Nuclear Medicine Technologist; Multi-Modality Technologist

Overview

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.

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: (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
• 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 IV contrast to enhance CT images after reviewing patient chart for contraindications and renal lab values (impaired renal function or hypersensitivity)
• Utilizes knowledge and proficiency in the performance of CT scans with optimization of scanning parameters (mA - kVp - pitch - FOV - etc)
• Documents on the use of CT contrast - including any allergic reactions - on all paperwork and in the computerized patient data system (CPRS)
• Prepares studies for nuclear medicine physician's and general radiologist's interpretation by ensuring completeness of all forms involved in the procedure - processing - and transmitting images to fusion workstation/PACS
• Troubleshoot clinical and/or instrumentation problems with the PET-CT modality -…