Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Multi-Modality Technologist)

SummaryThe Nuclear Medicine Technologist (MultiModality 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 - ranging in a wide variety.QualificationsBasic Requirements:The basic requirements for employment as a NMT are prescribed in 38 U.S.C.7402(b)(14)To qualify for appointment as a NMT - all applicants must possess the following: aCitizenshipBe a citizen of the United States(Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3.g. - of this part.) bCertificationAll 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 degreeEducational 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 NMTCBPhysical RequirementsSee VA Directive and Handbook 5019[ - Employee Occupational Health ServiceEnglish Language Proficiencycandidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2 - section D - paragraph 5a - of this partNOTE: Technologists functioning as multi-modality technologists require additional specific certifications as stated in assignment descriptions belowGrade Determinations: Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Multi-Modality Technologist) - GS-11 (a) ExperienceFor 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(b) AssignmentsFor 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 timeNMTs at this level are fully functional as an advanced NMT and carry out their assigned tasks independentlyNMTs 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 imagesMulti-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 dutiesThey carry out these complex assignments independently as part of nuclear medicine proceduresAssignments may include injection of contrast and recognition of allergic reaction - contraindications - and medication interactionsThe work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge - skills - and abilities to perform at this level(c) Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and AbilitiesThe candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: iKnowledge of contrast media - side effects - medication allergic reactions - drug interactions - and extravasation assessmentiiSkill to differentiate multi-modality protocols and adjust protocols according to patient needs - body mass index - or area of interestiiiKnowledge of unique scanning and processing parameters required of multi-modality imagingivAbility to troubleshoot and make simple repairs to PET/CT and/or PET/MR imaging systemsvAbility to care for patients during all stages of the procedure and provide emergency response care when necessaryviKnowledge of all contraindications for performing CT and/or MR scansPreferred Expereince: Must possess advanced certification in Computed Tomography as well as Nuclear Medicine Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/The position is above the journey levelDutiesIndependently performs routine and complex diagnostic imaging procedures including static - dynamic - and SPECT-CT scansExamples include but are not limited to bone - lung - thyroid - renal - and cardiovascular imaging and image processing Receives all nuclear medicine procedure requests and schedules according to preferred date - taking into consideration other appointments - preparation criteria - and convenience for veteransPrepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals by injection - inhalation - or orally - taking into account precautions relative to radiation hazard - sterility - and radiochemical purityCalculating volume and amount of activity following protocols approved by Chief of Imaging Services or Designee Properly identifies patients with at least 2 patient identifiers in accordance with VAPORHCS policy - confirms identity on order and properly identifies patient imagesThis is essential so that mistaken identity of images to patients does not occurExplains exams to patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards - if any - are possibleMay be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs - recognize medical emergencies (e.gallergic reactions - diabetic hypoglycemia) - and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitationPrepares patient for exams by achieving intravenous access and placing IV catheter when needed utilizing aseptic technique and standard precautions for infection controlEnsures correct study is being performed on the specified patient by reviewing appropriateness of indication and patient's medical history (including medications - contraindications - etc)Works with cardiology staff - physicians - fellows - and other personnel to screen all patients and determine which nuclear medicine cardiac test is appropriate - taking into consideration lung diseases - weight - ability to exercise - medications - etcPerforms physiological and pharmacologic stress testing under supervision of cardiology staffMust know the basics of performing an EKG and interpretation and proper technique to get appropriate vital signsUnderstands the parameters of optimal clinical images and obtains extra views when indicated Works with radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians for special administrations of radiopharmaceuticals (e.gfor cisternography or lymphoscintigraphy) and in therapeutic nuclear medicine proceduresThe technologist ensures that informed consent and written directives are properly obtained - and the radiopharmaceutical dose is accurately assayedWork Schedule: Mon-Fri 0730-1600 with rotating on call Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual positionFunctional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized