Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Summary

This position performs a variety of technical procedures that requires the use of independent judgment, ingenuity, and initiative. The Nuclear Medicine Technologist should have knowledge about Nuclear Medicine Instrumentation which includes the use of gamma cameras (both planar and SPECT), PET, Radiation detectors/counters, dose calibrators, and the Quality Control of all equipment. The technologist should have knowledge about Radiation Safety Practices/Handling, patient and occupational exposures, dosimetry, as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) techniques that include time, distance, shielding. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) guidelines pertaining to handling, administering, and transportation of radioactive materials. The technologist should have knowledge about Radiopharmacy which includes safe administration, preparation, measurement, and quality control of radiopharmaceuticals for Diagnostic and/or Therapeutic purposes.

Responsibilities

• Injects and administers all radiopharmaceuticals; assays radiopharmaceutical activities; calculates volume and activity concentrations for radiopharmaceuticals; uses dosage and dose ranges per protocol; enters records in a dose tracking system; performs laboratory procedures related to measurement, manipulation, and preparation of radiopharmaceutical kits and unit doses. (20%)
• Understands and follows Nuclear Medicine protocols and procedures; positions patients on equipment per protocol; knows acquisition parameters; monitors patient during procedures. (20%)
• Gains intravenous access with appropriate site selection and aseptic technique. (20%)
• Operates all Nuclear Medicine Instrumentation devices; maintains knowledge of Quality Control requirements for all equipment used. (20%)
• Applies Radiation Safety regulations and procedures diligently. (20%)

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Work on CALL shift hours and various shift and weekend hours as scheduled.
• Wear appropriate radiation monitoring devices during exposures.
• Prepare images and reports for diagnosis by a physician; perform calculations, measurements, graphical extrapolations, and computer readouts.
• Adjust technical factors to achieve statistically appropriate images for the area examined, using independent judgment, patient limitations, and clinical knowledge.
• Perform clerical functions including scheduling, taking patient history, and completing required forms and statistics; initiate requisitions, add or modify charges, and acknowledge exams.
• Document, update, verify, and complete all patient demographics and clinical information within both RIS and PACS.
• Recognize and report malfunction of equipment appropriately.
• Attend in‑service educational programs and departmental meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Demonstrate competency in Microsoft Windows; participate in further learning opportunities offered by MyMichigan Health.

Certifications and Licensures

• BLS – Basic Life Support
• CNMT – Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (required within one year of hire or transfer)

Required Experience

• Required equivalent experience within one month of hire or transfer.

Required Education

Associates Degree in a Healthcare Related Field. Knowledge of Nuclear Medicine Technology normally acquired through completion of an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science and 1700 hours of clinical instruction. Two years of clinical experience as a Nuclear Medicine technologist. Knowledge of Radiology Information System (RIS) and Hospital Information System (HIS) preferred.

Experience, Training, and Skills

• Completion of an accredited Nuclear Medicine Technology Didactic and Clinical Competency program is required.
• Continuing Education required by accrediting agency.
• Interpersonal skills needed to communicate successfully with groups and individuals at all levels.

Physical/Mental Requirements and Typical Working Conditions

• Exposure to stressful situations, public contact, trauma, grief, and death.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex or appropriate substitutes.
• Move freely about the facility with or without an assisted device; perform job functions as outlined.
• Vision and hearing necessary with or without assisted device.
• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk for long periods; may need frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling, or crouching.
• Some exposure to blood‑borne pathogens and other infectious materials; follow MyMichigan Health blood‑borne pathogen and TB testing as required.
• Handle multiple tasks, work independently, maintain regular attendance, stay awake.
• Dexterity required; repeat manual movements regularly.
• Physical Demand Level: Medium. Occasionally (0‑33% of the workday) lift or carry 21‑50 lbs.; frequently (34‑66%) 20 lbs.; constantly (67‑100%) 10 lbs.

Equivalent Experience and Other Comments (Education)

Other comments.