Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Multi-Modality Technologist)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a Multimodality Nuclear Medicine Technologist to perform PET, SPECT, and CT imaging with a focus on cardiac imaging at a VA Medical Center.

The role requires dual certification in Nuclear Medicine and CT, with responsibilities including safe handling of radiopharmaceuticals, equipment operation, and patient monitoring in a cardiology setting.

Qualifications

• Certification in nuclear medicine technology required (NMTCB or ARRT(N)).
• CT certification in NMTCB(CT) or ARRT(CT) preferred.
• Experience with multi-modality imaging and safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures, including PET, SPECT, and CT imaging.
• Operate and maintain imaging equipment and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with cardiology and nuclear medicine teams on patient care.
• Administer radiopharmaceuticals and monitor for adverse reactions.

Skills

Radiation safety

Patient care

Troubleshooting imaging systems

ALARA principles

Education

NMTCB or ARRT(N) certification

CT certification (NMTCB(CT) or ARRT(CT))

Tools

PET/CT scanners

SPECT/CT systems

Gamma cameras

Job description

Summary

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—specifically in Cardiac Imaging.

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: 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 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: 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
• Examples of experience (i.e., experience that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics needed to provide nuclear medicine technology services at that level) is required
• 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 GS‑11 Demonstrated 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
• Preferred Experience: Experience with nuclear medicine isotopes—and with cardiac stress testing/imaging preferred
• 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
• 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—aand pulling objects up to 45 pounds (e.g., radiopharmaceutical doses—lead shielding—portable equipment)
• Reaching—bending—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

Duties

• 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—specifically in Cardiac Imaging
• 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 and maintain regulatory compliance
• The incumbent will work in nuclear medicine and in the cardiology heart center based upon needed clinical duties at any given time
• Duties to include but not limited to: 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
• Perform necessary administrative functions (e.g., consult closure—reminder calls—scheduling of appointments)—and assist as necessary with cardiovascular stress testing such as ETT, stress echo, other related duties as necessary, ensure necessary data entry for all studies and equipment operations and quality control
• Operate and maintain gamma cameras, PET/CT scanners, SPECT/CT systems and associated imaging equipment
• Perform daily—weekly—monthly quality control tests
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and report issues to Biomed
• Perform routine checks of code cart; maintain all equipment in operational order and take needed measures to correct equipment problems that arise

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 3:30 pm EST. Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized. Telework: Not Authorized. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.