Becoming an EEG Technician

EEG Technicians are trained to operate electroencephalograph (EEG), a specialized diagnostic equipment, to monitor the nervous system by analyzing the brain wave patterns and electrical activity of patients. They assist neurologists and other consultant physicians for diagnosis and treatment of various brain problems such as tumors, Alzheimer’s disease, head injuries etc. Their responsibilities include administering electroencephalography tests; preparing patients for the procedure; attaching the electrodes and keeping the patient calm during a procedure; reporting the test findings to concerned physicians; recording patient’s medical history; scheduling appointments so on and so forth.

EEG Technicians work at hospitals, medical laboratories, accident and emergency facilities etc. They work under the direct supervision of doctors and neurologists. They work full time and may also require working in weekend and holidays.

Educational Requirements

To become an EEG Technician, the aspiring candidates need to earn at least a high school diploma or its equivalent and complete a certification in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). To gain more knowledge and skills in this field, students can pursue a two-year associate’s degree program in Applied Science in Electro-neurodiagnostic Technology (END) accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). During this program, the candidate can learn neurodiagnostic procedure, physiology, intraoperative neuromonitoring, polysomnography and instrumentation.

Licensure and Certification

Since many states of USA require EEG Technicians to be licensed, the aspiring candidates need to pass the licensing exam. These professionals can obtain exam-based certification through American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technicians (ABRET).

Skill Set

Besides clinical knowledge, EEG Technician possess various skills such as pleasant communications and interpersonal skills, high medical ethics, ability to work in pressure, competent in computer operation, adequate data entry skills, customer service skills, ability to handle sophisticated equipment so on and so forth.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for an EEG Technician remains excellent across the USA. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 27% during 2012-2022. The average annual salary of an EEG Technician was $37,312 in May 2012.