Nuclear Medicine Technologist - Multi-Modality

Location: Omaha, Nebraska

About the role

The Advanced Nuclear Medicine Technologist performs a wide range of specialized clinical procedures using radioactive materials at a higher level of scope and complexity. This Multi-Modality Technologist must hold specific certifications in nuclear medicine (NMTCB or ARRT(N)), as well as CT (NMTCB(CT) or ARRT(CT)) and/or MR (ARRT(MR)) to independently perform assigned duties.

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 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 recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, culminating in a certificate, associate, baccalaureate, or master’s degree.
• Educational programs must include structured clinical training sufficient to provide clinical competency in radiation safety, instrumentation, clinical procedures, and radio-pharmacy, as deemed acceptable by the NMTCB.
• Multi-modality technologists must hold additional specific certifications in CT (NMTCB(CT) or ARRT(CT)) and/or MR (ARRT(MR)).

May qualify based on the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (applicable to current VHA employees).

Grade Determinations

Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Multi-Modality Technologist) - GS-11

Experience: 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-9), directly related to the position being filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level.

Examples of specialized experience include:

• Ability to document excessive radiation exposure in the working environment.
• Knowledge of medical events requiring documentation and the ability to properly document them and make recommendations to the radiation safety officer (RSO).
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing post iodine-131 therapy radiation safety precautions.
• Ability to troubleshoot gamma camera and auxiliary equipment problems.
• Ability to analyze computer-generated data for technical quality and artifacts and initiate corrective measures.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• 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 multi-modality 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.

Assignments: For all assignments above the journey level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity, and range of variety, performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. NMTs perform fusion imaging such as PET/CT, SPECT/CT, and/or PET/MR procedures, including diagnostic nuclear medicine, CT, and/or MR fused images. Multi-modality technologists must hold appropriate certifications to independently perform these duties.

Responsibilities

• Performs fusion imaging such as complex PET/CT procedures, diagnostic imaging in general Nuclear Medicine, stress testing, and SPECT/CT imaging in Nuclear Cardiology, and radionuclide therapy for various cancers.
• Operates and performs quality assurance of gamma cameras, PET/CT scanners, and monitoring instrumentation within radiation safety guidelines.
• Serves as a technologist for the PET/CT modality, performing daily and periodic quality control testing, organizing workflow, and performing patient studies.
• Receives patients, explains procedures, positions patients, and ensures patient comfort.
• Obtains clinical data from patients, electronic charts, requisitions, and interviews to choose appropriate imaging protocols.
• Qualified to obtain patient blood glucose levels prior to injecting imaging tracer.
• Prepares, assays, and administers prescribed positron-emitting radiopharmaceuticals, recording patient and dose parameters.
• Performs CT scans with optimization of scanning parameters (mA, kVp, pitch, FOV, etc.).
• Prepares studies for interpretation by nuclear medicine physicians and general radiologists.
• Independently performs routine and complex diagnostic imaging procedures, including static, dynamic, and SPECT/CT scans.
• Schedules nuclear medicine procedures, considering preparation criteria and patient convenience.
• Prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals by injection, inhalation, or orally, explaining exams and hazards to patients.
• Ensures correct study performance by reviewing appropriateness of indication and patient’s medical history.
• Works with cardiology staff to determine appropriate nuclear medicine cardiac tests.
• Follows radiation safety practices to minimize exposure to patients, staff, and self using ALARA principles.
• Performs complex therapies and in-vitro cell labeling for various procedures.
• Conducts daily and weekly laboratory surveys and wipes tests to verify absence of radioactive contamination.
• Assists in audits and inspections to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Maintains records associated with incoming diagnostic doses, DOT wipes, departmental surveys, administration, and disposal of radionuclides.
• Fields all orders, screening them for urgency, appropriateness, and contraindications.
• Completes patient history relevant to scans, including medications that may interfere with exams.
• Coordinates exams in accordance with VA scheduling mandates and explains test preparations to patients.

Preferred Qualifications

• NMTCB Certification.

Physical Requirements

Pre-employment examination or evaluation may be required as part of the hiring process. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at that time.

Pay

A recruitment/relocation incentive may be authorized for highly qualified applicants.

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM.