The Albany VA Medical Center's Diagnostic Imaging Department is currently recruiting for one Nuclear Medicine Technologist. The incumbent performs a wide variety of functional imaging and non-imaging radionuclide studies, requiring the administration of radiopharmaceuticals and the use of specialized equipment. The work requires a professional knowledge of the field of Nuclear Medicine technology and various aspects that relate to Nuclear Medicine and radiation safety.
Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Independently performs routine and complex diagnostic imaging procedures including static, dynamic, whole body, and SPECT scans. Prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals by injection, by inhalation, or orally, taking into account precautions relative to radiation hazard, sterility, and radiochemical purity. Calculates volume and amount of activity following protocols approved by Chief of Nuclear Medicine.
Has working knowledge of the procedure manual protocols but can independently create new or modify existing imaging protocols as required by the clinical presentation and request of the nuclear physician. Receives patients, appropriately verifies patient identity, explains procedure, answers questions relating to the procedure, positions patient for all necessary views and tends to their comfort for the duration of the procedure.
Obtains pertinent clinical data from the patient, electronic chart, requisition, and patient interview for choosing appropriate imaging protocol for all procedures; determines blood glucose level for PET exams. Administers F-18, Ga-68 and operates PET-CT scanner for acquisition of PET scans and CT for anatomic localization and attenuation correction.
Understands and applies calculation of exposures from both X-Ray and photons emitted from Fluorine-18 and the many other isotopes used in nuclear medicine. Determines if additional information is needed for clarification of test results. Identifies positive results and notifies the Nuclear Medicine Radiologist immediately. The technologist ensures that informed consent and written directive are properly obtained and dose accurately assayed.
Follows radiation safety practices to minimize exposure to patient, staff and self. This is achieved using shielding and appropriate PPE, with understanding and practice of ALARA principles. Performs daily and weekly laboratory surveys to verify absence of radioactive contamination. Maintains records associated with receipt, administration, and disposal of radionuclides for nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, and research labs as mandated by the NHPP and NRC.
Immediately reports to RSO any packages not compliant with regulations. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. Registers and edits patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (VISTA) as well as the work list management portion of the PACS interface. Performs physiologic and pharmacologic stress testing under the supervision of cardiology staff.
Explains exams to patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Calibrates and performs quality control on gamma cameras and a variety of non-imaging instruments, including well and liquid scintillation counters, thyroid uptake probe, surgical probe for intraoperative procedures, and various survey meters. Performs prescribed dose calibrator linearity and accuracy checks and provides radiation safety training for new hospital employees. Radiation Safety: Follows radiation safety practices to minimize exposure to patient, staff and self.
This is achieved by the use of shielding and appropriate PPE, with understanding and practice of ALARA principles. Performs daily and weekly laboratory surveys to verify absence of radioactive contamination. Maintains records associated with receipt, administration, and disposal of radionuclides as mandated by the NHPP and NRC. Immediately reports to RSO any packages not compliant with regulations. Understands consequences of improper packaging.
Understands and applies calculation of exposures from both X-Ray and photons emitted from the wide variety of isotopes used in nuclear medicine. Calculates exposure rates based on administered dose and published physiologic distribution of pharmaceuticals. Performs therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures and understands the significance of post therapy exposure levels and restrictions on patient release from the service commensurate with the home environment.
Assists the RSO in establishing routine monitoring of rooms associated with the Nuclear Medicine service area to document excessive exposure rates. Performs other duties as required within the scope of a Nuclear medicine Technologist. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 7:00am-3:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: #:21V92-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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/.
katie.calandra@va.gov · 680-356-3681
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $93817 – $121969/yr.
This position requires a Other security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-09-30.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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