Electroencephalographic Technician
An Electroencephalographic Technician, also known as an EEG technician, is a specialized healthcare professional trained to conduct tests that measure the electrical activity of the brain and nervous system. These technicians play a crucial role in diagnosing various neurological conditions, including epilepsy, strokes, brain tumors, and sleep disorders, by performing electroencephalograms (EEGs) and other electroneurodiagnostic tests. They typically work in hospitals, neurological offices, and medical imaging centers, often collaborating closely with physicians and other healthcare staff.
EEG technicians generally hold an associate's degree in electroencephalographic technology and are expected to show strong analytical skills and attention to detail. Their daily responsibilities include preparing and maintaining testing equipment, ensuring patient comfort and safety during procedures, and reporting results to neurologists. The work environment can vary but usually consists of bright, clean facilities. This profession offers a median annual salary of around $76,020, and job growth in this field is predicted to be faster than average. Overall, EEG technicians must possess a combination of technical skills, compassion for patients, and a commitment to confidentiality in healthcare.
Electroencephalographic Technician
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Health Science
Interests: Science, working in a medical environment, caring for others, solving problems
Earnings (Yearly Median): $76,020 per year $36.55 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 6% (Faster than average)
Entry-Level Education Associate's degree
Related Work Experience 5 years as a radiologic technologist
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work.Electroencephalographic technicians, also referred to as EEG and electroneurodiagnostic technicians, are specially trained brain imaging and testing specialists. They perform electroencephalograph (EEG) and electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests to record and measure the electrical activity in a patient’s brain, nervous system, and spinal cord. Physicians and neurologists use the information to diagnose brain-related health problems. These include epilepsy, cerebral vascular strokes, brain tumors, infectious diseases, metabolic diseases, and sleep disorders. In addition, the tests performed by EEG technicians document brain activity and function, assess brain recovery, change over time, and develop appropriate treatment plans.
Work Environment. EEG technicians spend their workdays in hospitals, neurologists’ offices, and medical imaging and testing centers. They may perform electroencephalograph and electroneurodiagnostic tests in medical imaging suites, in operating, emergency, or in patients’ hospital rooms. EEG technicians generally work forty-hour weeks. Work schedules may include a combination of weekdays, evenings, weekends, and on-call hours to meet the medical community’s need for electroencephalograph and electroneurodiagnostic tests. EEG technicians are at risk for machine accidents and exposure to infectious diseases.
Occupation Interest. Individuals drawn to the profession of EEG technician tend to be intelligent, analytical, and detail-oriented. Those most successful at the job of EEG technician display traits such as good eyesight, physical strength, stamina, hand-eye coordination, focus, problem-solving abilities, calm, and tact. EEG technicians should enjoy helping others and working in a medical environment.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. While administering electroencephalograph and electroneurodiagnostic tests, the EEG technician works to ensure patient comfort and safety. Before conducting diagnostic tests, technicians must prepare, maintain, and sterilize electroencephalograph and electroneurodiagnostic equipment. They are also responsible for reporting any equipment failures to biomedical equipment technicians or hospital engineers as needed. Prior to each exam, the EEG technician reviews the neurologist’s test request or prescription to determine the type and extent of testing required. EEG technicians first greet patients and explain the role of electroencephalograph and electroneurodiagnostic testing in diagnoses or treatments. They usually also instruct patients about how and where to position their body for the electroencephalograph and electroneurodiagnostic tests. The next step is to attach electrodes to the patient’s head (and other parts of the body if necessary) and perform the test.
EEG technicians typically print out all the information gathered through electroencephalograph and electroneurodiagnostic testing and keep a record of the types, dates, and times of all tests performed. They may recommend further electroencephalograph and electroneurodiagnostic testing if readings are incomplete, hard to decipher, or show evidence of abnormal brain function. EEG technicians must report all electroencephalograph and electroneurodiagnostic test results to supervising neurologists.
EEG technicians may specialize in a single type of testing or monitoring. The types of tests include electroencephalograms, which record the electrical activity of patients’ brains. Other tests are polysomnograms which document sleep disruptions in patients’ brains, and nerve conduction studies which record the electrical activity in patients’ nerves. There are also evoked potential tests, which assess the function of patients’ nervous systems. Some EEG technicians monitor long-term brain function in some patients to assess and diagnose brain disorders and track the effects of seizure medications. EEG technicians also monitor patients’ brains and nervous systems during surgery to ensure proper function.
In addition to the range of responsibilities described above, all EEG technicians are responsible for educating themselves about the administrative, physical, and technical patient privacy safeguards included in the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Some EEG technicians work with office staff to plan and schedule electroencephalograph and electroneurodiagnostic appointments and participate in the daily operations of the electroneurodiagnostic center or suite as needed.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. The immediate physical environment of EEG technicians varies based on their employer and specialization. EEG technicians perform electroencephalograph and electroneurodiagnostic tests in hospitals, neurologists’ offices, and medical imaging centers. These settings are typically bright, clean, and temperature-controlled.
Human Environment. EEG technicians should be comfortable interacting with patients, physicians, laboratory technicians, nurses, scientists, and office staff. Due to the sensitive nature of medical diagnosis, EEG technicians should respect patient confidentiality and use empathy and tact when interacting with patients.
Technological Environment. To complete their work, EEG technicians use a wide variety of tools and equipment, including computers, electroencephalograph machines, voltmeters, paste, graph paper, electrodes, sterilizing equipment, tape measures, calipers, and cameras.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students interested in pursuing a career as an EEG technician should prepare themselves by developing good study habits. High school-level study of anatomy, physiology, biology, and mathematics will provide a strong foundation for college-level work in the field. High school students interested in this career path may benefit from seeking internships or part-time jobs that expose the students to medical settings.
Postsecondary. Postsecondary students interested in becoming EEG technicians should work towards a certificate or an associate’s degree in electroencephalographic technology, polysomnographic technology, or a related field from a school accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Coursework in anatomy, computer skills, clinical science, psychology, and ethics may also prove useful in students’ future work. Postsecondary students can gain work experience and potential advantage in their future job searches through internships or part-time employment in medical settings.
Related Occupations
− Clinical Laboratory Technologist
Bibliography
"Radiologic and MRI Technologists." Occupational Outlook Handbook. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.