An EEG is an electroencephalograph, a measurement of the brain-wave patterns, or electrical activity of the brain, recorded with electrodes placed on the scalp. EEG technologists, often called electroneurodiagnostic technologists, are highly trained health care professionals who perform EEGs, nerve conduction studies, electromyography and other neurological tests on patients to help doctors diagnose a variety of neurological and sleep-related problems. According to ASET - The Neurodiagnostic Society, the mean salary for neurodiagnostic technologists in the U.S. was $65,226 in 2011.
Take math, biology, anatomy and health sciences in high school to prepare for your EEG technologist training.
Step 1
Graduate from high school or earn your GED. A high school education is required for admission to electroneurodiagnostic technology training programs and is the minimum requirement to become an EEG technologist.
Step 2
Earn an associate degree in electroneurodiagnostic technology from an Joint Review Committee on Education in Electroneurodiagnostic Technology-approved program at a major hospital or community college. While some employers will hire EEG technologists with just a certificate or work experience, most employers prefer candidates with a degree. Programs include class work in anatomy and physiology, neurology, neurophysiology, medical terminology, computer technology, electronics, and practice using EEG and other instrumentation.
Step 3
Apply for entry-level EEG technologist jobs in your area, and work for at least one year and perform 100 EEGs to meet the experience requirement to become a registered EEG technologist.
Step 4
Complete the registered EEG technologist program offered by the American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists. You must meet experience requirements and pass a written and oral exam to become an ABRET-registered EEG technologist. Note the oral exam requirement will be phased out after 2013.
Tips
References
- O-Net Online: Summary Report for Neurodiagnostic Technologists
- ASET-- The Neurodiagnostic Society: Salary and Benefits Report
- American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists: EEG Exam Eligibility Requirements
- ExploreHealthCareers.org: Electroneurodiagnostic Technologist
Resources
Tips
- Take math, biology, anatomy and health sciences in high school to prepare for your EEG technologist training.
Writer Bio
Clayton Browne has been writing professionally since 1994. He has written and edited everything from science fiction to semiconductor patents to dissertations in linguistics, having worked for Holt, Rinehart & Winston, Steck-Vaughn and The Psychological Corp. Browne has a Master of Science in linguistic anthropology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.