Nuclear Medical Technologist
The incumbent independently performs a full range of duties including:
Routine radionuclide imaging studies of various organ systems by planar, tomographic (SPECT) and PET/CT techniques. Evaluates images and computer generated data and performs additional views as required. Professional knowledge of the scientific principles, concepts and methodology of nuclear medicine technology to carry out a variety of diagnostic tests and verify results. Knowledgeable of multiple physical facts of radionuclides, their use and their effect on the different body organs being imaged. Possess multidisciplinary skills in order to assist with stress tests by starting IV's, placing EKG leads, taking blood pressures and ensuring all monitoring equipment is functional. In case of an emergency. Prepares proper instruments, computers and auxiliary equipment and acquires images as indicated by protocols. Independently performs, evaluates and monitors quality control measurements of specialized equipment used in the performance of imaging studies such as gamma camera imaging systems by testing flood uniformity, linearity and spatial resolution with devices such as point sources, radioactive flood sources, bar phantoms, computers, dose calibrators, well/probe detector systems, and other ancillary equipment used on a daily basis. Troubleshoots and makes judgments on the acceptable performance of the equipment prior to initiating studies on patients. Performs, monitors and documents monthly, quarterly and annual quality control procedures on equipment. Maintains inventory of radioactive sources used for quality control and associated documentation. Assumes all the duties and responsibilities of a technologist in the operation and calibration of the PET/CT scanner and will be willing to receive the necessary training to engage in the daily operation of the PET/CT. Reviews the daily work schedule to anticipate radiopharmaceutical needs and places orders for the next day, including therapies. Prepares, verifies and measures diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceutical dosages for patients and completes all associated paperwork. Calculates and calibrates isotope amounts. Employee utilizes NMIS system for calculation storage and reference as well as determining exact exposure rates for all procedures completed. Labels blood components with radiopharmaceuticals, monitors written directive procedures, maintains records of quality control procedures, administered doses and other related daily checks as required by NHPP, OSHA, JCAHO, NRC, DOT, VA regulations and other licensing and regulating bodies. Schedules patients as necessary, ensuring appropriate sequence of multiple procedures and interacts with staff regarding exam preparation. Ensures proper procedure is scheduled in the hospital's VISTA package in order to ensure proper radiopharmaceutical is ordered for the proper procedure. Ensures accurate CPT coding is entered for the workload credit and to ensure proper third party reimbursement. Effectively communicates with patients, their families, and staff, providing information on preps and precautions on nuclear medicine procedures. Provides functionally safe and sanitary conditions, recognizes and responds to varying conditions in compliance with standard precautions and policies. Recognizes and responds to emergency situations. Assists the department supervisors in the orientation, training and familiarization of new staff to the departmental ways of providing service to our patient population and their families. The technologist reviews and analyzes new software pertinent to clinical image acquisition. Reviews any new or improved stress and other procedural techniques and communicates findings to the lead technologist. Prepares patients for procedures and assists the MD with administering treadmill and drug-induced Cardiac Stress Tests and administration of therapy doses. Obtains pertinent patient history and checks procedural contraindications. Selects and administers the appropriate radiopharmaceutical by the proper route. Identifies potential medical events and takes appropriate action. Properly documents a medical event. Analyzes instances of radiopharmaceutical medical events and recommends measures to prevent further occurrences. Prepares the hospital room for inpatient radioiodine therapy procedures to minimize contamination of the areas, provide easier clean up, and release the room for general inpatient use. As part of radiation safety duties, the technologist instructs the patient, family and staff in radiation safety precautions after the administration of therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. Takes appropriate actions to reduce radiation exposure levels, in compliance with the ALARA program. Properly documents excessive radiation exposures and notifies the supervisor for further action and other duties as requested. Work Schedule:
M-F 8AM-4:
30PM Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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:
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 as stated in assignment descriptions below. Preferred
Experience:
Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist Grade 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. Assignments. For all assignments above the journey level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. NMTs at this level are fully functional as an advanced NMT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. NMTs at this level serve in advanced assignments and will have varying assignments, including special and complex imaging procedures, advanced therapies, clinical instruction, and quality management duties within the program. Advanced therapies may include, but are not limited to, yttrium-90, radium, and palliative bone pain therapy. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs:
i. Ability to produce and assess high quality scans and quality control images using independent judgement to recognize abnormal or unacceptable results. ii. Knowledge and skill in use of ancillary equipment with an understanding of how the results will affect the study outcome. iii. Knowledge of physiologic processes as they relate to altered radiopharmaceutical uptake and/or artefactual findings. iv. Ability to obtain, assess, and document pre-therapy patient preparation information and provide post-therapy patient education following proper administration of advanced therapy dose. v. Ability to develop new protocols for imaging procedures. vi. Ability to analyze instances of increased radiation exposure levels and recommend measures to reduce. vii. Ability to analyze consequences of improper packaging of radioactive material and take appropriate actions. References:
See VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G17. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS11 Physical Requirements and Work Environment:
The work is performed in a laboratory setting with heightened security measures in place to secure the inventory of radioactive material. The employee is exposed to radioactive pharmaceuticals injected into patients and to blood and bodily fluids. Personal protective equipment such as shields, gloves, gowns and masks are provided to minimize exposure to these hazards. Lifetime dosage amounts must be monitored by the Supervisor and RSO to protect and minimize exposure limits. The work involves a great deal of walking and standing. Lifting and maneuvering of patients is required. Heavy lifting of totally incapacitated patients is accomplished with the aid of other employees. This position also requires considerable manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Routine radionuclide imaging studies of various organ systems by planar, tomographic (SPECT) and PET/CT techniques. Evaluates images and computer generated data and performs additional views as required. Professional knowledge of the scientific principles, concepts and methodology of nuclear medicine technology to carry out a variety of diagnostic tests and verify results. Knowledgeable of multiple physical facts of radionuclides, their use and their effect on the different body organs being imaged. Possess multidisciplinary skills in order to assist with stress tests by starting IV's, placing EKG leads, taking blood pressures and ensuring all monitoring equipment is functional. In case of an emergency. Prepares proper instruments, computers and auxiliary equipment and acquires images as indicated by protocols. Independently performs, evaluates and monitors quality control measurements of specialized equipment used in the performance of imaging studies such as gamma camera imaging systems by testing flood uniformity, linearity and spatial resolution with devices such as point sources, radioactive flood sources, bar phantoms, computers, dose calibrators, well/probe detector systems, and other ancillary equipment used on a daily basis. Troubleshoots and makes judgments on the acceptable performance of the equipment prior to initiating studies on patients. Performs, monitors and documents monthly, quarterly and annual quality control procedures on equipment. Maintains inventory of radioactive sources used for quality control and associated documentation. Assumes all the duties and responsibilities of a technologist in the operation and calibration of the PET/CT scanner and will be willing to receive the necessary training to engage in the daily operation of the PET/CT. Reviews the daily work schedule to anticipate radiopharmaceutical needs and places orders for the next day, including therapies. Prepares, verifies and measures diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceutical dosages for patients and completes all associated paperwork. Calculates and calibrates isotope amounts. Employee utilizes NMIS system for calculation storage and reference as well as determining exact exposure rates for all procedures completed. Labels blood components with radiopharmaceuticals, monitors written directive procedures, maintains records of quality control procedures, administered doses and other related daily checks as required by NHPP, OSHA, JCAHO, NRC, DOT, VA regulations and other licensing and regulating bodies. Schedules patients as necessary, ensuring appropriate sequence of multiple procedures and interacts with staff regarding exam preparation. Ensures proper procedure is scheduled in the hospital's VISTA package in order to ensure proper radiopharmaceutical is ordered for the proper procedure. Ensures accurate CPT coding is entered for the workload credit and to ensure proper third party reimbursement. Effectively communicates with patients, their families, and staff, providing information on preps and precautions on nuclear medicine procedures. Provides functionally safe and sanitary conditions, recognizes and responds to varying conditions in compliance with standard precautions and policies. Recognizes and responds to emergency situations. Assists the department supervisors in the orientation, training and familiarization of new staff to the departmental ways of providing service to our patient population and their families. The technologist reviews and analyzes new software pertinent to clinical image acquisition. Reviews any new or improved stress and other procedural techniques and communicates findings to the lead technologist. Prepares patients for procedures and assists the MD with administering treadmill and drug-induced Cardiac Stress Tests and administration of therapy doses. Obtains pertinent patient history and checks procedural contraindications. Selects and administers the appropriate radiopharmaceutical by the proper route. Identifies potential medical events and takes appropriate action. Properly documents a medical event. Analyzes instances of radiopharmaceutical medical events and recommends measures to prevent further occurrences. Prepares the hospital room for inpatient radioiodine therapy procedures to minimize contamination of the areas, provide easier clean up, and release the room for general inpatient use. As part of radiation safety duties, the technologist instructs the patient, family and staff in radiation safety precautions after the administration of therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. Takes appropriate actions to reduce radiation exposure levels, in compliance with the ALARA program. Properly documents excessive radiation exposures and notifies the supervisor for further action and other duties as requested. Work Schedule:
M-F 8AM-4:
30PM Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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:
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 as stated in assignment descriptions below. Preferred
Experience:
Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist Grade 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. Assignments. For all assignments above the journey level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. NMTs at this level are fully functional as an advanced NMT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. NMTs at this level serve in advanced assignments and will have varying assignments, including special and complex imaging procedures, advanced therapies, clinical instruction, and quality management duties within the program. Advanced therapies may include, but are not limited to, yttrium-90, radium, and palliative bone pain therapy. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs:
i. Ability to produce and assess high quality scans and quality control images using independent judgement to recognize abnormal or unacceptable results. ii. Knowledge and skill in use of ancillary equipment with an understanding of how the results will affect the study outcome. iii. Knowledge of physiologic processes as they relate to altered radiopharmaceutical uptake and/or artefactual findings. iv. Ability to obtain, assess, and document pre-therapy patient preparation information and provide post-therapy patient education following proper administration of advanced therapy dose. v. Ability to develop new protocols for imaging procedures. vi. Ability to analyze instances of increased radiation exposure levels and recommend measures to reduce. vii. Ability to analyze consequences of improper packaging of radioactive material and take appropriate actions. References:
See VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G17. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS11 Physical Requirements and Work Environment:
The work is performed in a laboratory setting with heightened security measures in place to secure the inventory of radioactive material. The employee is exposed to radioactive pharmaceuticals injected into patients and to blood and bodily fluids. Personal protective equipment such as shields, gloves, gowns and masks are provided to minimize exposure to these hazards. Lifetime dosage amounts must be monitored by the Supervisor and RSO to protect and minimize exposure limits. The work involves a great deal of walking and standing. Lifting and maneuvering of patients is required. Heavy lifting of totally incapacitated patients is accomplished with the aid of other employees. This position also requires considerable manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
- Department:
0601 General Health Science - Salary Range:
$80,964 to $97,524 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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