Summary

The Nuclear Medicine Technologists (Multi-Modality) must be able to function independently and operate as a member of a multi-leveled organization. Nuclear Medicine Technologists 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. Assignments may include injection of contrast and recognition of allergic reaction - contraindications - and medication interactions.

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 or or ARRT-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: All applicants must be certified in Computed Tomography (NMTCB) or Computed Tomography (ARRT) Grade Determinations: Experience: Candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Nuclear Medical Technology field
• Qualifying GS-09 grade level experience includes - but is not limited to: 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 - injection of contrast and recognition of allergic reaction - contraindications - and medication interactions
• Receipt - use - store - and dispose of radioactive material
• verify the constancy - accuracy - and linearity of survey meters and dose calibrators
• Perform and evaluate daily - weekly - monthly - and quarterly quality control on all imaging and non-imaging instrumentation and auxiliary equipment
• Provide basic patient care - and understand venipuncture techniques using a variety of equipment - such as butterfly setups - syringes with needles and IV catheters
• AND
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following 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: PET/CT experience preferred
• Experience obtaining IV access
• Candidate must have (NMTCB and/or ARRT(N) - as well as CT (NMTCB(CT)) or ARRT (CT)
• 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)
• 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: Work requires the ability to assist patients with transfers from stretcher to imaging table and wheelchair to imaging table
• Work is not sedentary and may require prolonged periods of standing and walking within the department
• Work is performed in a Hospital setting that requires normal safety precautions
• The workplace follows safe work practices and procedures - including use of required personal protective equipment (PPE)
• The area is adequately lighted - heated and ventilated
• However - the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.

Duties

• The Nuclear Medicine Technologists (Multi-Modality) must be able to function independently and operate as a member of a multi-leveled organization
• Nuclear Medicine Technologists 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
• Assignments may include injection of contrast and recognition of allergic reaction - contraindications - and medication interactions
• Duties include but are not limited to: Possess excellent venipuncture techniques using a variety of equipment - such as butterfly setups - syringes with needles and IV catheters
• The individual must be able to work without supervision and be able to set reasonable priorities
• Verify the constancy - accuracy - and linearity of survey meters and dose calibrators - or have them serviced to ensure a safe environment following radiation protection guidelines in accordance with ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principles
• The individual of the different isotopes used
• Recognize acceptable daily QC scans and be able to perform monthly and quarterly QC as required by the manufacturer
• Must have practical knowledge and skill in the use of ancillary equipment with an understanding of how the results will affect the study outcome
• Must be able to troubleshoot and make simple repairs to PET/CT and/or PET/MR imaging systems
• The successful candidate will work collaboratively with staff Nuclear Medicine Physicians - physician extenders - and the Chief Technologist/Supervisor to optimize patient care and image quality
• Ability to educate referring physicians toward study appropriateness and patient preparation - as well as performing complex exams is desired
• Must have the skill to be able to differentiate multi-modality protocols and adjust protocols according to patient needs - body mass index - or area of interest
• Must have a high level of computer proficiency and the knowledge of unique scanning and processing parameters required of multi-modality imaging
• Expectations center on the performance of high-quality imaging consistent with protocols for prescribed examination
• Must be attentive to the needs of the patient and be able to care for patients during all stages of the procedure and provide emergency response care when necessary
• Must be able to communicate and anticipate possible limitations in view of the capabilities of the imaging equipment
• Must provide appropriate care while the patient is in their charge while simultaneously assessing for causes of potential artifact with the knowledge of physiological processes as they relate to altered radiopharmaceutical uptake and/or artifactual findings
• This includes checking the patient for evidence of contamination or attenuating objects
• Must have knowledge of CT and/or MR radiographic techniques utilized in quality control and acquisition parameters
• The technologist must be able to evaluate - modify - and adapt procedures as necessary as well as develop/write new protocols for imaging procedures as part of a collaborative effort with the Radiology Director and Chief Technologist/Supervisor
• Must be experienced and appropriately trained in ordering - receipt - recording - and storage - of incoming radioactive materials according to NRC/NHPP - and when applicable DOT regulations
• Work Schedule: 8:30am-5pm Monday - Friday Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 21M05-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized