Travel Neurodiagnostic Tech 101
Interested in a travel Neurodiagnostic Tech career? Here’s all you need to get started.
Neurodiagnostic techs are allied health professionals who specialize in the testing and analysis of the electrical activity of the central, autonomic, and peripheral nervous systems. They utilize various diagnostic tests to record electrical patterns and help identify areas of neurological dysfunction that may be contributing to health problems.
EEG techs and polysomnography techs are also involved in assessing brain function and analyzing sleep patterns, respectively, and are sometimes grouped under the neurodiagnostic technology umbrella. While EEG techs are sometimes referred to as neurodiagnostic techs, the specific job title and responsibilities may vary depending on the employer and job description.
A neurodiagnostic tech is a medical professional who administers tests to evaluate the function of the central and peripheral nervous systems. They use various advanced diagnostic techniques such as electroencephalograms, nerve conduction studies, electromyography, intraoperative monitoring, autonomic function tests, magnetoencephalography, evoked potentials, and polysomnograms to measure electrical activity in the brain and nervous system.
Procedures can last up to two hours or require continuous daily monitoring. Neurodiagnostic techs must have sound judgment and reasoning skills, as well as individual initiative, to perform their duties effectively.
Neurodiagnostic techs are responsible for preparing patients for testing, explaining the procedure and results to patients, maintaining patient safety and comfort during testing, recording events during the study, and calibrating and maintaining the testing equipment. They also consult with referring physicians and neurologists to analyze the data to provide accurate diagnoses and treatments.
Polysomnography techs usually work at sleep and study labs or sleep research centers. Often they work during the night to evaluate brain activity while patients are sleeping.
Other neurodiagnostic techs, including EEG techs, usually work during daytime hours at hospitals, outpatient centers, or private practices. In a larger facility, neurodiagnostic techs may often specialize in one or two types of testing.
Neurodiagnostic testing is a crucial tool used to evaluate electrical activity in the nervous system. Intraoperative neuromonitoring is used during surgeries to give real-time information to the surgeon about the integrity of the nervous system and to guard against negative outcomes such as paralysis or stroke, particularly during spinal and vascular surgeries.
Neurodiagnostic techs may encounter a variety of neurological conditions during their work. Some common cases that they may encounter include brain tumors, head trauma, multiple sclerosis, stroke, epilepsy or seizures, sleep and breathing disorders, as well as movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease or restless leg syndrome. It's important for neurodiagnostic techs to be well-versed in identifying and monitoring these conditions, as their work plays a critical role in helping physicians diagnose and treat these conditions.
Embarking on a career as a neurodiagnostic tech usually involves approximately two years of specialized education, assuming the student engages in a full-time study without unforeseen interruptions. Some programs also offer part-time learning pathways to accommodate work schedules. The general steps are as follows:
Identify an Accredited Program
- Seek an accredited neurodiagnostic testing program, often an associate degree, in your vicinity or available online.
Ensure You Meet Admission Criteria: Typically, applicants may need to satisfy several prerequisites, such as:
- Being a high school graduate.
- Having completed coursework in areas like biology, math, and computer science.
- Possessing experience, which could potentially be obtained through volunteering at healthcare facilities.
Application Process:
- Apply to your chosen program, providing all necessary documentation and adhering to application guidelines and deadlines.
After completing your program, consider pursuing professional certification in your specialty area to further enhance your career prospects in neurodiagnostic technology.
ASET is an international neurodiagnostic professional association. Since 2004 they have promoted the recognition of neurodiagnostics as a distinct profession and recommended licensure for greater regulation in the field.
They also promote a career ladder that stresses education, credentialing, and licensure as a way to focus on patient safety and protect the scope of practice. With additional education and certification, a neurodiagnostic tech can perform intraoperative monitoring and increase their salary potential. Experience in the healthcare field may also lead them to open other career doors, such as in nursing or dosimetry
Neurodiagnostic techs typically require formal education from an accredited school specializing in a neurodiagnostic testing program. High school students interested in this career path can take classes in biology, math, computer science, and language, and gain experience by volunteering at a healthcare facility.
Neurodiagnostic testing programs can be completed within 24 months, and some offer part-time options to allow for work. Coursework typically includes anatomy, physiology, and general psychology, as well as clinical training.
After graduating from an accredited two-year associate program in electroneurodiagnostic technology, you can take a professional certification exam, depending on your area of specialization. The following organizations offer nationally recognized certifications:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage for a health technologist or technician is $49,230 and the median hourly wage is $21.98. Over 50% work at general medical and surgical hospitals followed closely by outpatient care centers. The top-paying states for Neurodiagnostic techs include Hawaii, Nebraska, New York, and Oregon.
- ASET: The Neurodiagnostic Society: This international organization focuses on advocacy, education, certification, and promoting the advancement of the profession.
- Electroneurodiagnostic Technologists, NDT/END techs, NCS, EEG, IOM, NCS: This private Facebook group offers the opportunity for those in the field to network, find job postings, and learn from each other.
- EEG Technologist Job Opportunities: This private Facebook group lists job opportunities and acts as a general forum for members to share ideas.
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