Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Fusion Imaging Technologist)

Nuclear Medicine Technologists have responsibility for providing a wide range of specialized nuclear medicine procedures, including diagnostic imaging, therapy with unsealed radioactive materials, radio assay, in-vivo or in-vitro cell labeling, evaluating abnormal results, using and maintaining equipment, and setting up and monitoring quality control.

**Qualifications:**
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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: 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. 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. English Language Proficiency: NMTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, of this part. Grade Determinations: All individuals assigned to this occupation must have an approved title or parenthetical title, as described below: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Fusion Imaging Technologist) Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Multi-Modality Technologist) Lead Nuclear Medicine Technologist Supervisory Nuclear Medicine Technologist Supervisory Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Chief) Nuclear Medicine Technologist (National or Regional Technologist) Supervisory Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Imaging Program Administrator)] Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Fusion Imaging Technologist), GS-11 Experience: For assignments above the journey level, the candidate must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. In addition to the experience listed below, 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. Preferred Experience: 2 years of Oncology PET/CT experience. 1 year of Cardiac PET/CT experience. 1 year of Therapies experience (I-131, Lu-177 DOTATATE (lutathera), Lutetium Lu 177 Vipivotide Tetraxetan (pluvicto). CT certification: CT (NMTCB (CT) or ARRT (CT)). References: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://department.va.gov/employees/va-qualifications-standards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: This work requires heavy lifting (45lbs or more), moderate carrying (15-44lbs), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking (4-8 hours), standing (4-8 hours), both legs required, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in the other, both eyes required, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid permitted), mental and emotional stability, and prolonged standing includes the use of lead protective wear. Environmental factors include working closely with others, working alone, protracted or irregular hours of work, exposure to ionizing radiation, and exposure to body fluids.