Nuclear Medicine Imaging Specialist

Kaiser Permanente; Riverside (CA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Permanente in Riverside, CA seeks a Nuclear Medicine Technologist to perform the full range of diagnostic imaging and radiopharmaceutical procedures under physician supervision. You will operate SPECT and gamma cameras, optimize scan quality, and document results in PACS.

Responsibilities include coordinating patient exams, ensuring radiation safety, preparing doses, and assisting with radionuclide therapy as needed.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of nuclear medicine imaging procedures and radiation safety.
• Ability to coordinate patient exams and ensure appropriate protocols.
• Understanding of anatomy and physiology related to imaging.

Responsibilities

• Performs diagnostic imaging using SPECT and gamma cameras per physician order.
• Prepares radiopharmaceuticals and administers doses under supervision.
• Maintains documentation in PACS and ensures radiation safety compliance.

Skills

Nuclear medicine imaging

Anatomy knowledge

Independent scanning

Physiology basics

Education

Nuclear Medicine Technologist Certification

California Nuclear Medicine Certification

Job description

Job Summary:

Under general supervision and as prescribed by a physician performs the full range of diagnostic imaging procedures, in vivo and in vitro therapeutic procedures utilizing radiopharmaceuticals that are used by physicians in the diagnosis and/or treatment of disease processes and pathological conditions. Following prescribed procedures and protocols, utilizes a variety of equipment to obtain maximum scan quality.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Coordinates patient exams/studies by retrieving and processing patient requisition; reviews request for pertinent information and obtains patient history; in collaboration with physician, ascertains the appropriateness of exams ordered and the best methods to facilitate desired results.


• Performs clinical imaging procedures/examinations using scanners and scintillation cameras including SPECT, diagnostic studies on patients as prescribed by a physician, probe systems and ancillary computerized equipment; follows guidelines as detailed in protocols, occasionally utilizing alternative methods due to unusual/unique circumstances or new instrumentation/procedures based on best judgment and expertise.


• Measures radioactivity using Geiger counters, Well counter and scintillation detectors; follows radiation safety techniques in the use and disposal of radioactive materials.


• Performs in vitro laboratory tests using test tubes, water baths, ph meters, scintillation counting equipment, centrifuges, special calculators, computers, dose calibrators and other equipment.


• Performs all required quality assurance/control procedures.


• Uses proper patient-to-instrument positioning techniques.


• Obtains and formats accurate, fully labeled and readable images/worksheet presentations; archives and logs all required studies for future reference/use on picture archiving and communication systems (PACS).


• Receives, surveys, wipes, and monitors and documents all shipments of radiopharmaceuticals to and from Nuclear Medicine Department.


• Observes all legislative and organizational regulations, prepares stock solutions of radiopharmaceutical materials, calculates doses and injects/administers dose under the direction of a physician; draws blood from patients, receives specimens and accurately records amounts of radioactive material administered to patients.


• Performs radionuclide therapy procedures by strictly adhering to Department protocols and/or physician instructions.


• Prepares radionuclide therapy doses and performs all required documentation.


• Assists physicians in performing radionuclide therapy procedures.


• Demonstrates an understanding of the cognitive, physical, emotional and chronological maturation process in delivery of services to patients of the age group served.


• Identifies the impact of cultural diversity and lifestyle choices on patient condition and makes accommodations for such differences.


• Utilizes proper Body Mechanics.


• Documents clinical activities and required image information in a timely, comprehensive, and accurate manner.


• Observes all organizational, regional, medical service area and Diagnostic Imaging Department policies and procedures.


• Maintains standards of professional behavior established to enhance quality of service.


• Demonstrates effective communication skills.


• Demonstrates professional behavior in all interactions with patients and staff.


• Maintains equipment, supplies and work area in accordance with department guidelines.


• May perform other duties as required and assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

Experience

• N/A.

Education

• N/A

License, Certification, Registration

• Nuclear Medicine Technologist Certificate from Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board OR American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Certificate - Nuclear Medicine Technologist from American Registry of Radiologic Technologists

• Nuclear Medical Technologist Certificate (California)
  

• Basic Life Support
  

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of and to utilize the principles, theories, practices and techniques of nuclear medicine imaging.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of human anatomy, medical terminology, physiology, radiobiology, physics, chemistry and mathematics related to Nuclear Medicine.
• Ability to scan independently, using initiative and judgment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• One (1) year of clinical experience as a CNMT.

Notes:

• May be required to cover call