Nuclear Medicine Technologist; Multi-Modality Technologist

Summary

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Multi-Modality Technologist) has responsibility for performing a wide range of specialized clinical procedures using radioactive materials at a higher level of duties which consists of significant scope and complexity.

• 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:
  Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Multi-Modality 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
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
  • 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 multimodality 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:
  
  Certified in Nuclear Medicine with additional advanced certification in CT
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard – please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination
• Exceptions: A pre-placement examination is required for any occupation or assignment that requires the operation of a government-owned or
  -leased motor vehicle in order to properly carry out assigned duties
• Examinations may also be required for any occupation or assignment that requires a pre-placement examination by virtue of another policy - regulation - or statute

• PET-CT Specific:
  • Serves as a technologist for the PET/CT modality – performing daily and periodic quality control testing of PET/CT scanner (and other supporting equipment) – organizing workflow – and performing patient studies
  • Receives patient, explains procedure, answers questions relating to the procedure – positions patient for all necessary views and tends to patient comfort
  • Obtains clinical data from the patient – electronic chart – requisition – and interviewing the patient and/or family for choosing appropriate imaging protocol
  • Qualified to obtain patient blood glucose level prior to injecting imaging tracer to determine if scan is appropriate based on that level
  • Routinely passes quality control testing to stay current on operating glucometer
  • Performs daily quality control test to check glucometer accuracy
  • Prepares - assays - and administers F-18 FDG or other prescribed positron emitting radiopharmaceuticals – recording – patient and dose parameters essential to interpretation of scan
  • Under radiologist supervision – administers…