Nuclear Medicine Tech

Southeast Health•Dothan, AL

About The Position

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist assists the Radiologic Physician in diagnosing and treating disease through the administration and detection of radioactive drugs. The role maintains records of radioactive material use and disbursement, equipment calibration and maintenance, and patient care. It also identifies and reports incidents or unsafe conditions and helps maintain appropriate supplies and isotopes in the department. The technologist prepares patients and radiopharmaceuticals, administers diagnostic and therapeutic doses under physician direction, and performs General Nuclear Medicine, Cardiology Nuclear Medicine, and PET/CT examinations. The position operates and troubleshoots imaging systems and related equipment, processes images, follows radiation-safety and regulatory requirements, and responds to patient reactions or emergencies. It also supports and educates patients, collaborates with healthcare professionals, maintains accurate documentation and billing information, and completes continuing education and annual competency requirements. The role provides age-specific care to all age groups and requires reliable on-call coverage, including responding to the hospital within 45 minutes of radioisotope delivery.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Bachelor of Science in Biology, Associate Degree in Nursing, or Associate of Science in Radiology Technology.
Begin a formal Nuclear Medicine education program within one year of the start date.
Complete a formal Nuclear Medicine program within three years of the start date.
Obtain ARRT registration or Nuclear Medicine Technologist certification within six months of graduation from a formal Nuclear Medicine program.
Obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) within six months of hire.
Ability to obtain and maintain a current, active registry through ARRT or NMTCB.
Meet continuing education requirements for credentials and registry.
Ability to adapt to changes in work and workflow.
Demonstrated time-management skills and attention to detail.
Complete assigned educational requirements, required programs or webinars, annual Symplr requirements, and annual performance evaluation requirements.
Ability to operate large, complex electronic equipment and use various technology platforms.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with a compassionate and empathetic approach to patient care.
Ability to perform all departmental exams, including General Nuclear Medicine, Cardiology Nuclear Medicine, and PET/CT.
Ability to communicate with doctors, medical physicists, nuclear pharmacists, computer specialists, nurses, and administrative staff.
Basic typing and computer skills, including experience using personal computers in a Windows environment.
Customer-service orientation.
Demonstrate proper reliability for on-call coverage and respond to the hospital within 45 minutes of radioisotope delivery.
Commitment to the organization's five priorities and Six Ground Rules.

Nice To Haves

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS).
Two or more years of healthcare experience.

Responsibilities

Review patient histories, verify orders, and screen for contraindications to radiopharmaceuticals or imaging procedures.
Prepare and handle radiopharmaceuticals in accordance with safety and regulatory guidelines.
Administer diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals under physician direction.
Administer therapeutic doses, such as I-131 and Ra-223, under physician direction, with appropriate patient monitoring and documentation.
Operate PET/CT scanners to acquire high-quality hybrid images.
Process and analyze images using specialized software.
Apply ALARA principles to limit unnecessary radiation exposure to patients, staff, and self.
Perform daily, weekly, and periodic quality-control tests on imaging equipment and dose calibrators.
Maintain accurate records of administered doses, imaging procedures, patient interactions, radioactive material, equipment calibration, and maintenance.
Operate and troubleshoot imaging systems, hot lab equipment, and radiation detection instruments.
Follow NRC, state, institutional, hospital-wide, and Alabama Department of Public Health Division of Radiation Control requirements for radiopharmaceutical handling, storage, disposal, and radiation safety.
Recognize and respond to adverse reactions and medical emergencies during or after radiopharmaceutical administration.
Explain procedures, answer patient questions, and provide emotional support.
Provide age-specific care to all age groups.
Coordinate care with nuclear medicine physicians, radiologists, oncologists, and other healthcare professionals.
Stay current with nuclear medicine, PET/CT technology, and therapeutic applications through ongoing education and certification.
Use PACS to document patient information accurately and correctly.
Use the computer system to charge the correct patient account for the correct exams and supplies.
Maintain appropriate departmental supplies and isotopes.
Complete annual competency requirements and demonstrate reliability for on-call coverage, including responding to the hospital within 45 minutes of radioisotope delivery.
Perform other duties requested by the primary manager, provided they do not compromise conduct standards or patient or employee safety protocols.