine. The following are requirements for appointment as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Nuclear Medicine Technologists (NMTs) perform a wide variety of functional studies of organs and/or systems involving static and dynamic imaging procedures, injection of radionuclides and radiopharmaceuticals, and the use of such specialized equipment as integrated computer/imaging systems, Single photon Emission Tomography. Computed Tomography (SPECT/CT), Positron Emission Tomography. Computed Tomography (PET and PET/CT), in combination with variety of radioimmunoassay (in vivo and in vitro procedures) such as Pyrophosphate, Ultra tag Red Blood Cell labeling and others. Other functions performed include Radiation Safety procedures, assistance with Radionuclide Therapies, database management which includes management of images with the Hospital Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), Veteran Health Information system and Technology Architecture (VISTA) Radiology Package systems. The technologist covers staff annual leave and sick leave on an as needed basis through the above mentioned areas. They may also be asked to work various shifts as priorities demonstrate a need. All applicants must be certified in Nuclear Medicine Technology by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) and be in good standing with certifying body. It is preferred the applicant be certified in CT but not.
Functions: a. Independently performs routine and complex diagnostic imaging procedures including static, dynamic, whole body, SPECT, SPECT/CT, and PET/CT studies. b. 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 the Chief of Nuclear Medicine. c. Has working knowledge of the procedure manual protocols but can independently create new or modify existing imaging protocols as required based on clinical presentation and request of the nuclear medicine physician. d. Receives patients, appropriately verifies patient identity, explains procedure, answers questions relating to the procedure, positions patient for all necessary views and provides for the patient's comfort for the duration of the procedure. e. Obtains pertinent clinical data from the patient, electronic chart, requisition, and patient interview to choose the appropriate imaging protocol for all procedures. Obtains blood glucose for FDG PET exams and determines if in appropriate range. f. Administers PET tracers, determines amount administered, and operates PET-CT scanner. g. Determines if additional information is needed from the patient to clarify test results. Identifies positive results and notifies the nuclear medicine radiologist immediately. h. Assists radiologist in special administration of radiopharmaceuticals (cisternography, lymphoscintigraphy) and in therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures. The technologist ensures the informed consent and written directive are properly documented and the dose is accurately assayed. i. Follows radiation safety practices to minimize exposure to patients, staff, and self. This is achieved using shielding and appropriate PPE in accordance with ALARA principles. Perform daily and weekly surveys to verify the absence of radioactive contamination. j. Maintains records associated with receipt, administration, and disposal of radionuclides for nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, and research labs as mandated by the National Health Physics Program and Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Immediate reports to the RSO any packages not compliant with regulations. k. Works with the patient's electronic health record (EHR) in accordance with permissions granted by the nuclear medicine technologists' functional category. Registers and edits exams, enters notes for procedures performed as well as verify studies sent to the DVAHCS PACS system (McKesson). l. Performs physiologic and pharmacologic stress testing under the supervision of cardiology staff. Must understand the basics of EKG administration and interpretation. m. Explains exams to patients in a manner the patient can understand what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. May be required by the procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions, and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. n. Calibrates and performs quality control on gamma cameras, SPECT/CT, PET/CT, and a variety of non-imaging instruments including well and liquid scintillation counters, thyroid uptake probe, and various survey meters. o. Assists radiation safety staff in managing personnel dosimetry program, including the distribution and collection of monitoring badges. p. Performs prescribed dose calibrator linearity and accuracy checks. Radiation Safety: a. Follows radiation safety practices to minimize exposure to the patient, staff, and self. This is achieved by using shielding and appropriate PPE in accordance with ALARA principles. Performs daily and weekly laboratory surveys to verify absence of radioactive contamination. b. Maintains records associated with receipt, administration, and disposal of radio nuclides as mandated by the NHPP and NRC. Immediately reports to RSO any packages not compliant with regulations. Understands the consequences of improper packaging. c. Performs, with the authorized user, therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures and understands the significance of post therapy exposure levels and restrictions on patient release from the service. d. Assists the RSO in establishing routine monitoring of rooms associated with the Nuclear Medicine service area. e. Assists nuclear medicine chief radiologist, nuclear medicine chief technologist, and the Radiation Safety Officer with maintenance and management of the radiation safety program. Work Schedule: Intermittent Virtual: This is not a virtual position.