Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Summary

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist performs a wide variety of functional studies of organs and/or systems involving static and dynamic imaging procedures – the injection of radionuclides and radiopharmaceuticals – and the use of specialized equipment such as integrated computer/imaging systems, single photon emission tomography, positron emission tomography, etc., in combination with a variety of in‑vitro laboratory procedures at the Cincinnati VAMC.

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.

• United States Citizenship:
  Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2 – section D – paragraph 5a of this part.
• 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 – or (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 provide 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.
• 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 justifies termination of the temporary appointment.
• 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 for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: (1) [Nuclear Medicine Technologist – GS‑5] (a) Experience or Education – None beyond the basic requirements.
• [Certification as described in the basic requirements in paragraph 3.b – above is required.] [ ] [(b)] Assignments – Candidates at this grade level serve as entry‑level NMTs and receive guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex patients, requiring daily direct supervision.
• (2) [Nuclear Medicine Technologist – GS‑7] (a) Experience or Education – [Developmental Level] – Certification as described in paragraph 3.b, plus completion of 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position to be filled. (b) Assignments – Candidates may serve as advanced entry‑level or developmental level NMTs, receive guidance from more experienced staff, require general supervision, and perform basic quality control on all imaging and non‑imaging instrumentation and auxiliary equipment, and provide basic patient care while recognizing and responding to emergency conditions.
• (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities – The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of NRC regulations, medical sciences, radioactive package types, and the ability to use Geiger‑Mueller meters.
• [Nuclear Medicine Technologist – GS‑9] (a) Experience – Completion of 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the…