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Electroneurodiagnostic/Electroencephalographic Technology/Technologist

Program Description

Just the Facts

Electroneurodiagnostic/Electroencephalographic Technology/Technologist. A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of a physician, to study and record electrical activity in the brain and nervous system for purposes of patient monitoring and supporting diagnoses. Includes instruction in patient communication and care; taking and abstracting patient histories; application of recording electrodes; EEG, EP, and PSG equipment operation and procedural techniques; and data recording and documentation.

This program is available in these options:

  • Certificate / Diploma
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree

High School Courses

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this career cluster:

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this pathway:


Related Careers

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Additional Information

Electroneurodiagnostic (END) technology students learn to record human brainwaves. They help doctors diagnose epilepsy, brain tumors and other neurological diseases.

Most people have heard of electroencephalograms (EEGs), for example. To take an EEG, an END technologist attaches sensory receptors to the patient's head and records a tracing of the brain's electrical activity.

In the past, many END technologists were trained on the job. Nowadays, hospitals increasingly rely on the stream of graduates from the two dozen END technology programs in the U.S. Programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Most programs grant diplomas or certificates. A few offer associate's degrees. Programs take from one to two years and include extensive on-the-job training. While learning the full range of END procedures, students are also encouraged to develop a specialty. Some programs also offer certificates in the specialized fields.

Students take a core curriculum of communications, physical and life sciences and behavioral and social sciences. Later, they study neurology and neuropathology, and learn how to handle the END lab's sensitive equipment.

In the final stages of their studies, students are placed in participating hospitals for several hundred hours of unpaid clinical experience.

A common type of program is a joint initiative between a community college and a local medical center, such as the 21-month program offered by Springfield College and St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Illinois. Upon graduation, students receive an associate's degree from the college and a certificate in END technology from the hospital.

"We try to give our students the theory and foundations and as much varied practical experience as we can," says program head Janice Walbert.

Graduates can contact the American Board of Registration for Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists and take its exams to become a registered EEG technologist.

You'll need a strong background in biology, human anatomy and computers. Walbert recommends high school students take courses like biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology.

Students need good communications skills and the ability to work without supervision.

Some programs require applicants to have some volunteer experience with the ill or direct experience with a sick family member or friend. They may also have to know cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Besides tuition and books, students often have to cover the cost of travel to and from the hospital placement.


Links

Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians

Neuromuscular Disease Center
Why electroneurophysiology is important

Neurosciences on the Internet
A resource guide

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
A professional body

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

Support


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