Outpatient Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Medical University of South Carolina•Charleston, SC

12d

About The Position

Performs diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine examinations, preparing patients and radiopharmaceutical doses and operating imaging equipment. The technologist verifies and documents radiopharmaceuticals, conducts quality control, follows Nuclear Regulatory Commission requirements for radioactive materials, and maintains ACR accreditation. The role also includes cardiac studies with the Cardiology Department, image preparation and routing for interpretation, and required patient-care documentation. The technologist performs examinations safely, accurately, and promptly; prepares and maintains the radiology suite and equipment; and contributes to a culture of safety through workflow improvement, reporting, and appropriate responses to patient-care concerns. Work requires effective communication with patients and clinic staff and the ability to support patients at different developmental stages. The position is scheduled for 40 hours per week. A $10,000 sign-on bonus and up to $5,000 in relocation assistance are available.

Requirements

Graduate of an ARRT- or NMTCB-recognized Nuclear Medicine Program.
0–2 years of modality-specific experience.
Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT) through NMTCB, Registered Technologist (RT (N)) through ARRT, or registry eligible; registry-eligible candidates must obtain certification within 12 months.
Licensure from the South Carolina Radiation Quality Standards Association (SCRQSA).
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association or a recognized equivalent, or American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuer and Healthcare Provider certification.
Technical competence in operating imaging equipment and using procedure-related supplies; knowledge of related physics, anatomy, imaging techniques, and medical terminology.
Ability to evaluate and appropriately respond to verbal and non-verbal communication from patients at diverse stages of development.
Ability to complete procedures with sufficient speed to support departmental efficiency and complete computer and handwritten documentation.
Ability to perform job functions while standing, walking, and sitting; bend, kneel, climb stairs, reach in all directions, use both hands and legs, and perform repetitive motions.
Ability to qualify physically for respirator use initially and as required; maintain corrected 20/40 vision and work indoors in a latex-safe environment.
Ability to frequently lift, lower, push, pull, or carry objects weighing approximately 50 pounds unassisted, exert up to 50 pounds of force, and lift 25 pounds from 36 inches to overhead.
Ability to work infrequently in dusty areas and confined or cramped spaces.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree preferred for registry-eligible candidates.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare patient doses and identify, verify, and document radiopharmaceuticals.
Perform quality control assessments on camera systems, calibration instruments, radiopharmaceuticals, and daily shipments; maintain required logs and perform contamination surveys in accordance with applicable regulations.
Interview patients, explain procedures, administer prescribed radiopharmaceuticals using the appropriate two-identifier process, and review relevant medical history and orders.
Perform diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine examinations safely, accurately, and promptly according to approved protocols.
Maintain safety standards and document the use and disposal of radioactive materials in compliance with Nuclear Regulatory requirements.
Maintain ACR accreditation status and perform quality control according to ACR and manufacturer guidance.
Place daily orders for radiopharmaceuticals.
Perform cardiac studies with the Cardiology Department, prepare digital data for radiologist and cardiologist review, and perform cardiac-gated computer analysis of digital images.
Send completed images to SECTRA with appropriate labels and associated comments in EPIC.
Route completed exams for interpretation, ensure required logs and documentation are complete, and communicate delays to relevant stakeholders.
Ensure equipment and supplies are available and working; report equipment errors, downtime, and environmental issues to appropriate parties.
Keep exam rooms and patient areas clean and ensure equipment is cleaned according to applicable manufacturer, OSHA, DHEC, and MUSC infection-control guidelines.
Participate in safety improvement activities, use the Shield reporting system, contribute to group meetings, and address patient-care problems or escalate them to an appropriate supervisor or care-team member.
Complete general, unit, and department-specific competencies, including age-specific competencies and the dysrhythmia course.
Introduce self to patients, explain procedures and next steps, assist patients at the end of procedures, and maintain professional communication and demeanor.
Perform other related duties as required.