Summary The Multimodality Nuclear Medicine Technologist at the Washington, D.C., VA Medical Center performs a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic Nuclear Medicine procedures. This position requires dual certification in Nuclear Medicine (NMTCB or ARRT-N) and Computed Tomography (NMTCB-CT or ARRT-CT). The technologist will operate advanced imaging equipment, ensure patient safety, maintain regulatory compliance, and participate in On-Call rotation to provide emergency services as needed. Responsibilities The Multimodality Nuclear Medicine Technologist at VA Medical Center performs a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic Nuclear Medicine procedures, including Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography(SPECT), and Computed Tomography (CT) imaging. FUNCTIONS A. Clinical Functions Ensures the safe preparation, handling, and administration of radiopharmaceuticals. Perform diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures in accordance with established protocols. Conduct hybrid imaging procedures including PET/CT, SPECT/CT, and diagnostic CT. Administer Radiopharmaceuticals and contrast media following established protocols. Monitor patients for adverse reactions and provide emergency responses when necessary. Ensure proper radiation safety measures for patients, staff, and self. Verify patient identity, procedure orders, and contraindications. Educate patients on imaging procedures and address concerns. Adhere to ALARA principles for radiation safety. B. Equipment operations and Quality control Operate and maintain gamma cameras, PET/Ct scanners, SPECT CT systems, and associated imaging equipment. Perform daily, weekly, and monthly quality control tests. Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and report issues to Biomed. C. On-call responsibilities Rotate on call duties for emergency Nuclear Medicine and CT procedures after hours, weekends, and holidays. Respond promptly to callbacks and perform emergent imaging studies as needed. Work Schedule: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 688-26260-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing-designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID-compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. 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). NMTCB or ARRT (N) certification eligibility requirements are generally satisfied by one of the following: Completion of an 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. NOTE: Technologists functioning as multi-modality technologists require additional specific certifications as stated in the assignment descriptions below. English Language Proficiency. NMTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, [No person will be appointed under the authority of 38 U.S.C. Ch. 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English]. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-11 Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Multi-Modality Technologist) Experience. For assignments above the journey level, the candidate must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) directly related to the position being filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. NMTs at this level have a full understanding of proper methods of receipt, use, storage, and disposal of radioactive material; properly and independently handle unusual circumstances; perform and evaluate daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly quality control on all imaging and non-imaging instrumentation and auxiliary equipment; provide basic patient care; and can recognize and respond to emergency conditions. It is expected that they routinely and independently perform the full scope and complexity of these responsibilities and receive guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff members for only the most complex patients. GS-09 knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs). Nuclear Medicine Technologist assigned to this position must demonstrate ALL the following: 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. AND GS-11 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical 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. Certification: Multi-modality technologists must hold appropriate specific certification in nuclear medicine (MNTCB or ARRT(N)), as well as CT (MNTCB(CT) or ARRT (CT)), and/or MR (ARRT(MR)) applicable to independently perform the assignment duties. Assignments. For all assignments above the journey level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. NMTs at this level are fully functional as an advanced NMT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. NMTs in this assignment perform fusion imaging such as PET/CT, SPECT/CT and/or PET/MR procedures that include diagnostic nuclear medicine, CT, and/or MR fused images. Multi-modality technologists must hold appropriate specific certifications in nuclear medicine (NMTCB or ARRT(N)), as well as CT (NMTCB(CT)) or ARRT (CT)), and/or MR (ARRT (MR)) applicable to independently perform the assignment duties. They carry out these complex assignments independently as part of nuclear medicine procedures. Assignments may include injection of contrast and recognition of allergic reaction, contraindications, and medication interactions. The work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. Preferred Experience: Registered Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NMTCB or ARRT-CT-N). Register Computed tomography (NMTCB-CT or ARRT-CT) Minimum 2 years of clinical experience in Nuclear Medicine and CT Imaging (preferred) Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is the GS-11. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as: Standing and walking for extended periods (4 6 hours per shift). Lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects up to 45 pounds (e.g., radiopharmaceutical doses, lead shielding, portable equipment). Reaching, bending, and positioning patients, some of whom may be unconscious, disabled, or require assistance with mobility. Wearing protective lead aprons and radiation badges as required. Visual acuity, keen hearing, clear speech, and manual dexterity are essential. Incumbent must have the ability to distinguish basic colors, shades, and fine details on imaging studies. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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/. Additional Information OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans? "Whole Health is an approach to health care that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their life to the fullest. The VA is committed to Whole Health and values Veteran and Employee health and well-being. As a VA employee, you will practice Whole Health in an environment that supports personalized and proactive care." "The VA has adopted Core Values and Characteristics that apply universally across the Department. The five Core Values define "who we are," our culture, and how we care for Veterans, their families, and other beneficiaries. The Values are Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence ("I CARE"). As a VA professional, your opportunities are endless. With many openings in the multiple functions of VA, you will have a wide range of opportunities and leadership positions at your fingertips. Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
