Nuclear Medicine Tech - Nuclear Medicine - PRN

VCU Health•Richmond, VA

1d•$39 - $61

About The Position

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist administers radioactive materials to patients of all ages for diagnostic, therapeutic, or research purposes and performs examinations or treatments ordered by a licensed independent practitioner (LIP). The role combines scientific knowledge, technical skills, patient interaction, and compassionate care to produce diagnostic information. Technologists recognize patient conditions relevant to procedures and apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, chemistry, nuclear physics, mathematics, pharmacology, pathology, and medical terminology. Responsibilities include patient care, quality control, diagnostic procedures, radiopharmaceutical and adjunctive medication preparation and administration, in vitro diagnostic testing, radionuclide therapy, and radiation safety. Technologists maintain accuracy in positioning and protocol selection, apply radiation-safety principles, assess quality-control measures, and serve as a primary liaison among patients, LIPs, and support teams. They use independent, professional, and ethical judgment, participate in quality improvement, and pursue continuing education. The technologist performs ordered procedures, follows protocols for radiopharmaceuticals and adjunctive medications, and safely handles radioactive materials through procurement, identification, calibration, preparation, quality control, dose calculation, documentation, administration, and disposal. Equipment operated may include gamma cameras, CT scanners for attenuation correction and anatomic localization, PET scanners, dose calibrators, survey instruments, probe and well counters, and ancillary patient-care equipment. The role includes assisting with specialized diagnostic and therapeutic exams; applying patient-safety and ALARA principles; assisting with patient transport; receiving and documenting imaging orders; corroborating clinical history; verifying informed consent; preparing and caring for patients before, during, and after procedures; performing venipuncture and maintaining IV access per protocol; preparing and administering prescribed medications; evaluating image quality and identification; and responding to emergencies until the appropriate team assumes control. Technologists also educate patients, mentor students and learners, and participate in quality assurance. This is a PRN position with rotating schedules. Individual shifts and schedules are established with the manager or supervisor and may be adjusted to meet staffing needs. On-call, weekend, and other after-hours coverage may be required. Nuclear Medicine Technologists are considered essential employees and may be required to report to work under VCUHS policy. The role serves patients of all age groups. Compensation ranges are $34.00–$48.70 for Nuclear Medicine Technologist I, $35.19–$54.55 for Nuclear Medicine Technologist II, and $39.41–$61.09 for Nuclear Medicine Technologist III. Actual offers depend on relevant experience, credentials, and qualifications.

Requirements

Certification by the Nuclear Medicine Technologist Certification Board (NMTCB) or registry by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in Nuclear Medicine (ARRT-N) is required for hire.
New graduates must obtain NMTCB certification or ARRT-N registry before their first day of employment.
Current NMTCB certification or ARRT-N registry is required for continued employment.
Must meet eligibility requirements and progress to Imaging Technologist Advancement Program Clinical Ladder Level 2 within 24 months of hire.
Basic Life Support (BLS for Healthcare Providers) is required.
Graduation from a JRC-accredited Nuclear Medicine program recognized by NMTCB and/or ARRT is required.
Must be able to lift 20–50 pounds.
Must be able to perform prolonged sitting and distance walking.
Requires strong recall, reasoning, problem solving, hearing, clear speech, legible writing, reading, logical thinking, and vision.
Requires ability to work in a fast- or steady-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to frequent change.
Must be available for rotating schedules; on-call, weekend, and other after-hours coverage may be required based on workload and staffing needs.
Must comply with applicable regulatory standards and health-system and department policies, procedures, processes, and guidelines.

Nice To Haves

One year of previous nuclear medicine or PET/CT work experience.
Previous work experience in an academic medical center environment.
Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology or Radiologic Technology with an emphasis in Nuclear Medicine from an accredited program.

Responsibilities

Perform nuclear medicine examinations and treatments ordered by a licensed independent practitioner.
Prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals, radioactive isotopes, and adjunctive medications according to protocols and orders.
Handle radioactive materials safely, including procurement, identification, calibration, preparation, quality control, dose calculation, documentation, administration, and disposal.
Operate nuclear medicine equipment, including gamma cameras, CT scanners, PET scanners, dose calibrators, survey instruments, probe and well counters, and ancillary patient-care equipment.
Provide patient care before, during, and after procedures, including patient preparation, assessment, monitoring, assistance, and transport.
Apply patient-safety practices and ALARA principles to minimize radiation exposure to patients, staff, and others.
Receive, relay, and document verbal, written, and electronic imaging orders in the patient record.
Corroborate clinical history with the ordered procedure and ensure relevant information is documented and available to the LIP.
Verify informed consent and provide patient education about imaging procedures.
Perform venipuncture and start or maintain intravenous access per procedural protocol and imaging order.
Evaluate images for technical quality and ensure proper patient identification is recorded.
Identify and escalate emergencies and manage the situation until the appropriate LIP or response team arrives.
Assist LIPs with specialized nuclear medicine diagnostic and therapeutic examinations and treatments.
Perform quality control and participate in ongoing quality assurance and improvement activities.
Educate, mentor, and provide general oversight to students and other learners in the Radiology environment.
Use independent professional and ethical judgment, resolve basic service-delivery issues, and follow applicable regulatory standards and health-system and department policies.
As applicable, lead technologists may coordinate work assignments, workflow, and staffing; serve as a clinical or technical resource; and provide training.
Maintain continuing education to enhance patient care, public education, knowledge, and technical competence.