The practice of nuclear medicine is performed by a nuclear medicine technologist responsible for the administration of radioactive materials to humans of all ages (newborn to geriatric) for diagnostic, therapeutic, or research purposes. A nuclear medicine technologist performs nuclear medicine exams or treatments at the request of and for interpretation by a licensed independent practitioner. Nuclear Medicine integrates scientific knowledge, technical skills, patient interaction and compassionate care resulting in diagnostic information. A nuclear medicine technologist recognizes patient conditions essential for successful completion of a procedure. Nuclear Medicine Technologists must demonstrate an understanding of human anatomy, physiology, chemistry, nuclear physics, mathematics, pharmacology, pathology, and medical terminology. The responsibilities of the nuclear medicine technologist include, but are not limited to patient care, quality control, diagnostic procedures, radiopharmaceutical and adjunctive medication preparation and administration, in vitro diagnostic testing radionuclide therapy, and radiation safety. Nuclear Medicine Technologist must maintain a high degree of accuracy in positioning and/or protocol selection. They must possess, utilize, and maintain knowledge of radiation safety principles and continually perform and assess quality control measures on equipment and procedures. The nuclear medicine technologist prepares and administers medications and radioactive isotopes related to nuclear medicine imaging exams or therapies. Nuclear Medicine Technologists are the primary liaison between patients, licensed independent practitioners and other members of the support team. Nuclear medicine technologists must remain sensitive to the physical and emotional needs of the patient through good communication, assessment, monitoring, and care skills. Participation in quality improvement processes and continuous assessment of performance is expected. Nuclear Medicine Technologists think critically and use independent, professional, and ethical judgment in all aspects of work Engagement in continuing education to enhance patient care, public education, knowledge, and technical competence is expected in this role. The scope of practice for the Nuclear Medicine Technologist includes: Performing procedures or examinations upon the order of and for diagnostic interpretation by a licensed independent practitioner. Following protocol and utilizes appropriate techniques for use of radiopharmaceuticals and adjunctive medications as a part of a standard protocol to ensure quality diagnostic images and/or results. Practicing safe handling and storage of radioactive materials during procurement; identification, calibration, preparation, quality control, dose calculation, dispensing documentation, administration and disposal of radioactive materials. Operating all nuclear medicine instrumentation including: gamma cameras, CT scanners for attenuation correction and anatomic localization, PET Scanners, Dose calibrators, survey instruments, probe and well counters, as well as ancillary patient care equipment. Providing optimal patient care by applying established and accepted protocols. Assisting LIP with specialized nuclear medicine diagnostic and therapeutic exams. Applying the principles of patient safety during all aspects of nuclear medicine procedures, including assisting and transporting patients. Receiving, relaying, and documenting verbal, written, and electronic imaging orders in the patient’s medical record. Corroborating patient’s clinical history with the ordered procedure while ensuring information is documented and available for use by a licensed independent practitioner (LIP). Verifying informed consent. Assuming responsibility for patient needs before, during, and after procedures. Preparing patients for procedures. Applying principles of ALARA to minimize exposure to patient, self, and others. Performing venipuncture per procedural protocol based on imaging order from a licensed independent practitioner. Starting and maintaining intravenous access per procedural protocol based on an imaging order for a LIP. Identifying, preparing, and /or administering medications generally associated with nuclear medicine imaging procedures as prescribed by a LIP. Evaluating images for technical quality, ensuring proper identification is recorded. Identifying and escalating emergency situations and managing until appropriate LIP, EMS, MERT, RRT, or Code Team arrives to assume control. Providing patient education related to imaging procedure. Educating, mentoring, and general oversight of students and other learners in the Radiology environment. Participating and/or performing ongoing quality assurance activities.
Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for Hire: Certification by the Nuclear Medicine Technologist Certification Board (NMTCB) or Registry bythe American Registry of Radiology Technologist -Nuclear Medicine (ARRT-N) New graduates must obtain NMTCB certification or ARRT-N registry prior to first day of employment
Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for continued employment: Current Certification by NMTCB or ARRT-N Team member must meet eligibility requirements and progress to Imaging Technologist Advancement Program Clinical Ladder Level 2 within 24 months of hire Basic Life Support (BLS for Healthcare Providers)
Experience REQUIRED: N/A
Experience PREFERRED One (1) year of previous nuclear medicine or PET/CT work experience. Previous work experience in an academic medical center environment.
Education/training REQUIRED: Graduation from a JRC Accredited Program in Nuclear Medicine that is recognized by the NMTCB and/or ARRT
Education/training PREFERRED: Bachelors Degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology or Radiologic Technology with an emphasis in Nuclear Medicine from an accredited program
Independent action(s) required: Nuclear Medicine Technologists independently perform s or assist the licensed independent practitioner in the completion of diagnostic and therapeutic exams and/or treatments. Calculates medication doses for radioactive isotopes. Nuclear Medicine Technologists independently complete imaging exams based on physicians written order, department protocols, and institutional safety standards. Represents the goals, values, and vision of VCU Health System. Ensures adherence to regulatory standards, health system and department policies, procedures, processes, and guidelines applicable to role. Resolves basic service delivery issues. Lead technologists may perform “lead technologist” functions such as coordinating work assignments, workflow, and staffing for an assigned shift/area; serve as clinical or technical resource; provide training.
Supervisory responsibilities (if applicable): N/A
Additional position requirements: Individual shift rotation and schedules will be established with your specific manager or supervisor. Schedules, including requirements of shift rotations and hours of work may be adjusted as necessary to meet staffing needs of the health system. On-call, weekend and other after hours coverage may be required based on workload demand and staffing needs of the health system. Nuclear Medicine Technologists are considered “Essential Employees” who may be required to report to work in accordance with the VCUHS Policy.
Age Specific groups served: All
Physical Requirements (includes use of assistance devices as appropriate):
Physical: Lifting 20-50 lbs.
Activities: Prolonged sitting, Walking (distance)
Mental/Sensory: Strong recall, Reasoning, Problem solving, Hearing, Speak clearly, Write legibly, Reading, Logical thinking
Other: Vision
Emotional: Fast pace environment, Steady pace, Able to handle multiple priorities, Able to adapt to frequent change
Compensation Ranges:
Nuclear Medicine Technologist I: $34.00 - $48.70
Nuclear Medicine Technologist II: $35.19 - $54.55
Nuclear Medicine Technologist III: $39.41 - $61.09
Actual Salary offers will be based on several key factors to include relevant work experience, credentials, and qualifications.
Rotating
EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran
