Health Career: Electroneurodiagnostic (EEG) Technologist
Who are electroneurodiagnostic (EEG) technologists and what do they do?
EEG technologists perform diagnostic tests to help people with brain-related injuries and illnesses learn about their condition. EEG tests examine signals from a person's brain and nervous control system. To perform a test, technologists attach a patient to an electronic EEG machine where they will read brain wave activity for insight into how the patient’s medical team should proceed. EEG technologists assist in the treatment of people with head injuries, strokes, brain tumors, infectious diseases, epilepsy, sleep disorders and other medical conditions.
How do EEG technologists typically spend their workday?
EEG technologists usually work in the neurology department of a hospital or clinic as part of a medical team, but you could work in a private office of a neurologist or neurosurgeon. You will often work in emergency medical situations that can be stressful. For example, you may work with a patient who has suffered a serious head injury in an accident. You will need to use an EEG machine to measure the patient's brain activity and responses and continue to test them with the machine as they recover. You may also work with a patient who has experienced a stroke and is in a coma. You will use the machine to measure his or her brain waves and heart activity and work with the doctor to assess the possibility of his or her recovery. You may also work in surgery using an EEG machine to monitor a patient's brain waves.
What does it take to be a good EEG technologist?
Do you like working with technical equipment and are you interested in learning about the human brain? You should also be patient and compassionate and have an interest in medicine and human biology.
What are some health-related jobs that are similar to those of EEG technologists?
Cardiopulmonary technologist, respiratory therapist, ultrasound technologist, X-ray technologist
Related links and helpful information:
- U.S. Dept. of Labor – EEG Technologist Career Outlook
- ASET – American Society of Electroneurodiagnostic Technologists, Inc.
