Special Technologies and Services

Length of Training / Requirements
Formal training programs can be found in community colleges, technical schools, private school, and hospitals. Programs last from 12-24 months and award a diploma, certificate or associate degree. There are only 12 accredited END schools in the United States. The curriculum includes electronics, neuroanatomy, neuropathology, computer skills, instrumentation, clinical science, neuropharmacology, neurophysiology, psychology, and clinical practicum.

The American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists (ABRET) awards the credentials of "Registered EEG Technologist" and "Registered Evoked Potential Technologist" and the Association of Polysomnographic Technologists (APT) registers polysomnographic technologists. Candidates should successfully complete the registration examinations and one year of on-the-job training. Continuing education hours are required every two years for certificate renewal.

The average starting wage for a formally trained technologist in Florida is $13.46/hour. A range of $15.00 to $20.00/hour is to be expected by those working in the field for five or more years and are registered.

Educational Programs
Erwin Technical Center

Professional Associations
American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine
American Society of Electroneurodiagnostic Technologists
Association of Polysomnographic Technologists

Electroneurodiagnostic technologists (END), also referred to as electroencephalograph (EEG) technologists, operate specialized equipment which measures and records electrical activity of the brain, peripheral nervous system, and spinal cord.

diagnostic Technologist

The data is interpreted by neurologists and used to assist in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with neurological disorders. These disorders include: epilepsy, stroke, infectious diseases of the nervous system (encephalitis), degenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's), head trauma from accidents, brain tumors, endocrine disorders, and brain death.

Electroneurodiagnostic technologists are responsible for:
  • taking medical histories and preparing the patient for the test
  • applying electrodes to the patient's head with adhesive paste or glue
  • making notes on the recorded graph to identify interferences such as poor electrode contact or patient movement
  • preparing a written report of the tracings for the neurologist
  • monitoring the patient during the procedure and responding to medical emergencies such as convulsive seizures
  • maintaining the diagnostic equipment to ensure accurate testing and diagnosis
  • operating digital computerized EEG instruments
  • monitoring in the operating room of nervous system function during various surgeries
  • caring for patient's basic needs and cleaning of patient after procedure

Electroneurodiagnostic technologists should have manual dexterity, good vision, writing skills, basic computer skills, excellent communication skills, the desire to help people, the ability to work with electronic equipment, and the desire to work with others. Neurodiagnostic testing is an integral part of the care of the patient and the electroneurodiagnostic technician is a valuable and important part of the health care team.

Areas of Specialization
Electroneurodiagnostic technologists may be specialized in one or more of the six common neurodiagnostic procedures:

EEG - the electroencephalogram - a recording of the electrical activity of the brainwaves on a graph or computer
PSG - the polysomnogram - a procedure which uses an electroencephalogram and other physiologic measures to identify dysfunction during sleep
NCV - nerve conduction studies - a recording of electrical potentials from the peripheral nerves
EP - the evoked potential - an electrical response of the nervous system to specific stimuli used to assess function
LTM - long-term monitoring - recording the EEG brainwaves in order to help diagnose neurological dysfunction, titration of medication or suitability for surgical intervention
ORMON - operating room monitoring - recording electrical nervous system activity from patient during surgical procedures to protect the patient's nervous system

Work Environment
Electroneurodiagnostic technologists work primarily in the neurology departments of hospitals. Others work in private offices of neurologists or neurosurgeons or in clinics. Most work standard 40-hour weeks, however, those working in hospitals may be on-call on the weekends and holidays.

Job Outlook
There will be over 50 job openings expected each year in Florida through 2008. The END technologist's job is listed as a scarce skill. There are many more job openings than there are qualified people to fill them.

With experience, electroneurodiagnostic technologists may obtain supervisory or administrative positions, such as managing the laboratory, planning work schedules and appointments, keeping records, ordering supplies, equipment upkeep, and supervising less experienced technologists.

Updated: 2007