This Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NMT) (Fusion Imaging Technologist) position is assigned to the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, Nuclear Medicine Service within the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center. NMTs in this assignment perform fusion imaging such as positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), single photon emission tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) and/or positron emission tomography (PET) procedures that include non-diagnostic low dose CT attenuation.

Duties

Nuclear Medicine Technologists (Fusion NMTs) at this grade level serve as fully functional fusion imaging NMTs and carry out their assigned task independently. This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of all nuclear medicine examinations including cardiac, general, SPECT/CT, and PET/CT. The technologist must have knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of all major and minor organ systems as they relate to nuclear medicine imaging, fusion imaging and therapy. The NMT must be capable of evaluating the examination request accurately, to understand the functioning and inter­relationship of the various organ systems as they relate to the NM exam and fusion imaging to use all available methods and techniques to accurately identify organs and functional processes as they appear on the digital display monitor, at all stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the images for diagnostic use. They must be proficient in assuring optimal acquisition and display of data to assure collection of those aspects of particular interest to the physician in diagnostic review. The objective of these exams and procedures is to produce optimal Nuclear Medicine and fusion images allowing accurate interpretation by Nuclear Medicine Physicians to identify and locate normal functional anatomy and accurately identify pathological conditions or lesions within the body so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be obtained. Duties and responsibilities of the Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Fusion NMT) include, but are not limited to: Ability to analyze consequences of improper packaging of radioactive material and take appropriate actions. Ability to produce and assess high quality fusion and quality control images using independent judgement to recognize abnormal and unacceptable results. Practical knowledge and skill in the use of ancillary equipment with an understanding of how the results will affect the study outcome Knowledge of physiologic processes as they relate to altered radiopharmaceutical uptake and/or artefactual findings Knowledge of CT and/or MR radiographic techniques utilized in quality control and acquisition parameters. Ability to recognize and correct fusion imaging system errors Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality, utilizing the least amount of radiation to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes. Technologist works under the supervision of the Chief Technologist and rotates all responsibilities within the NM section. He/she works independently on most exams, but confers with the NM Physician and Chief Technologist on more difficult exams. Work is spot-checked for achievement of objectives. Knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and physiology includinglocation, appearance, and functioning of the major and minor systems susceptible to nuclear medicine and fusion imaging, and knowledge of changes to systems and organs caused by common medical and surgical diseases. This helps to properly calculate exposure rates and properly document excessive radiation exposure. Ability to develop new protocols for imaging procedures and performs He/she works independently on most exams, but confers with NM Physician and Section Supervisor on more difficult problems. Technologist is required to maintain competence in Venipuncture. The technologist must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient. Technologist must be familiar with policies and procedures for practicing radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. This is achieved by optimizing technical factors and ensuring all policies and procedure are adhered to. Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, pre-op, urgent and routine exams. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible:Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 20074F Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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. English Language Proficiency. NMTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, per VA Handbook 5005, Qualification Standards. Grandfathering Provision. 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). 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: Completion of a NMTCB-recognized nuclear medicine technology program, OR, 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. GRADE DETERMINATION Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Fusion Imaging Technologist) GS-11 Experience. For assignments at this level, the candidate must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-9) directly related to the position being filled, and must fully meet the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) at that level which are: 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the 1 year GS-9 level specialized experience described above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Ability to produce and assess high quality fusion and quality control images using independent judgement to recognize abnormal or unacceptable results. Practical knowledge and skill in the use of ancillary equipment with an understanding of how the results will affect the study outcome. Knowledge of physiologic processes as they relate to altered radiopharmaceutical uptake and/or artefactual findings. Knowledge of CT and/or MR radiographic techniques utilized in quality control and acquisition parameters. Ability to recognize and correct fusion imaging system errors. Physical Requirements. Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time. For additinal information please see VA Directive and Handbook 5019. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11 References: VA Handbook 5005/125 Part II, Appendix G19

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address CW Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 10000 Bay Pines Boulevard Bay Pines, FL 33744 US
• Name: Edit Sedgwick
• Phone: 407-631-7503 X17503
• Email: [email protected]