Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Veterans Health Administration • Columbus, OH

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Serves as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist in the Radiology Service, performing functional studies of organs and systems using static and dynamic imaging procedures, radionuclide and radiopharmaceutical injections, specialized imaging equipment, and in vitro laboratory procedures. The role includes routine imaging, equipment quality control, radiopharmacy preparation, SPECT-CT studies, and radiation-safety duties.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. The full-performance level is GS-11. The position requires certification in nuclear medicine technology, subject to the stated graduate-technologist exception and deadlines. Physical demands include heavy lifting, carrying, pushing, use of fingers and both hands, walking, standing, repeated bending, color discrimination, and emotional and mental stability. Environmental factors include exposure to radiant energy, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, and working closely with others and/or alone.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required, subject to the stated policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Must hold NMTCB or ARRT (N) certification, or meet eligibility for the stated temporary graduate NMT appointment exception; certification must be obtained within one year of appointment and maintained.
• Certification eligibility ordinarily requires completion of a recognized or accredited nuclear medicine technology program with structured clinical training in radiation safety, instrumentation, clinical procedures, and radio-pharmacy.
• For assignments above the journey level at GS-11, one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position, with the KSAs at that level.
• Ability to produce and assess high-quality scans and quality-control images using independent judgment to recognize abnormal or unacceptable results.
• Knowledge and skill in using ancillary equipment and understanding its effects on study outcomes.
• Knowledge of physiologic processes related 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 after administration of an advanced therapy dose.
• Ability to develop new imaging-procedure protocols.
• Ability to analyze increased radiation exposure levels and recommend ways to reduce them.
• Ability to analyze consequences of improper radioactive-material packaging and take appropriate action.
• Must complete required application steps, including an online assessment, and undergo a background/security investigation and online onboarding.
• Must meet applicable Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a VA health care personnel requirement.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period.
• Must meet the physical requirements, including heavy lifting of 45 pounds or more; moderate carrying of 15–44 pounds; pushing; use of fingers and both hands; walking and standing up to eight hours; repeated bending up to eight hours; distinguishing basic colors; and emotional and mental stability.

Responsibilities

• Work independently performing routine imaging procedures.
• Prepare instruments, computers, and auxiliary equipment, and acquire imaging procedures according to protocol.
• Perform, evaluate, and monitor quality-control measurements of specialized imaging equipment, including camera imaging systems, computers, dose calibrators, well/probe detector systems, and ancillary equipment.
• Review the daily work schedule and plan radiopharmaceutical needs.
• Prepare radiopharmaceutical kits, perform quality control, and evaluate results in the role of radiopharmacist.
• Label blood components with a radiopharmaceutical.
• Perform and process routine SPECT-CT studies, including evaluating and troubleshooting system quality-control procedures.
• Perform radiation-safety duties associated with the radiopharmacy/hot lab.
• Produce and assess high-quality scans and quality-control images, recognizing abnormal or unacceptable results.
• Obtain, assess, and document pre-therapy patient preparation information and provide post-therapy patient education following administration of an advanced therapy dose.
• Develop protocols for imaging procedures.
• Analyze increased radiation exposure levels and recommend measures to reduce them.
• Analyze consequences of improper radioactive-material packaging and take appropriate action.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to the employee and family, subject to position and eligibility rules.
• Selected applicants may qualify to request credit for prior work or military service toward annual leave accrual; approval is required and not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed