Electroneurodiagnostic Technologist

Electroneurodiagnostics is a healthcare specialty focused on the evaluation and monitoring of central nervous system operation. Nervous system disorders often lead to other serious medical conditions throughout the entire body.

Electroneurodiagnostic technologists utilize sophisticated technology to monitor electrical activity within the spinal cord, brain, motor nerve systems, and peripheral nerves. After monitoring and recording electrical activity, technologists record data on medical charts and pass them on to doctors. To adequately perform their duties, electroneurodiagnostic technologists must have excellent reasoning and analytical skills, complete extensive math training, be able to work independently, and be excellent communicators. The following are typical electroneurodiagnostic tests:

Work Environment

Electroneurodiagnostic technologists are usually employed at neurology clinics, hospitals, doctors’ offices, and other medical facilities. Job growth for these specialists is projected to increase at an above average rate since EP and EEG technology is extensively used during surgery, epilepsy treatments, and sleep disorder testing. Electroneurodiagnostic technologists usually work 40 hour weeks, but they frequently work 12 hours per day while conducting sleep disorder tests, assisting with surgery, and conducting other types of central nervous system monitoring. Some electroneurodiagnostic technologists are required to remain on-call to be available for medical emergencies.

Education and Training

Electroneurodiagnostic technologists must have a high school degree, but those with associate’s degrees in biology, physics, chemistry, or other scientific fields will be better prepared for formal training.

Most electroneurodiagnostic technology training programs take 1-2 years to complete. During formal training programs, students complete classroom and clinical training.

Many vocational schools and community colleges offer electroneurodiagnostic technology training programs that culminate in associate’s degrees.

During these programs, students are required to complete courses in neuroanatomy, physiology, anatomy, electroneurodiagnostic technology, clinical electroneurodiagnostics, chemistry, and electroneurodiagnositc recording and monitoring methods. Students complete clinical training at hospitals.