Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Job Summary: Under supervision, prepares, measures, administers radio-pharmaceuticals in diagnostic and therapeutic studies, and performs Nuclear Medicine procedures on patients utilizing various types of imaging equipment. Nuclear Medicine Technologists perform a wide variety of exacting technical tests and procedures using radioactive materials and the operation of radiation detection devices. Incumbents receive supervision from a technical supervisor, but receive direction from a physician who establishes protocols, reviews procedures, and interprets results.

Qualifications: Education: High School Diploma required. Preferred Education: Bachelor’s degree in relevant field of study.

Minimum Experience: One (1) year, mobile or in a healthcare/hospital environment.

Required Licenses/Certifications: Possession of current certification in CPR and Basic Life Support. Successful completion of a recognized Nuclear Medicine training program, and certification by the State of California to practice as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT) upon appointment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Act in an appropriate and professional manner as defined by the company’s Standards of Behavior, Policy and Procedures, and Scope of Services. Role model ACMC Standards of Behavior. Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint).Current office administrative practices and procedures. Correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation. Use independent judgment and initiative within established policies and procedures. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Principles, procedures, practices, terminology and equipment used throughout the department. Proper safety precautions and procedures involved in handling specimens, equipment, instruments and supplies used in Nuclear Medicine. General knowledge of radioactive materials commonly used in a hospital. Precautions necessary for patient and staff in use of radioactive materials. Phlebotomy techniques. Perform standard diagnostic procedures using radioactive isotopes and to prepare reports resulting from such procedures. Comprehend and carry out technical medical instructions with accuracy. Perform required sequences of exacting procedures with accuracy and necessary speed. Use and adjust radiation counting equipment. Accurately measure extremely small quantities of liquid samples. Withdraw blood samples from patients and perform required tests. Keep accurate records of receipt, use and disposal of all radioactive materials. Troubleshoot, document, and communicate equipment problems. Calibrate instruments and equipment. Deal with patients sympathetically and tactfully;

Job Responsibilities:

1. Perform a full range of Nuclear Medicine prescribed imaging techniques such as brain, liver, kidney scans and thyroid activity measurements used in medical diagnosis and evaluation.

2. Calibrate and draw up radiopharmaceutical materials and administer it by mouth, injection, or other means to patients; Formulate radiopharmaceutical materials from pre-prepared kits; evaluate recorded images for technical quality; operate cameras that detect and map the radioactive drug in a patient’s body; calculate data to include results of patient studies and radioactive decay;

3. Process computerized image data to include function curves and reconstructed SPECT images and accurately transfer images to the Picture Archive Communication System (PACS);

4. Prepare and maintain records concerning radiopharmaceutical receiving, dispensing, and disposal activities;

5. Administer thyroid therapy to patients that have undergone prior clinical and Nuclear Medicine diagnosis; ensure decay of pharmaceutical and calculate for correct dosage using dose calibrator;

6. Observe patient dosage to ensure proper treatment under direct supervision of a radiologist;

7. Monitor therapy patient’s room for radioactivity and review room upon discharge; assume care for physical and psychological needs of patients for all ages during examination; schedule patients for exams and explain test procedures, as necessary;

8. Initiate life support measures for patient, if necessary; formulate radiopharmaceutical materials from pre-prepared kits.

9. Assist in administering therapeutic procedures; research patient chart for evaluation and/or procedure planning; draw blood for diagnostic Nuclear Medicine tests.

10. Calibrate equipment and instruments to maintain quality control standards;

11. Instruct student technologists, residents and physicians in Nuclear Medicine techniques;

12. Accurately bill procedures performed in Nuclear Medicine; keep informed on new technical developments; maintain inventory of supplies; calculate the strength of radioactive materials; monitor work areas for radioactivity; clean/store contaminated instruments and gloves;

13. Maintain compliance with radiation safety policies and documentation that keep the radiation dose to workers and patients as low as reasonably achievable.