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: [(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:
Experience: For assignments above the journey 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.
Experience at the GS9 level may include:
-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 iodine131 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
Knowledge Skills and Abilities: . In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
-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 pretherapy patient preparation information and provide posttherapy 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/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11.
Physical Requirements: This position requires the ability to do the following: Heavy lifting (45lbs and over), moderate carrying (15-44lbs), pushing, use of fingers, use of both hands, walking (up to 8hrs), standing (up to 8hrs), repeated bending (up to 8hrs), ability to distinguish basic colors, emotional/mental stability. Environmental factors include: exposure to radiant energy, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, working closely with others and/or working alone.