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Electroneurodiagnostic Technologist |
Career OverviewElectroneurodiagnostic technologists are specialists trained in studying and recording the electrical activity of the brain and the nervous system. END technologists possess the skills, knowledge and attributes to obtain interpretable recordings of their patients’ nervous system function. Electroneurodiagnostic technologists use electroencephalograph (EEG) machines, evoked potential (EP), polysomnography (PSG), and other sophisticated equipment to record the measurements taken from a patient’s central nervous system.
The electroneurodiagnostic technologist comprehends the interface between EEG, EP, PSG and Nerve Collection Studies (NCS) equipment and other electrophysiological devices and procedures. Electroneurodiagnostic technologists often work in collaboration with other health professionals, such as the electroencephalographer, as well as other medical researchers, clinicians and physicians.
Electroneurodiagnostic technicians perform such tasks as obtaining and reviewing a patient’s medical history, attaching electrodes to the patient’s scalp and body, and observing and documenting the patient’s clinical condition. The Electroneurodiagnostic technician will also communicate with the patient’s family and with other health care personnel. Electroneurodiagnostic technologists are called upon to help in detecting and diagnosing diseases such as Alzheimer’s and epilepsy. They also diagnose sleep disorders.
Electroneurodiagnostic technologists must be prepared to handle any emergency that might arise in the laboratory. They must prepare detailed written reports for the electroencephalographer or acting physician. The Electroneurodiagnostic technologist might also be responsible for laboratory management and for the supervision of other technologists.
Most Electroneurodiagnostic technologists work in neurology departments in hospitals. Others work in private neurologists’ offices, neurology laboratories, large medical centres, mental health care facilities, psychiatric facilities, and colleges and universities. Electroneurodiagnostic technologists generally work a forty-hour week, but might work twelve-hour days for sleep studies. They can also be on call for emergencies and intraoperative monitoring.
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Career RequirementsA person interested in electroneurodiagnostic technology should work well with others, be computer literate and enjoy working with high-tech equipment. He or she must also be capable of understanding and analyzing complicated visual material. High school students interested in this profession should take courses in algebra, chemistry, physics, biology, computer science, English, health occupations, geometry, statistics, and medical professions education.
Students entering an electroneurodiagnostic technology program in a post-secondary institution must have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Programs offering certificates in electroneurodiagnostic technology are offered at community colleges in one and two year courses. The subjects include anatomy, physiology, neuroanatomy (with special emphasis on the brain), instrumentation, recording techniques, personal and patient safety, clinical electroneurodiagnostics and correlations. The American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists (ABRET) is the body that awards the credentials of registered EEG Technologist and Registered Evoked Potential Technologist.
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Job OutlookEmployment opportunities for electroneurodiagnostic technologists are expected to grow faster than the average for other occupations. An increase of 21% to 35% is predicted over the next ten years. This is largely due to the aging of the population and the growing numbers of cases related to strokes and Alzheimer’s disease.
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Career TrackA position as an electroneurodiagnostic technologist in a hospital or other health services institution can lead to advancement to a management or supervisory position.
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CompensationAn electroneurodiagnostic technologist at entry level earns about $29,000 a year. This can go up to $50,400 a year. The average annual salary for this profession is $41,600.
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