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.

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

Duties

• 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