The Radiopharmacist prepares, compounds, dispenses, and ensures the quality and safety of radiopharmaceuticals used in diagnostic imaging and therapeutic procedures. This role supports patient care by collaborating with nuclear medicine and healthcare teams to ensure safe, compliant, and effective use of radioactive medications. Performs other duties as assigned. All job responsibilities are to be carried out in alignment with Kettering Health's mission, vision, values, and B Safe program.
Required Education
- Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) or a Bachelor's of Science degree in Pharmacy from an accredited institution
Required Work Experience
- Minimum of 700 hours of structured educational program in nuclear pharmacy, including at least 200 hours of classroom/laboratory training and supervised practical experience, as required by state and federal regulations
Required Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
- Active pharmacist license in the state of Ohio
- Certification as an authorized nuclear pharmacist by a specialty board recognized by the Ohio Department of Health or the U.S.
- Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
Skills
- Knowledge of radiopharmaceutical preparation, compounding, and dispensing
- Understanding of radiation safety protocols and regulatory compliance
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in recordkeeping
- Effective communication and collaboration skills
- Ability to educate and train healthcare staff
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Familiarity with inventory management and quality control procedures
Essential Functions
- Prepare and compound radiopharmaceuticals in accordance with physician orders, regulatory standards, and organizational protocols.
- Conduct quality control tests to ensure the safety, purity, and efficacy of radiopharmaceuticals prior to patient administration.
- Dispense and distribute radiopharmaceuticals to authorized healthcare professionals, maintaining accurate records of all transactions.
- Implement and follow radiation safety protocols to minimize exposure risks for patients, staff, and the environment.
- Collaborate with nuclear medicine technologists, physicians, and other healthcare team members to support diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
- Oversee inventory of radiopharmaceuticals, ensuring proper storage, handling, and disposal in compliance with regulations.
- Maintain thorough documentation and records in accordance with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.
- Educate and train healthcare staff on the safe handling, use, and disposal of radiopharmaceuticals.
- Participate in regulatory inspections, audits, and quality assurance activities as required.
- Report and document any incidents, discrepancies, or adverse events related to radiopharmaceuticals in accordance with policy
Competencies
For Inpatient Pharmacy Positions:
- Employee has been to Pharmacy's live class "Sterile Compounding and Aseptic Technique Orientation Training
- Employee demonstrates appropriate PPE practices
- Employee has basic knowledge of IV room cleaning requirements - per USP
- Employee demonstrates proper drug dose withdrawal from a vial
- Employee demonstrates consistent hand hygiene practices
For Retail Pharmacy Positions:
- Employee demonstrates properly adding a new patient profile
- Employee demonstrates how to input a new prescription
- Employee demonstrates how to refill a prescription
- Employee demonstrates how to add a drug to inventory
- Employee demonstrates use of proper patient identifiers