Electroneurodiagnostic Technologist (ET)

  • Electroneurodiagnostic Technologist (ET)

Electroneurodiagnostic technologists, sometimes known as electroencephalographic or EEG technologists, use an EEG machine to measure electrical activity of a patient’s brain waves to assist in diagnosing brain and nervous system disorders such as brain tumors, strokes, or epilepsy.

Specializations

Polysomnographic Technician – These technicians use a polysomnograph to measure electrical activity of the brain waves to assist the physician in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders.

Work Activities/Work Locations

Electroneurodiagnostic technologists work in hospitals, psychiatric facilities, or for neurosurgeons and neurologists in private offices and clinics, and health maintenance organizations (HMO’s). They are trained to prepare patients for testing, to operate an EEG machine, and monitor the patient’s brain activity. Some technologists work in the operating room, or they may monitor a patient during daily activities. In addition, they may be required to write a summary of test results, keep records, schedule appointments, order supplies, and arrange work schedules. Standing, bending and lifting are standard activities of the job, although about half of the time technologists are on their feet. Most work a 40-hour work week, and they may be on call to work evenings, weekends or holidays.

Getting Started

High school students should study health, mathematics and the sciences. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Some EEG technologists have been trained on-the-job, although some employers may prefer to hire individuals with formal post secondary training offered through a hospital or community college. Training includes course work in anatomy, physiology, neurology, medical and computer terminology and technology. Students also receive experience in the laboratory. Graduates of approved formal programs, which are usually 1 or 2 years, receive associate degrees or certificates. Qualified applicants can receive the credential “Registered EEG Technologist” and “Registered Evoked Potential Technologist.” Polysomnographic technologists receive their credentials through the Association of Polysomnographic Technologists. 

There currently are no programs for Electroneurodiagnostic Technologists in Wisconsin. 

American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine
2621 Superior Dr. NW
Rochester, MN, 55901
507/288-0100
www.aanem.org/

American Association of Sleep Technologists
2510 North Frontage Rd.
Darien, IL, 60561
630/737-9704
www.aastweb.org/

American Board of Registration for Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists
2908 Greenbriar Dr., Suite A
Springfield, IL, 62704
217/726-7980
www.abret.org

American Society of Electroneurodiagnostic Technologists Inc. – The Neurodiagnostic Society
402 East Bannister Rd., Suite A
Kansas City, MO, 64131-3019
816/931-1120
www.aset.org

Central Society of Electroneurodiagnostic Technologists
www.csetonline.org/

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
1361 Park St.
Clearwater, FL, 33756
727/210-2350
www.caahep.org/

EEG & Clinical Neuroscience Society
East Tennessee State University
807 University Parkway
Johnson City, TN, 37614
423/439-8010
www.ecnsweb.com/

Career Outlook

Number Employed in 2014 (Wisconsin): 2,020
Number Employed in 2014 (U.S.): 102,200
Expected Employment in 2024 (U.S.): 125,900
Percent Employment Growth (2014-2024): 23%
Expected Annual Openings: 3,380
Median Salary in 2014 (Wisconsin): $43,350

Salary information is located at Career One Stop

Wisconsin AHEC Health Careers Information Center provides the most current salary information available from CareerOneStop. CareerOneStop will have a lapse between when the information is gathered and when it is released.