Nuclear Medicine Technologist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a Nuclear Medicine Technologist to perform a full range of routine and complex radionuclide studies, including PET/CT, in the Nuclear Medicine Section.

You will calibrate and administer radiopharmaceuticals under an authorized user, perform quality control procedures, operate imaging and related equipment, and maintain ALARA standards and patient safety. Certification (NMTCB or ARRT N), U.S.

Qualifications

• Certification in nuclear medicine technology required (NMTCB or ARRT(N).
• Accredited nuclear medicine program evidenced by degree/certificate.
• Structured clinical training in radiation safety and radiopharmacy.

Responsibilities

• Independently performs routine and special radionuclide imaging studies (planar, SPECT, PET/CT).
• Administers radiopharmaceuticals under an authorized user and ensures patient safety.
• Performs quality control and operates imaging, laboratory, and computer instrumentation.

Skills

Imaging procedures

Radiopharmacology

ALARA safety

Quality control

Independent judgment

Education

NMTCB or ARRT(N) certification

Nuclear medicine program accreditation

Tools

NMIS system

Job description

Summary

This is an open continuous announcement until December 31 - 2026. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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
• English Language proficiency: [NMTs] must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2 - section D - paragraph 5a -of this part
• May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
• Grade Determinations: Nuclear Medicine 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
• 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 at this level serve in advanced assignments and will have varying assignments - including special and complex imaging procedures - advanced therapies - clinical instruction - and quality management duties within the program
• Advanced therapies may include - but are not limited to - yttrium-90 - radium - and palliative bone pain therapy
• Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment - the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge - skills - and abilities to perform at this level
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Ability to produce and assess high quality scans and quality control images using independent judgement to recognize abnormal or unacceptable results
• Knowledge and skill in use of ancillary equipment with an understanding of how the results will affect the study outcome
• Knowledge of physiologic processes as they relate to altered radiopharmaceutical uptake and/or artefactual findings
• Ability to obtain - assess - and document pre-therapy patient preparation information and provide post-therapy patient education following proper administration of advanced therapy dose
• Ability to develop new protocols for imaging procedures
• Ability to analyze instances of increased radiation exposure levels and recommend measures to reduce
• Ability to analyze consequences of improper packaging of radioactive material and take appropriate actions
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 Employee Occupational Health Service

Duties

• The incumbent serves as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist for the Nuclear Medicine Section and is responsible for independently performing a full range of routine - non-routine - research and new radionuclide studies - to include PET/CT
• The responsibilities of the nuclear medicine technologist include an empathetic and instructional approach to patient care - the preparation - calibration and administration of radiopharmaceuticals under the direction of an authorized user (Nuclear Medicine Physician) - the performance of quality control procedures - the operation of imaging - laboratory - and computer instrumentation and the application of accepted standards (ALARA) of radiation safety and protection
• Duties include - but not limited to: Independently performs a full range of routine radionuclide imaging studies of various organ systems by planar - tomographic (SPECT) and PET/CT techniques
• Evaluates images and computer-generated data and performs additional views as required
• The technologist must possess professional knowledge of the scientific principles - concepts and methodology of nuclear medicine technology to carry out a variety of diagnostic tests and verity results
• He/She must be knowledgeable of multiple physical facts of radionuclides - their use and their effect on the different body organs being imaged
• The technologist must possess multidisciplinary skills in order to assist with stress tests by starting IV's - placing EKG leads - taking blood pressures and ensuring all monitoring equipment is functional
• In case of an emergency - the technologist provides oxygen - fluids - administers CPR and other life support when necessary while waiting for dedicated medical emergency staff to arrive
• Prepares proper instruments - computers and auxiliary equipment and acquires images as indicated by protocols
• Performs - monitors and documents monthly - quarterly and annual quality control procedures on equipment
• Maintains inventory of radioactive sources used for quality control and associated documentation
• Assumes all the duties and responsibilities of a technologist in the operation and calibration of the PET/CT scanner and will be willing to receive the necessary training to engage in the daily operation of the PET/CT
• Reviews the daily work schedule to anticipate radiopharmaceutical needs and places orders for the next day - including therapies
• Prepares - verifies and measures diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceutical dosages for patient and completes all associated paperwork
• Calculates and calibrates isotope amounts
• Employee utilizes NMIS system for calculation storage and reference as well as determining exact exposure rates for all procedures completed
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 0800-1630 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 07060F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized