Neurodiagnostic Technologists
Special Requirements
Although most electroneurodiagnostic technologists currently employed learned their skills on the job, employers are beginning to favor those who have completed formal training. Some hospitals require applicants for trainee positions to have postsecondary training, whereas others only expect a high school diploma. Recommended high school and college subjects for prospective technologists include health, biology, anatomy, and mathematics. Often, on-the-job trainees are transfers from other hospital jobs, such as licensed practical nurses.
Formal postsecondary training is offered in hospitals and community colleges. In 1998, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Electroneurodiagnostic Technology approved 12 formal programs. Programs usually last from 1 to 2 years and include laboratory experience, as well as classroom instruction in human anatomy and physiology, neurology, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, medical terminology, computer technology, electronics, and instrumentation. Graduates receive associate degrees or certificates.
The American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists awards the credentials Registered EEG Technologist, Registered Evoked Potential Technologist, and Certificate in Neurophysiologic Intraoperative Monitoring to qualified applicants. The Association of Polysomnographic Technologists registers polysomnographic technologists. Applicants interested in taking the registration exam must have worked in a sleep center for at least 1 year. Although not generally required for staff level jobs, registration indicates professional competence, and is usually necessary for supervisory or teaching jobs. In addition, the American Association of Electrodiagnostic Technologists provides certification in the field of nerve conduction studies for electroneurodiagnostic technologists.
These technologists should have manual dexterity, good vision, good writing skills, an aptitude for working with electronic equipment, and the ability to work with patients as well as with other health personnel.
Experienced electroneurodiagnostic technologists can advance to chief or manager of an electroneurodiagnostic laboratory. Chief technologists are generally supervised by a physician—an electroencephalographer, neurologist, or neurosurgeon. Technologists may also teach or go into research.
For More Information, Contact:
American Society of Electroneurodiagnostic Technologists
6501 East Commerce Avenue, Suite 120
Kansas City, MO 64120
Phone: 816.931.1120
Fax: 816.931.1145
http://www.aset.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1
[email protected]
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet291)
