ELECTRONEURODIAGNOSITC TECHNOLOGIST


Electroneurodiagnostic (END) technologists use instruments such as an electroencephalograph (EEG) machine to record the electrical activity of the brain and nervous system. They take medical histories and prepare patients for the tests. To run tests, electrodes are applied to the patient's head and face. For special procedures, electrodes may also be placed on the chest, arm, leg, or spinal column. Technicians operate recording instruments and monitor the testing. After the test, they calculate the results and show them to doctors. EEGs may be run while patients are awake, sleeping, and under anesthesia during surgery. While testing, technologists monitor vital neurologic, cardiac, and respiratory signs and if an emergency takes place, the technologist provides care until help arrives. Technologists help physicians diagnose brain tumors, toxic/metabolic disorders, epilepsy, and sleep disorders, as well as measure the effect of infectious diseases on the brain. They assess the probability of recovery from a coma and determine the absence of brain activity (brain death). They may also supervise workers, keep records, schedule appointments, maintain equipment, and order supplies. Electroneurodiagnostic technologists who specialize in basic EEGs are often called EEG technicians. The range of tests performed by an electroneurodiagnostic technologist is broader than, but includes, basic EEGs. Technologists who specialize in sleep disorder studies are called polysomnographic technologists.

Education

Most electroneurodiagnostic technologists currently employed learned their skills on-the-job. Some employers require postsecondary training.

Registration/Certification/Licensure

The American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists awards the credential "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 one year. The American Association of Electrodiagnostic Technologists provides certification in the field of nerve conduction studies.

Salary

$12,000 - 43,000

Employment Opportunities

END technicians may work in hospitals, neurology department laboratories, offices of neurologists and neurosurgeons, sleep disorders labs, psychiatric facilities and health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Some work may be done bedside or in the operating room. The current trend is toward cross-training of allied health personnel.

Programs

Check with your local hospital regarding training opportunities.

Professional Associations

Association of Polysomnographic Technologists
P.O. Box 14861
Lenexa, KS 66285-4861
(913) 541-1991		 American Society of Electroneurodiagnostic Technologists, Inc.
204 West 7th Street, Carroll, Iowa 51401-2317
(712) 792-2978

Last updated:  June 21, 2001