Research Nuclear Medicine Technologist

This position reports to the Unit Technical Manager/Operations Manager. Performs clinical and research diagnostic molecular imaging testing to include general, cardiac, and PET studies along with the computer interactions associated with these studies. In addition, the technologist will be required to perform Computed Tomography Imaging (attenuation correction only or diagnostic) as ordered in conjunction with SPECT/PET exams.

THIS TECHNOLOGIST WOULD BE BASED MAINLY IN RESEARCH PET AS PART OF THE MGH PET CORE.

* Screens for appropriate indications and contraindications. Communicates with provider(s) to facilitate diagnostic exam adjustments, as indicated.

* Explains procedure, reassuring patient and securing their full cooperation during testing.

* Safely prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals to patients and completes testing to include general, cardiac, and PET studies, research studies. In addition, the technologist will be required to perform Computed Tomography imaging (attenuation correction only and/or diagnostic) as ordered in conjunction with SPECT/PET exams.

* Performs intra-venous peripheral catheter insertion as authorized by Nuclear Medicine physician.

* Completes testing for both in and outpatients within various hospital locations.

* Acquires/processes/reconstructs images as appropriate. Labels patient images in accordance with ACR requirements. Archives patient data for long term storage. Retrieves appropriate patient studies for review and comparison with previous studies.

* Observes radiation safety techniques, including use of protective shielding and handling and disposal of radiopharmaceuticals. Takes appropriate precautions to minimize exposure to infectious, radioactive or biohazard agents.

* Ensures that correct protocol, radiation dose, and contrast are administered to patient for CT scanning, when ordered as such.

* Lifts, moves, transports and positions patients for diagnostic studies.

* Follows Institutional/ Departmental guidelines for patient safety and patient care.

* Interfaces with appropriate computer systems related to duties of the position. Systems include but not limited to EPIC, Optility and PET Manager.

* Alerts Unit Technical/Operations Manager regarding equipment problems, problems encountered during testing, etc.

* Assists in on-the-job training of new hires and students.

* On-call responsibilities as assigned.

* Elutes radionuclide generator systems, maintaining sterile technique.

* Follows area policies/guidelines in order to perform imaging studies of superior technical quality.

* Uses aseptic technique to prepare radiopharmaceuticals from commercially available kits for administration in patient studies. Assures quality of radiopharmaceuticals, including calibration of equipment and testing, radionuclide purity checks, radiochemical purity testing, radio assay of the patient dosage.

* Determines radiopharmaceutical to be utilized based upon established guidelines (protocols), consulting with AU physician when necessary. Calculates patient dosage when weight based.

* Follows USP <797/825> standards for sterile medication and radiopharmaceutical preparation.

* Follows the instructions of the Authorized User (AU) physician and authorized nuclear pharmacist for the preparation of radiopharmaceuticals and quality control testing.

* Responsible for administering radioisotopes and maintain documentation according to research protocols.

* Advanced coordination between departments, staff, physicians, study PI, patient/subject, Core and clinical services.

* Technologists are required to complete semi-annual aseptic testing to ensure sterility safety standards are followed (Media Fill & Finger Tip Testing).

* Adheres to protected health information (PHI) institutional polices.

* Accurately documents patient exam data throughout encounter.

* Calculation of statistical data.

* Computer analysis of image data.

* Imaging systems including SPECT, SPECT/CT, Planar, PET, PETCT, PETMR; radiation monitoring equipment; cardiac stress equipment; PET tracer infusion systems; contrast power injectors.

* Technologists will perform research studies, learning research scheduling, drug ordering and processing.

* Excellent, effective communication and organizational skills.

* Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served (all age groups) on assigned unit.

* Ability to foster and promote a positive image and a professional team environment.

* Comfortable working with animal and human research subjects

* Basic laboratory skills

LICENSES (REQUIRED)

• Radiologic technologist (Nuclear Medicine) in the state of Massachusetts
• *Radiologic technologist (Computed Tomography) in the state of Massachusetts*

CERTIFICATIONS (REQUIRED)

• ARRT or NMTCB (NM)
• ARRT or NMTCB (CT)*
• BLS

*CT certification required within 1 year of hire date. Employees who fail to obtain certification within 1 year will be given a 60-day grace period to achieve certification. If they are unable to obtain certification after 14 months (12 months and 2-month grace period) they will be terminated for failure to maintain certification.

Field of Study/Additional Specialized Training: BS degree in NM Technology preferred or BS in unrelated field with a certificate in NM Technology preferred.

Preferred: 1-2 years of experience

* Must be able to lift/carry up to 50lbs, be able to lift, position, push or transfer patients, have manual dexterity and mobility, be able to see clearly at 20 feet or more, be able to see clearly at 20 inches or less, be able to judge distance and space relationships, be able to see peripherally, and be able to distinguish and identify different colors.

* Works with and takes safety precautions while handling radioactive, chemical and biohazard materials.

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.