EEG Technology: Become an EEG Technician in 5 Steps
Would you like to work with physicians? Do you want to help diagnose brain maladies? As an electroencephalography (EEG) technician, you'll use specialized equipment to record and study a patient's brain waves and other electrical impulses of the nervous system. To become a registered EEG technician, you must have a high-school diploma and plenty of on-the-job training, or an associate degree with clinical practice. If you want to learn more on becoming an EEG technician, read on. Schools offering Electroneurodiagnostic Technology degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
What Is EEG Technology?
An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that is used in electroneurodiagnostic (END) testing. END tests are used to study the brainwaves and electrical impulses of the nervous system. EEG technology, in particular, is used to test the activity in your brain and can diagnose sleep disorders, seizures, dementia and other problems with brain activity. Also, patients don't need to be conscious for the test. Doctors use EEG technology to watch brain activity of a patient during surgery and to monitor the brain activity of a coma patient.
Step 1: Research EEG Technician Career Information
As an EEG technician, or technologist, you'll work with doctors to diagnose neurological and sleep disorders like insomnia, epilepsy, brain tumors and narcolepsy. You'll be responsible for placing electrodes on the patient's body prior to the EEG. Other responsibilities include taking down medical history, explaining the test to patients and troubleshooting any testing interference or malfunctions.
According to Salary.com, EEG technicians earned a median annual salary of $43,851 in 2010. Salary.com reported a total compensation of $63,950 when employer-provided benefits were added to the annual salary.
Step 2: Finish High School
A high school diploma or the equivalent is the lowest level of education you'll need to find work as an EEG technician. You'll also need a high school diploma to pursue a degree in electroneurodiagnostic technology. You should consider choosing classes in biology, health and mathematics while in high school.
Step 3: Go to College
Many colleges offer associate degree programs in electroneurodiagnostic technology. This is the primary program that prepares you to become a registered EEG technologist. Courses should teach you medical terminology, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology. Advanced courses in electricity, laboratory practices, neuroscience and polysomnography prepare you for working as an EEG technologist or END technologist. You'll also acquire essential clinical experience during your matriculation.
Step 4: Take a CPR Class
To sit for the EEG technologist registration exam you must have a valid CPR card. To become certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) you may take a class with either the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. You must maintain this certification throughout your career.
Step 5: Earn Your National Certification
You may seek certification as a Registered Electroencephalographic (EEG) Technologist through the American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technicians (ABRET). To sit for the exam, you must have a CPR card and have the appropriate training (www.abret.org). Appropriate training consists of three years experience in a clinical setting or having an associate degree and one year of training.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:
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