Becoming a neurodiagnostic technologist can be ideal for anyone desiring a health-related field with fewer academic essentials.

It will help you design the right career plan and pursue the proper education, work experience, and certification. Keep reading this article to learn what it takes to enter this profession.

EEG Technologist Training

Neurodiagnostic technology is a field that combines science and technology. Practitioners in this field help diagnose neurological diseases and problems with sleep habits.

They also administer tests to monitor the human brain and nervous system. When they are done, they share the test results with doctors for proper treatment.

  • Who is a Neurodiagnostic Technologist?

You can also refer to this expert as an EEG technologist.

They’re clinical professionals who stay at the forefront to perform critical tasks in the healthcare community. As stated, they use specialized equipment to identify brain and nervous system issues.

EEG techs also conduct EP testing, assist doctors during surgery, and conduct long-term monitoring.

Some facilities prepare patients for nerve conduction tests, write reports and record patient progress, measure and monitor electrical activity in the brain, nerves, and muscles, etc.

To succeed as an expert in this field, you’ll need excellent skills in communication, attention to detail, analytical thinking, and patience.

NDTs can work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, outpatient clinical centers, and other medical facilities dealing with brain conditions.

Here are the standard EEG technologist education requirements.

Steps for Growing into a Neurodiagnostic Technologist

Before becoming an NDT, you must have the minimum academic essentials. After that, you must gain experience, obtain certification or a license, and secure a rewarding job.

Allow us to add flesh to our skeleton.

  • Obtain a High School Diploma

While deciding on this career path, you must know how much education you need. Generally, a high school diploma or GED is enough to get started.

Such qualifications will demonstrate basic science and critical thinking skills essential in the field. Additionally, it will indicate a minimum level of education and competency.

You’ll focus on classes such as biology, math, English, chemistry, English, and computer courses during your studies. You take courses such as psychology and sociology to gain valuable interpersonal skills.

  • Get an Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in the Field

Although a high school diploma is the primary academic essential, most employers expect prospective NDTs to hold a postsecondary education.

After finishing high school, you can choose between an associate or undergrad degree. Neurodiagnostic technologist programs will help you develop relevant skills while improving your job prospects.

Meanwhile, students can major in courses related to electroneurodiagnostic tech. We refer to EEG technology, physiology, patient care skills, anatomy, and medical terminology.

These classes will help you prepare well for your career. But while you do that, ensure you seek associate or degree programs from institutions certified by CAAHEP.

  • Acquire Industry Experience

Gaining field experience is also necessary when growing into an NDT. You’ll learn to use various neurodiagnostic machines, such as the EEG.

Moreover, you’ll be taught how to record, interpret, and analyze readings from the machine.

You can get industry experience through an internship or externship. Most institutions offering this program include practicum classes in their curriculum.

They aim to help students acquire the needed work experience. You’ll also be able to learn under the direction of a master’s in the field.

Furthermore, medical organizations offer positions that will allow you to acquire experience with EEG work. As you take advantage of these positions, you can apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.

  • Acquire Certification

Getting an attestation of competence is an option when joining this healthcare department.

However, the credential is vital, as it will demonstrate your competence to prospective employers. In addition to that, it will also set you apart from other job seekers in a competitive labor market.

The certification for neurodiagnostic technicians is obtained through the ABRET. A few of them include R. EEG.T., R. EP T, CNIM, CLTM, CAP, and CMEG.

Before laying a hand on these documents, you must meet certain conditions. These include satisfying the minimum academic essentials, acquiring industry experience, and passing the professional test.

Prospective NDTs must pay an application fee of about $100 to $700, depending on their choice of credential. You’ll also provide a copy of your certification card for Basic Life Support.

Some courses where questions are obtained include pre-study procedures, ethics and professional issues, post-study procedures, and performing the evoked potential study.

Other topics include waveform identification, analysis, data integrity, recording strategies, etc.

Recertification

After receiving one of the attestations of competence above, you’ll be required to renew it after a certain period. Most NDT qualifications typically last around five years.

While updating this document, certain conditions must be met. These include paying a recertification fee of $100 more or less, retaking the professional test, and finishing some hours of continued education.

For more details, you can check the web page of the certificate you wish to obtain. All information about the application fee, number of exam questions, recertification criteria, etc., is open to interested researchers.

How Much Does It Cost to Finish a Neurodiagnostic Technology Program?

You must know how much money you’ll invest to complete your education in this field. Such knowledge will help you make informed decisions regarding your finances.

In addition, you can make proper preparations.

Based on research, NDT programs may cost you around $10,479 when paid directly to the school. However, this amount is subject to change depending on a few factors.

These include your choice of institution, residential status, and program type, among others.

Besides tuition costs, there may be additional charges that can add up to your overall expenses. They include books, transport, lab materials, room and bedding, etc.

So, before you make any significant decisions, ensure you know the mission’s cost implications.

Salary of Neurodiagnostic Technologist

NDTs receive one of the finest salaries in the U.S.

According to BLS reports, the average pay of these practitioners is around $8,102 per year. You can earn more than this if you gain more experience, further your education, or obtain certification.

While true, the wages of NDTs can be influenced by some key factors. These include your choice of specialty area, geographical location, level of education, years of experience, and more.

Before accepting any job offer, you’re to consider these factors.

Growing into a neurodiagnostic technologist is beneficial. Apart from testing patients with neurological problems, you’ll also be well paid.

The occupation will increase employment chances by 7% in 2031. If you want to take advantage of their job chances, right above you are the steps to entering this occupation.