The Role of an EEG Technologist:
To become an electroencephalogram (EEG) Technologist, you must understand what the job entails. An EEG Technologist performs electroencephalogram studies that record and analyze the brain’s electrical activity. The test is a non-invasive way to record electrical activity in the brain by placing electrodes on a patient’s scalp in a specific placement order using the 10-20 system.
EEG technologists work alongside neurologists and other healthcare providers to diagnose and monitor conditions that affect the brain. The role requires specific skills and qualities, including attention to detail, critical thinking, communication skills, and compassion.
Education required to become an EEG Technologist:
The lowest level of education needed to join the field is a high school diploma or equivalent. Associate degree programs are available for Neurodiagnostic studies; however, a degree is not always required to become an EEG Technologist. Postsecondary certificates are also available for aspiring EEG technologists.
A CPR certification will be needed to start the career.
Most facilities will need their technologists to register with the American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists (ABRET) within a specific number of years, typically within 2-3 years. Being registered with ABRET shows that you have met the educational requirements to become an EEG Technologist. When hiring for EEG Technologists, employers often look for a candidate that has had proper training and is competent in performing EEG studies, and the R. EEG T. indicates that.
The ABRET EEG Exam:
The EEG exam through ABRET has four different pathways to be able to take the exam. To take the exam, the candidate must have documentation of EEGs and a current CPR certificate, and depending on the pathway, they may need to take a 10-20 measurement assessment and have 150 ASET credits. Below is an example of the different pathways and requirements to achieve the R. EEG T.
Photo from : https://abret.org/apply/eeg/
Continuing education:
A bachelor’s degree could be pursued if someone wants to learn more about the field and related careers.
Every five years, ABRET requires a renewal of the certification. The renewal requires documented continuing education credits. There are workshops, seminars, and conferences for technologists to receive the credits.
Advanced Certificates:
There are different specialty certifications in the field a technologist can pursue. Once the R. EEG T. is achieved, there are other certifications like Long-Term monitoring (CLTM), Evoked Potentials (R. EP T.), Nerve Conduction (R. NCS T.), and Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM)
EMG Test being performed photo via iStock
Job Outlook:
EEG Technologist jobs are in demand. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, all clinical technologist fields should experience a 13 percent increase in jobs by 2026.
EEG Technologist salary can range from $50k-$82k, according to Glassdoor.
Taylor Evans, R. EEG T.
References:
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