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. Responsibilities 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, patient and dose parameters essential to interpretation of scan. f. 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). g. Utilizes knowledge and proficiency in the performance of CT scans with optimization of scanning parameters (mA, kVp, pitch, FOV, etc). h. Documents on the use of CT contrast, including any allergic reactions, on all paperwork and in the computerized patient data system (i.e. CPRS). i. 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. j. Troubleshoot clinical and/or instrumentation problems with the PET-CT modality, interfacing with biomedical engineering as necessary. k. Instructs nuclear medicine students, radiology students, new technologists, residents, and others on techniques, procedures, and equipment use; along with motivating all to obtain a greater knowledge of the field of nuclear medicine. l. Maintains PET hot lab with prescribed dose calibrator quality assurance and stocking of supplies. m. Properly uses and maintains quality assurance of the PET F-18 injector, Medrad Intego. n. Displays thorough knowledge of molecular level physiological function that relates to glucose metabolism, blood flow, and 3-D anatomy. o. Receives extensive training and education on scanners through onsite training. p. Is responsible for researching and developing new protocols as required for expansion of PET-CT procedures (example: cardiology, radiation therapy planning, NaF bone imaging). q. Provides patient studies to the oncology department and tumor board for therapy planning and tracking of disease progression. Nuclear Medicine Specific: a. Independently performs routine and complex diagnostic imaging procedures including static, dynamic, and SPECT-CT scans. Examples include but are not limited to bone, lung, thyroid, renal, and cardiovascular imaging and image processing. b. Receives all nuclear medicine procedure requests and schedules according to preferred date, taking into consideration other appointments, preparation criteria, and convenience for veterans. c. Prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals by injection, inhalation, or orally, taking into account precautions relative to radiation hazard, sterility, and radiochemical purity. Calculating volume and amount of activity following protocols approved by Chief of Imaging Services or Designee d. Properly identifies patients with at least 2 patient identifiers in accordance with VAPORHCS policy, confirms identity on order and properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of images to patients does not occur. e. Explains exams to patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize medical emergencies (e.g. allergic reactions, diabetic hypoglycemia), and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. f. Prepares patient for exams by achieving intravenous access and placing IV catheter when needed utilizing aseptic technique and standard precautions for infection control. g. Ensures correct study is being performed on the specified patient by reviewing appropriateness of indication and patient's medical history (including medications, contraindications, etc). Work Schedule: M-F, 0730-1600 with mandatory on call Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 0000 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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. 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 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://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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 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 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.
