An electroneurodiagnostic technologist or technician, also known as an EEG (electroencephalography) technologist is a medical professional that utilizes certain advanced equipment to observe and monitor the electrical activity of a person’s brain. They also can monitor the total activity of the nervous system in relation to the brain activity. They work with patients who have seizures, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and brain trauma. The EEG usually takes about thirty minutes, but patient’s can be hooked up and monitored for up to 72 hours. While the EEG technician is not with the patient the entire 72 hours, they will handle any calls about disconnected leads during that time, and periodically check on the equipment. An EEG technologist may also do evoke potentials (EP). This test is done during an EEG. A measured stimulus such as a flashing light is added to the EEG to measure how the patient responds. Before you can become an electroneurodiagnostic technologist, make sure you get the proper medical training. There are now lots of excellent online schools which can offer you top-notch medical training. You can attain this health career by following these five steps.
- Study the intricacies of the profession. Obviously, before proceeding with this career path, you will want to know what it takes to be an EEG technician. The primary job responsibilities of an EEG technician is to aid a physician in diagnosing and analyzing brain disorders and dysfunctions which include sleep disorders, tumors, epilepsy and other neurological problems using an electroencephalograph or EEG. This device shoots small electric currents into a person’s nervous system and brain to determine the causes and roots of certain neurological problems.
- Complete your high school education. Technically, the only academic background you will need to get a medical job as an EEG technician is to complete high school and earn your high school diploma. This is because most hospitals provide on-the-job training for aspiring EEG technicians. Although some hospitals may now require at least an associate’s degree to become an EEG tech, most hospitals will still accept a high school graduate. If you plan to earn an associate’s degree in the field after high school, then make sure to take advanced classes in biology, physics, chemistry and math to prepare for the medical training ahead.
- Earn your associate’s degree. Getting a two-year associate’s degree from an accredited EEG technician program will be more beneficial than pursuing the job with only a high school diploma. Hospitals will pay more attention to a candidate that has a degree than a candidate with only a high school diploma under his belt. Make sure to choose a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs to search for a school and program recommended for this profession. Enroll in the program and complete all the undergraduate coursework that should consist of many science and math courses. The program will include clinical experience as well. Some online schools and community colleges also have a shorter program that will grant a certification rather than an associate’s degree.
- Get CPR Certification. Another requirement for a career as an EEG technician will be a certification that you can perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Find a health organization offering the training for free if you are only a high school graduate. If you plan to get an associate’s degree, then you don’t need to worry since it is a part of the curriculum. Keeping your CPR certification up to date is also a requirement when applying for certificaiton.
- Get national certification. If you are an associate’s degree holder in an accredited EEG technician program and have at least one year of experience working in a clinical setting, then you can register for national certification at the American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technicians. Like most professional licenses in the medical industry, you will need to take and pass a certification exam.
- Consider the salary and job outlook. The average annual salary of an EEG technologist ranges from $30,000 to $50,000. Of course, the rate is determined based on the educational background and work experience of the EEG technologist. Salaries tend to be higher for those working in larger facilities. The need for EEG technicians is expected to rise about 15% in the next ten years. So the future is looking good for this field of study.
The national certification as an EEG technician is valid for ten years but will require you to take at least 30 hours of continuing education in the field every five years. On this note, it is vital to keep continuing your training in the field to ensure that you become successful as an EEG technician.