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: [(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 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
• The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: i
• Knowledge of contrast media – side effects – medication allergic reactions – drug interactions – and extravasation assessment
• ii
• Skill to differentiate multi‑modality protocols and adjust protocols according to patient needs – body mass index – or area of interest
• iii
• Knowledge of unique scanning and processing parameters required of multimodality imaging
• iv
• Ability to troubleshoot and make simple repairs to PET/CT and/or PET/MR imaging systems
• v
• Ability to care for patients during all stages of the procedure and provide emergency response care when necessary
• vi
• 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

• Duties: PET‑CT Specific: a
• 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
• b
• Receives patient – explains procedure – answers questions relating to the procedure – positions patient for all necessary views and tends to patient comfort
• c
• Obtains clinical data from the patient – electronic chart – requisition – and interviewing the patient and/or family for choosing appropriate imaging protocol
• d
• 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
• e
• Prepares – assays – and administers F‑18 FDG or other prescribed positron emitting radiopharmaceuticals – recording –…