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Electroneurodiagnostic (END) Technologists are trained professionals that
specialize in studying and recording the electrical activity of the brain
and nervous system. They use electroencephalograph (EEG) machines, evoked
potential (EP), polysomnography (PSG), and other high-tech equipment to
record these measurements taken from the central nervous system. END
technologists often work in collaboration with other health professionals,
such as the electroencephalographer. They perform tasks such as obtaining
and reviewing medical histories, attaching electrodes to a patient’s scalp
and body, observing and documenting a patient’s clinical condition, and
communicating with friends, family, and other health care personnel. They
may also be called upon to assist the neurologists by producing graphs
that can help in detecting and diagnosing diseases such as epilepsy and
Alzheimer’s disease. END technologists must also be prepared to manage any
emergency situation that may arise in the laboratory. Another important
function of these technologists is to prepare detailed written reports for
the electroencephalographer or acting physician. Some
electroneurodiagnostic technologists may act as managers and supervisors.
Anyone interested in electroneurodiagnostic technology should work well
with others, enjoy working with computers and other high-tech equipment,
and be able to understand and analyze complicated visual material.
Work Environment:
The majority of END technologists work in
neurology departments in hospitals. Other places of employment include
private neurologist’s offices, neurology laboratories, colleges and
universities, large medical centers, psychiatric facilities, and other
mental health care facilities.
High School Preparation:
Students
interested in electroneurodiagnostic technology should take high school
courses in algebra, chemistry, physics, biology, computer science,
English, health occupations/medical professions education, statistics,
geometry, and computer skills.
College Requirements:
Students entering an END technology program
should have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Some facilities
provide on-the-job training, but the majority of employers prefer
applicants with an associate’s degree from an accredited program. These
programs are typically taught at community colleges and last between one
and two years. The American Board of Registration of
Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists (ABRET) awards
the credentials of Registered EEG Technologist and Registered Evoked
Potential Technologist.
Students interested in END technology should
contact schools for information on admission and course of study.
For educational institutions in
Mississippi
offering this course of study click here.
Career Outlook:
Employment
opportunities for electroneurodiagnostic technologists are expected to
grow faster than the average for all other occupations. The US Department
of Labor predicts an increase of 21% - 35% over the next ten years. The
rapidly growing older population will be one reason for this growth, since
older people tend to have more central nervous system problems associated
with stokes and Alzheimer’s disease. Technology will also help spur demand
in this sector because newly trained individuals will be needed to operate
the latest high-tech equipment. Due to the small size of the profession,
few openings will result from need to replace individuals who retire or
leave the labor force for some other reason.
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Salary:
Average Annual
Salary
$41,600
Salary Range
$29,300-$50,400
Professional Organizations:
American Society
of Electroneurodiagnostic Technologists
426 W. 42nd Street
Kansas City, MO 64111
Phone: (816)
931-1120
Fax (816) 931-1145
www.aset.org
American
Association of Electroneurodiagnostic Technology
421 1st
Ave. SW,
Suite 300 East
Rochester, MN
55902
Phone: (507)
288-0100
Fax: (507)
288-1225
www.aaem.net
American Board of
Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists
1904 Croydon Dr.
Springfield, IL 62703
Phone: (217) 553-3758
Fax: (217)
585-6663
www.abret.org |
