The Birmingham VA Clinic located in Birmingham; Alabama is recruiting for a Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Multi-Modality Technologist) to work within Nuclear Medicine Services.

Duties

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist will perform duties and responsibilities that incumbent include, but are not limited to the following: The incumbent is a senior nuclear medicine technologist with responsibilities for performing specialized Radionuclide studies for diagnosis of various disease states - in vivo, ex vivo and research. He/she performs routine procedures but also performs a variety of technical procedures that require independent judgment, ingenuity and initiative in the utilization of radionuclides for diagnosis and treatment of disease in humans. Assumes responsibility for designated areas of procedures as required. Evaluates all test results he /she performs before presenting the studies to the staff physician. Is responsible for setting up and maintaining equipment. Performs and monitors Quality Control (QC). Duties of even more complicated nature include research and troubleshooting of the gamma scintillation cameras, positron emission tomography camera, scintillation and gamma counters, and dose calibrators. NMTs in this assignment perform fusion imaging such as PET/CT, SPECT/CT and/or PET/MR procedures that include diagnostic nuclear medicine, CT, and/or MR fused images. Multi-modality technologists must hold appropriate specific certifications in nuclear medicine (NMTCB or ARRT(N)), as well as CT (NMTCB(CT)) or ARRT (CT)), and/or MR (ARRT (MR)) applicable to independently perform the assignment duties. They carry out these complex assignments independently as part of nuclear medicine procedures. Assignments may include injection of contrast and recognition of allergic reaction, contraindications, and medication interactions. The work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. Performs Other Duties as assigned Work Schedule: Mon- Fri 0800-1630 Functional Statement #: Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: The basic requirements for employment as a NMT are prescribed in 38 U.S.C. § 7402(b)(14). To qualify for appointment as a NMT, all applicants must possess the following: 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) (CT) 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 master's 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. NOTE: Technologists functioning as multi-modality technologists require additional specific certifications as stated in assignment descriptions below. 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. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: Experience. Completion of 1 year of [creditable] experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position to be filled (i.e., experience that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics needed to provide nuclear medicine technology services at that level) is required. Assignments. Candidates at this grade level serve as staff NMTs [at the journey level. NMTs at this level have a full understanding of proper methods of receipt, use, storage, and disposal of radioactive material; properly and independently handle unusual circumstances; perform and evaluate daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly quality control on all imaging and non-imaging instrumentation and auxiliary equipment, provide basic patient care, and can recognize and respond to emergency conditions. It is expected that they routinely and independently perform the full scope and complexity of these responsibilities and receive guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff members for only the most complex patients. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, ability to apply knowledge to assay radiopharmaceuticals Knowledge of digital imaging techniques and trouble shooting Knowledge of PACS systems, CDROMS and basic computer skills. Preferred Experience: Applicant must have Board Certification in ARRT [N] or CNMT Board and be in good standing. References: VA Handbook 5005/125 Part II Appendix G19 dated December 10, 2019The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 9. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Birmingham VA Medical Center 700 South 19th Street Birmingham, AL 35233 US
• Name: Amber Higgins
• Phone: (205) 933-8101 X333587
• Email: [email protected]