Intermittent Nuclear Medicine Technologist

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist is responsible for performing a full range of routine and non-routine radionuclide studies to aid in the diagnosis of various organ functional disorders. They prepare proper instrument computer and auxiliary equipment and acquires imaging procedures as indicated by protocol. Evaluates image appearance and performs any additional views as required. Processes and evaluates computer generated data. Obtains samples and/or data for non-imaging studies. Calculates and evaluates results of non-imaging studies.

The Nuclear Medicine technologist primary responsibility is to perform Nuclear imaging scan duties and radionuclide therapy to patient in accordance to the NHPP recommendations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location appearance and function of the various major and minor body systems susceptible to radiological hazards; to interpret the examination requests accurately; to understand the functioning and inter-relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques that will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of particular interest to the physician. At this level the incumbent performs the majority of procedures including complex patient examinations under the direction of radiologist other medical officers and senior staff members. The incumbent may be called upon to assist in performing procedures in DEXA scanning. The purpose of these examinations and procedures is to produce imaging studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries foreign bodies pathological conditions or lesions within the body.

The incumbent must be knowledgeable in preparing radiopharmaceutical kits performing quality control and evaluating the results. Prepares and dispenses diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceutical dosages. Schedules patient studies ensuring appropriate sequence of multiple procedures and interact with staff regarding exam preparation. Receives patient and provides proper care during nuclear medicine procedures. Communicates effectively with patient family and staff. Provides safe and sanitary conditions. Recognizes and responds to emergency conditions. The technologist performs radiation safety duties associated with the radiopharmacy/hot lab. Post appropriate signs in designated areas to comply with NRC regulations. Surveys inspects and inventories incoming radioactive materials. Reviews radioactive materials packages to determine if it is properly packaged and takes appropriate actions. Utilizes proper methods for the use and storage of radioactive materials. Monitors and disposes of radioactive waste. Prepares & packages radioactive materials for transportation. Performs wipe tests and area radiation surveys. The technologist uses proper procedures for managing emergency surveys in the event of a radiation accident radioactive spill or contamination by performing the proper clean up surveying and monitoring of the area. Analyzes circumstances contributing to radiation exposure and to recommend procedures to minimize exposure. Provides instruction on proper radiation emergency procedures.

Work Schedule: Intermittent; The Imaging Department operates on a 24/7 schedule. This position has no set tour hours; work is scheduled based on demand and the employee is compensated only for hours actually worked.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 00182F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the Required Documents section of this announcement.

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

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 masters 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.

• Exceptions. Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for NMTCB or ARRT (N) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate NMT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 (a)(1)(D). Failure to obtain certification within 1 year from the date of appointment is justification for termination of the temporary appointment. This may result in termination of employment.
  • Failure to Obtain Credential. In all cases NMTs must actively pursue meeting certification requirements starting from the date of their appointment. Failure to become certified within 1 year from date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0601 NMT occupation and may result in termination of employment.
  • Loss of Credential. Once certified NMTs must maintain a full valid and unrestricted certification. Loss of credential will result in removal from the GS-0601 NMT occupation and may result in termination of employment. For occupations which require an active certification at all grade levels at the discretion of the appointing official an employee may be reassigned to another occupation for which he/she qualifies if a placement opportunity exists. For occupations which require an active credential (licensure/certification/registration) in assignments above the journey level only at the discretion of the appointing official an employee may remain at an appropriate lower grade level in the occupation when both of the following apply: the credential is not a requirement and a placement opportunity exists.

• Ability to document excessive radiation exposure in the working environment.
• Knowledge of medical events requiring documentation and the ability to properly document them and make recommendations to the radiation safety officer (RSO).
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing post iodine-131 therapy radiation safety precautions.
• Ability to troubleshoot gamma camera and auxiliary equipment problems.
• Ability to analyze computer generated data for technical quality and artifacts and initiate corrective measures.