Clarification from the agency

This job is open to all US Citizens. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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Nuclear Medicine Technician duties include but are not limited to:

• The technologist is expected to work independently, in performing routine and non­routine imaging procedures. Prepares 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.
• Performs, evaluates, and monitors quality control measurements of specialized equipment used in the performance of imaging studies, such as camera imaging systems, computers, dose calibrators, well/probe detector systems, and other ancillary equipment used on a daily basis. The technologist performs QC, troubleshoots, and makes a judgment on the acceptable performance of equipment prior to initiating studies on patients. Assesses performance and troubleshoots P ACS and/or film processing equipment. Operates and maintains hot lab equipment.
• Reviews the daily work schedule to plan radiopharmaceutical needs. Performs the role of Radiopharmacist by ordering the appropriate doses from the radiopharmacy, performing quality control, and evaluating the results. Prepares and dispenses diagnostic radiopharmaceutical dosages. Labels blood components with a radiopharmaceutical. Maintains records of quality control procedures, doses and other related daily checks as required by NHPP, NRC, JCAHO, OSHA, VA Regulations and other licensing and regulating bodies.
• 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 develops patient educational materials.
• Prepares patients for procedures. Obtains pertinent patient history and checks procedural contraindications. Selects and administers the appropriate radiopharmaceutical by the proper route. Identifies potential medical events and takes appropriate action. Properly documents a medical event.
• Performs and processes routine nuclear medicine studies following the performance, evaluation and troubleshooting of quality control procedures on the system. Performs and processes routine and non-routine special and research protocols for all studies.
• Prepares the patient for nuclear medicine exams by explaining the procedure, obtaining relevant patient history (including height/weight) and having patient remove all artifact producing objects. Performs and interprets results of required quality control tests, including, phantoms. Performs and processes all nuclear medicine exams utilizing reference database and verifying region of interest to assess accuracy of results.
• The technologist performs radiation safety duties associated with the radiopharmacy/hot lab. Posts 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 then takes appropriate action. Utilizes proper methods for the use and storage of radioactive materials. Monitors and disposes of radioactive waste.
• 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.
• As part of radiation safety duties, the technologist instructs the patient, family and staff in radiation safety precautions after the administration of radiopharmaceuticals.
• Takes appropriate measures to reduce radiation exposure levels. Calculates exposure rates. Analyzes instances of increased radiation exposure levels and recommend measures to reduce. Properly documents excessive radiation exposure.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Subject to change based on needs of the Service to ensure continuity of care.
Telework: not authorized
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #:564-01353-F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): not authorized

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.
• 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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
• 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.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• 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.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

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: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

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 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.

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: In addition to the basic requirements, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade. The candidate's qualifications must clearly demonstrate the level of competence required for the grade.

GS 09:
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.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
i. Ability to document excessive radiation exposure in the working environment.
ii. Knowledge of medical events requiring documentation and the ability to properly document them and make recommendations to the radiation safety officer (RSO). iii. Ability to communicate orally and in writing post iodine-131 therapy radiation safety precautions.
iv. Ability to troubleshoot gamma camera and auxiliary equipment problems.
v. Ability to analyze computer generated data for technical quality and artifacts and initiate corrective measures.

Preferred Experience: 1 Year of Hospital Based Experience

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is 09.

Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for this occupation, see duty section for essential duties of this position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.

Work Environment: Work is performed in an office clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted heated and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once and sometimes stressful situations.

Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA [as a NMT] on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:

(1) Such employees in an occupation that requires a [certification], may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the journey (full performance) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
(2) Such employees in an occupation that requires a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to the higher-grade levels.
(3) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
(4) Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.
(5) If an employee who was [in the NMT] occupation listed in 38 U.S.C. § 7401(3) under this provision leaves that occupation, the employee loses protected status, and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation.

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.