Neurodiagnostic Technology

Occupation Description

Neurodiagnostic Technology is the medical diagnostic field devoted to the recording and study of electrical activity in the brain and nervous system. Neurodiagnostic technologists possess the knowledge, skills, and attributes to obtain interpretable recordings of patients’ nervous system function. They work in collaboration with medical researchers, clinicians, physicians, and other health professionals.

Job Description

The neurodiagnostic technologist can be involved in one or more of the following diagnostic procedures: electroencephalography (EEG), evoked potential (EP), long-term monitoring (LTM), polysomnography (PSG), nerve conduction studies (NCS), and intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM). The technologist takes the medical history; documents the clinical condition of patients; understands and employs the optimal use of EG, EP, PSG, and NCS equipment; and applies adequate recording electrodes. Among other duties, the neurodiagnostic technologist also understands the interface between EEG, EP, PSG, and NCS equipment and other electrophysiological devices and procedures; recognizes and understands EEG/EP/NCS/sleep activity displayed; manages medical emergencies in the laboratory; and prepares a descriptive report of recorded activity for the interpreting physician. The responsibilities of the technologist may also include laboratory management and the supervision of neurodiagnostic technologists. Considerable individual initiative, reasoning skill, and sound judgment are all expected of the neurodiagnostic professional.

Neurodiagnostic personnel work primarily in neurology-related departments of hospitals, but many also work in clinics and the private offices of neurologists and neurosurgeons. Growth in employment within the profession is expected to be greater than average, owing to the increased use of EEG and EP techniques in surgery; in diagnosing and monitoring patients with epilepsy; and in diagnosing sleep disorders. Technologists generally work a 40-hour week but may work 12-hour days for sleep studies and be on-call for emergencies and intraoperative monitoring.

Education Programs

Length: Programs may be 12 to 24 months and are typically integrated into a community college-sponsored program leading to an associate degree. Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent. Curriculum: The curriculum includes anatomy, physiology, and neuroanatomy (with a major emphasis on the brain), as well as instrumentation, personal and patient safety, recording techniques, clinical neurodiagnostics, and correlations. Clinical rotations are conducted in medical centers.

Certification/Registration Organization(s)

ABRET Neurodiagnostic Credentialing and Accreditation 217-726-7980 www.abret.org/

Careers/Curriculum

Before embarking on your allied health journey, delve into the essential requirements of your desired profession. Understanding the certification, registration, or licensure process will help you select the right education program and confidently pursue your career goals. The following organization(s) can assist you in becoming an allied health professional: ASET – The Neurodiagnostic Society 816-931-1120 info@aset.org American Clinical Neurophysiology society 555 E. Wells St., Ste. 1100 Milwaukee, WI 53202 414-918-9803 info@acns.org American Society of Neurophysiological Monitoring 403 W St. CharlesRd., Ste. 403B Lombard, IL 60148 331-248-1699 asnm@affinity-strategies.com American Academy of Neurology 201 Chicago Ave Minneapolis, MN 55415 800-879-1960 memberservices@aan.com

ABRET Neurodiagnostic Credentialing and Accreditation 217-726-7980 www.abret.org/