Job Summary
The Nuclear Medicine Technologist performs high-quality nuclear medicine and molecular imaging procedures for Arizona Center for Cancer Care (AZCCC) in accordance with physician orders, established imaging protocols, and applicable regulatory standards. This position collaborates with physicians, advanced practice providers, radiologists, nursing, and clinical staff to provide diagnostic imaging services that support the diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, therapeutic monitoring, and ongoing management of oncology patients while maintaining compliance with AZCCC policies, quality standards, and patient safety requirements.
Duties and responsibilities
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Performs nuclear medicine, PET/CT, and molecular imaging procedures in accordance with physician orders, departmental protocols, NMTCB and/or ARRT standards, and AZCCC clinical guidelines.
- Verifies patient identity, physician orders, medical history, allergies, pregnancy status, and contraindications prior to initiating imaging procedures.
- Prepares, educates, and positions patients to ensure safety, comfort, dignity, and optimal image quality throughout each examination.
- Prepares, calculates, and administers radiopharmaceuticals in accordance with physician orders, regulatory requirements, organizational policies, and scope of practice while monitoring patients for adverse reactions.
- Operates nuclear medicine imaging equipment, including PET/CT and SPECT/CT systems, to produce high-quality diagnostic images while minimizing repeat examinations.
- Reviews completed imaging studies to ensure image quality, completeness, and diagnostic accuracy prior to physician interpretation.
- Evaluates image quality and performs quality control procedures to ensure optimal equipment performance and diagnostic accuracy.
- Maintains compliance with ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles and all applicable radiation safety standards governing the handling, administration, storage, and disposal of radioactive materials.
- Documents imaging procedures accurately and timely within the Electronic Medical Record (EMR), Radiology Information System (RIS), and Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS).
- Maintains imaging equipment through routine quality assurance testing, daily operational checks, dose calibrations, and prompt reporting of equipment malfunctions or safety concerns.
- Adheres to Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), OSHA, bloodborne pathogen, infection prevention, HIPAA, and organizational safety requirements.
- Collaborates with physicians, advanced practice providers, radiologists, physicists, nurses, and ancillary staff to facilitate efficient patient care and continuity of treatment.
- Communicates professionally with patients and families by providing education regarding imaging procedures, radiopharmaceutical administration, radiation safety precautions, and post-procedure instructions.
- Supports departmental operations through participation in quality improvement initiatives, competency assessments, continuing education, and departmental meetings.
- Maintains required professional licensure, certifications, continuing education, and competency validations in accordance with organizational and regulatory requirements.
- Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support departmental operations, patient care, and the mission of Arizona Center for Cancer Care.
Direct reports
EEO Statement
Arizona Center for Cancer Care provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Qualifications and Educational Requirement
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Graduate of an accredited Nuclear Medicine Technology program required; associate's degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology required, bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field preferred.
- Minimum one (1) year of nuclear medicine experience preferred; outpatient, ambulatory, oncology, and PET/CT imaging experience preferred.
- Experience preparing and administering radiopharmaceuticals and utilizing Electronic Medical Records (EMR), Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS), and Radiology Information Systems (RIS) preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of nuclear medicine imaging principles, radiopharmaceuticals, radiation physics, ALARA standards, and applicable NRC, HIPAA, infection prevention, and patient safety regulations required.
- Demonstrated ability to operate nuclear medicine imaging equipment, including PET/CT and SPECT/CT systems, perform quality control procedures, maintain accurate documentation, and prioritize multiple responsibilities in a clinical environment.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with patients, providers, and interdisciplinary team members while working independently and collaboratively; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and healthcare information systems preferred.
Licensure and Certifications
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Current Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) certification or American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Nuclear Medicine certification [ARRT(N)] required.
- Advanced PET/CT certification preferred.
- Current Arizona Medical Radiologic Technologist license required.
- Current CPR certification required.
Working conditions
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Works onsite in an office or clinical setting.
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Emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders.
- Necessitates effective communication and teamwork.
- Functions in a fast-paced environment.
- May require flexibility in working hours.
- Requires adherence to safety protocols and compliance with healthcare regulations.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for travel between locations.
Physical requirements
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Must be able to lift 25 lbs.
- Must be able to sit, stand and walk for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to bend, kneel, crawl and twist as needed.
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Must be able to see, hear, type, and speak.
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Must be able to reach and pull.
