Summary

The Multimodality Nuclear Medicine Technologist at VA Medical Center performs a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic Nuclear Medicine procedures - including Positron Emission Tomography (PET) - Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography(SPECT) - and Computed Tomography (CT) imaging - specifically in Cardiac Imaging.

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
• 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
• Grade Determinations: 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
• Examples of experience is (i.e. - experience that demonstrates possession of the knowledge - skills - abilities - and other characteristics needed to provide nuclear medicine technology services at that level) is required
• 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 in this assignment perform fusion imaging such as PET/CT - SPECT/CT and/or PET/MR procedures that include diagnostic nuclear medicine - CT - and/or MR fused images
• Multi-modality technologists must hold appropriate specific certifications in nuclear medicine (NMTCB or ARRT(N)) - as well as CT (NMTCB(CT)) or ARRT (CT)) - and/or MR (ARRT (MR)) applicable to independently perform the assignment duties
• They carry out these complex assignments independently as part of nuclear medicine procedures
• Assignments may include injection of contrast and recognition of allergic reaction - contraindications - and medication interactions
• The work must be of sufficient GS-11 Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: The candidate must demonstrate ALL of the following technical KSAs: Knowledge of contrast media - side effects - medication allergic reactions - drug interactions - and extravasation assessment
• Skill to differentiate multi-modality protocols and adjust protocols according to patient needs - body mass index - or area of interest
• Knowledge of unique scanning and processing parameters required of multi- modality imaging
• Ability to troubleshoot and make simple repairs to PET/CT and/or PET/MR imaging systems
• Ability to care for patients during all stages of the procedure and provide emergency response care when necessary
• Knowledge of all contraindications for performing CT and/or MR scans
• Preferred Experience: Experience with nuclear medicine isotopes - and with cardiac stress testing /imaging preferred
• 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: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as Standing and walking for extended periods (4 6 hours per shift)
• Lifting - carrying - pushing - and pulling objects up to 45 pounds (e.g. - radiopharmaceutical doses - lead shielding - portable equipment)
• Reaching - bending - and positioning patients - some of whom may be unconscious - disabled - or require assistance with mobility
• Wearing protective lead aprons and radiation badges as required
• Visual acuity - keen hearing - clear speech - and manual dexterity are essential
• Incumbent must have the ability to distinguish basic colors - shades - and fine details on imaging studies.

Duties

• The Multimodality Nuclear Medicine Technologist at VA Medical Center performs a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic Nuclear Medicine procedures - including Positron Emission Tomography (PET) - Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography(SPECT) - and Computed Tomography (CT) imaging - specifically in Cardiac Imaging
• This position requires dual certification in Nuclear Medicine (NMTCB or ARRT-N) and Computed Tomography (NMTCB-CT or ARRT-CT)
• The technologist will operate advanced imaging equipment - ensure patient safety and maintain regulatory compliance
• The incumbent will work in nuclear medicine and in the cardiology heart center based upon needed clinical duties at any given time
• Duties to include but not limited to: Clinical Functions Ensures the safe preparation - handling - and administration of radiopharmaceuticals
• Perform diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures in accordance with established protocols
• Conduct hybrid imaging procedures including PET/CT - SPECT/CT and diagnostic CT
• Administer Radiopharmaceuticals and contrast media following established protocols
• Monitor patients for adverse reactions and provide emergency responses when necessary
• Ensure proper radiation safety measures for patients - staff and self
• Verify patient identity - procedure orders and contraindications
• Educate patients on imaging procedures and address concerns
• Adhere to ALARA principles for radiation safety
• Perform necessary administrative functions (e.g. - consult closure - reminder calls - scheduling of appointments - etc) Assist as necessary with cardiovascular stress testing such as ETT - stress echo Other related duties as necessary Ensure necessary data entry for all studies Equipment operations and Quality control Operate and maintain gamma cameras - PET/Ct scanners - SPECT CT systems and associated imaging equipment
• Perform daily - weekly and monthly quality control tests
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and report issues to Biomed
• Perform routine checks of code cart Maintain all equipment in operational order and take needed measures to correct equipment problems that arise Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 7:00am- 3:30pm EST Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized