Clarification from the agency

This vacancy announcement is open to all United States Citizens. Current, permanent federal employees may apply to internal job announcement # CBTC-12334478-24-EKS. There is no need to apply to both.

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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.

Conditions of employment

• 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.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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,

• 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.

• 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.

1. Ability to produce and assess high quality fusion and quality control images using independent judgement to recognize abnormal or unacceptable results.
2. Practical knowledge and skill in the use of ancillary equipment with an understanding of how the results will affect the study outcome.
3. Knowledge of physiologic processes as they relate to altered radiopharmaceutical uptake and/or artefactual findings.
4. Knowledge of CT and/or MR radiographic techniques utilized in quality control and acquisition parameters.
5. Ability to recognize and correct fusion imaging system errors.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.