Duties
The Nuclear Medicine Technologist works closely with Nuclear Medicine Lead and Supervisor, Attending Radiologists, Residents, and Fellows. The technologist uses radiopharmaceuticals, operates radiation detectors, scanning apparatuses and related equipment, as part of the diagnostic or therapeutic plan, for patients having special and complex imaging procedures in General Nuclear Medicine, Nuclear Cardiology and PET/CT including advanced therapies/exams to diagnose/treat various functional disorders that require specialized knowledge and skills. The NM Technologist performs the full range of specialized, advanced tests or studies according to established methods, reviewing and analyzing conventional testing problems and recommending or implementing solutions to overcome them.
Duties and functions of the nuclear Medicine Technologist include but are not limited to the following:
- Administers radiopharmaceuticals and/ or pharmaceuticals using standard precaution techniques, including:
- Verifying patient identity and medication reconciliation before the administration of medication, radiopharmaceuticals, or I.V. contrast.
- Determining the route of administration according to established protocol (e.g., subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous, etc.).
- Establishing and / or verifying venipuncture access using aseptic technique.
- Positioning the patient and obtaining images including:
- Waiting an appropriate length of time after the administration of a radiopharmaceutical to begin the imaging procedure.
- Acquiring imaging views according to established protocols and acquiring additional views to optimize information content.
- Properly positioning the patient using supportive materials and immobilizers, as necessary.
- Exercising independent judgment in positioning a patient or detector unit to best demonstrate pathology and to adapt to the patient's limitations.
- Indicating appropriate anatomic landmarks for each view of the procedure.
- Review images to assure that the correct information is supplied.
- Provides patient care by:
- Providing for proper comfort and care to the patient before, during, and after a procedure, including the monitoring of intravenous lines, oxygen supplies, and drains.
- Establishing and maintaining proper communication with patients in accordance with HIPAA.
- Behaving in a professional manner in consideration and observation of patients' rights and dignity.
- Providing functionally safe and sanitary conditions for the patient and staff in compliance with standard precautions policies.
- Recognizing and responding to medical emergency conditions by:
- Initiating a call for assistance.
- Administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation when necessary.
- Maintaining intravenous fluids, oxygen and other life-support assistance until dedicated medical emergency staff arrives.
- The technologist displays:
- Thorough knowledge of molecular level physiological functions that relate to glucose metabolism, blood flow, brain oxygen utilization, perfusion, and receptor-ligand binding rates.
- Thorough knowledge of physiologic processes that relate to organ system function and anatomy and their radiopharmaceutical demonstration of normal and pathologic states.
- Performing data collection, processing, and analysis by:
- Performing data collection, processing, and analysis in accordance with established protocols.
- Exercising independent judgment in selecting appropriate images for processing.
- Selecting appropriate filters, frequency cutoff, and attenuation and motion correction when reconstructing SPECT images.
- Defining regions of interest (ROI's) with reproducible results and correctly applying background subtraction.
- Performing computer data manipulations as required by standard nuclear medicine procedures (e.g., activity curve generation, quantification, SPECT slice production).
- Labeling processed images (e.g., anatomical positioning, ROI's, Date, etc.).
- Processing PET/CT data to produce parametric images.
- Preserving and retrieving data from storage media.
- Verifying computer parameter settings and data interface, including:
- Assuring that the camera detector and computer register the same count rate at the maximum frame rate.
- Verifying that the camera detector and computer have the same image orientation.
- Obtaining a dead time measurement on the computer.
- Verifying accuracy of ECG gating.
- Performing pixel calibration.
- Operating PET/CT computer hardware, processing software, and basic Windows and Unix platforms.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Compressed/Flexible:Not Available
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 05158F
Requirements
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 trial period.
- 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 examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
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
- Citizenship. Must be a United States Citizen per 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
GRADE REQUIREMENTS - Nuclear Medicine Technologist, GS-11
In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met:
- Experience. 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 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. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs:
- Ability to produce and assess high quality scans and quality control images using independent judgement to recognize abnormal or unacceptable results.
- Knowledge and skill in 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.
- Ability to obtain, assess, and document pre-therapy patient preparation information and provide post-therapy patient education following proper administration of advanced therapy dose.
- Ability to develop new protocols for imaging procedures.
- Ability to analyze instances of increased radiation exposure levels and recommend measures to reduce.
- Ability to analyze consequences of improper packaging of radioactive material and take appropriate actions.
Reference. For more information on this qualification standard, please visit
https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements. The work requires long periods of standing and walking. There is some bending, lifting, and carrying of light items such as CR film cassettes. There is occasional moderate exertion such as lifting multi-exposure film cassettes or assisting other technicians in lifting and positioning patients. Heavy lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help of other employees.
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/.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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.
Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:
- Current permanent VA employees of the facility.
- All other VA employees.
- Current permanent Federal employees of other agencies.
- All other applicants.
Note: Veterans' Preference is not applicable to VA employees or employees of other Federal Agencies.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Resume
- Certification in Nuclear Medicine Technology by NMTCB or ARRT
- School Transcript
- SF-50 - If current federal employee
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit
Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 07/25/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12766453.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.