Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Major Responsibilities

• Determination of appropriate image scan technique and position for patient using immobilization and support devices.
• Secures history from patient regarding reason for prescribed test and records on appropriate form for the radiologist’s review.
• Responsible for capturing appropriate exam charges, updates to procedure files, reimbursement codes, etc., with the HIS/RIS Computer System, and checks daily log to see that day's exams have been appropriately completed.
• Ensures that the Physician orders, procedures & scanned documents sent to PACS are verified to enable radiologist interpretation of the procedure. STAT reports should also be scanned into the study folder.
• Quality Control responsibility for each N.M. camera system. Next day scan room and camera QC setup. Update the maintenance log for Daily, Weekly & Monthly QC, as required by IEMA.
• Updates patient schedules for the following day and orders the radiopharmaceuticals (Main dept. & PET) for the corresponding procedures.
• Surveys and records the amount of radiation given off by radioactive materials shipped to the department. Measures and records the radioactive dosage prescribed for a patient with a dose calibrator.
• Positions patient, adjusts equipment, secures immobilizes and support devices as needed to perform procedures.
• Identifies each patient correctly prior to an exam procedure being performed, using two forms of identification, and if necessary establishes Time Out protocol. Provides explanations of delays for testing to patients who are waiting past their scheduled test times.
• Determines appropriate image technique based on anatomy and patient’s condition to obtain quality images to provide to the radiologists.
• Performs venipuncture, following department guidelines and administers radiopharmaceuticals as prescribed based on pediatric, adolescent or geriatric dose range set by the Radiologists in the P&P manual.
• Operates more advanced and sophisticated nuclear medicine equipment.
• Assists radiologists with NM procedures including specialty procedures (e.g., cardiac, sentinel node and breast imaging) requiring additional images and knowledge.
• Maintains current ARRT(N) or CNMT certification, CPR, and IEMA accreditation.
• Adheres to safety standards and practices to ensure patient safety and quality patient care.

• Maintains compliance with safety standards to protect patients and staff at all times.
• Ensures accuracy of exams performed with the physician’s orders.
• Performs clerical duties such as maintaining patient records, answering phones, scheduling examinations, and giving instructions to patients in preparation for examinations.
• Operates NM equipment safely as required.
• Maintains necessary records for compliance with governing regulations.

• Coordinates flow of patients; checks images for optimal quality and labeling; performs quality control activities and communicates with staff radiologists and hospital personnel to ensure timely completion of exams.
• Prepares NM suite for procedures, maintains equipment and supplies; monitors inventory of supplies and linen; labels NM images according to QA standards.
• Provides instruction and orientation to new NM technologists; supports performance reviews.

• Maintains professional standards, guest relations, and telephone etiquette; adheres to dress and safety guidelines; minimizes absenteeism and complies with applicable standards (DNV, IDPH, IEMA, ACR, EPA, OSHA).

• Must be a graduate from an accredited AMA School of Nuclear Medicine.

• Knowledge of HIS/RIS systems and PACS; IEMA accreditation in Medical Radiation Technology; ARRT(N) and CNMT or equivalent; CPR certified.

• Ability to work rotating shifts; high degree of technical skill; ability to lift 25–50 pounds regularly and up to 100 pounds occasionally; may work with hazardous materials and under radiation exposure; able to care for pediatric to geriatric patients; PET scan department rotations may be scheduled by Nuclear Medicine Supervisor; and other duties as assigned.