Nuclear Medical Technologist

About the role

Nuclear Medicine Technologists have responsibility for providing a wide range of specialized nuclear medicine procedures, including diagnostic imaging, therapy with unsealed radioactive materials, in-vivo or in-vitro cell labeling; evaluating abnormal results; setting up and monitoring quality control; working within guidelines from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Department of Transportation, National Health Physics Program, Occupational Safety and Health Association among others.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, assay, and administer radiopharmaceutical doses by injection, inhalation or ingestion
• Be proficient in introducing intravenous catheters in patients for administration of radiopharmaceuticals and /or medications
• Obtain pertinent clinical data from the patient, electronic chart, requisition, and interviewing the patient and / or family
• Move wheelchair and litter patients safely using ergonomic methods of patient transfer
• Operate nuclear medicine equipment such as gamma cameras
• Dose calibrators for various patient procedures
• Be knowledgeable regarding possible side effects of radiopharmaceuticals and medications
• Take immediate action to remedy any noted effects
• Knowledgeable in three dimensional anatomy
• Instruct patient, family and nursing staff in radiation safety precautions
• Properly monitor and store any radioactive waste for disposal
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of personnel requiring film badges
• Determine exposure patterns and recommend actions to reduce exposure levels
• Assure all Nuclear Medicine, Medical Center, VISN and Radiation Safety policies are effectively followed

Requirements

This announcement is open to current permanent Department of Veteran Affairs employees, current permanent Federal employees of other agencies and all US Citizens. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

Qualifications

• 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).
• Grade Determinations: Nuclear Medicine Technologist GS-11
• Physical Requirements: Work is normally accomplished in a clinical setting, although some administrative duties are required as well. Due to the nature of the work, the incumbent will be exposed to stressful working situations that will require a mature attitude and collective reasoning to overcome. The incumbent may be called upon to assist in the receipt, storage, and distribution of radiopharmaceuticals, supplies and equipment. The primary duties of the incumbent consists of walking, standing, sitting, bending and climbing up to 8 hours per tour. Lifting, pulling, pushing and carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds is also a primary function of the incumbent.
• Education: Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.