Electroencephalographer Technician Career Profile

Duties and Responsibilities

It is currently impossible to read someone's mind, and it will probably always be, but reading someone's brainwaves is another matter entirely. The technology is called electroencephalography, usually shortened to EEG, and it is a common tool used to diagnose neurological disorders. An electroencephalographer technician runs the EEG equipment, a process that involves applying electrodes to the patient's scalp and measuring differences in electrical potential between different parts of the brain. EEG technicians work with people who are sometimes in a great deal of pain, so good interpersonal skills are necessary. The job involves both working on one's feet and sitting at a computer monitor. EEG's are used in sleep disorder clinics, so EEG technicians sometimes have to work at night. The job involves preparing technical reports summarizing the results of the test, and it may also involve other basic administrative functions. The following job descriptions come from CareerBuilder.com:

• 'The EEG Technologist works under a physician and takes neural measurements using an electroencephalograph, runs EEG tests and instructs and assists patients during tests, monitors tests for false readings, and writes reports indicating findings. The position involves interaction with physicians, patients and their families.' --St. James Hospital and Health Center
• 'Assists physician with diagnosis and treatment by performing EEG tests according to department protocols and national standards. Operates EEG equipment for ambulatory EEG, bedside, and long-term monitoring, maintaining strict accordance to written protocols. Position includes both outpatient and inpatient exams and reports to the Medical Director or Respiratory Care Manager.' --Hartford Hospital

Job Requirements

The only strict educational requirement for becoming an EEG technologist is a high school diploma or equivalent. Jobs that don't require any more education almost always require prior experience, but many jobs require graduation from an accredited electroencephalography program, which is an associate's degree available from a community college and technical school. In addition, many positions require passing the American Board of Electroencephalographic & Evoked Potential Technologists (ABRET) accreditation exam. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and CPR certification are also a requirement, because the position often involves working with severely ill patients. Good interpersonal skills and a certain amount of technical acumen are also necessary. The following requirements come from Monster.com:

• 'The ideal candidate will have graduated from a program for EEG technologists accredited by the AMA Committee on Allied Health Education & Accreditation or its equivalent. Candidates with at least one year of experience will be preferred. Other requirements include good interpersonal skills and problem solving ability.' --Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
• 'Requirements include having a high school diploma or its equivalent, at least two years experience as an EEG technician, up-to-date certification by the BCLS, and maintenance of skills through the attendance of relevant courses and seminars.' --Nashoba Valley Medical Center

Employment Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, (www.bls.gov), the median annual income for electroneurodiagnostic technicians, of which EEG technicians are a subcategory, was $32,070 in 1998, the latest date for which figures were available. The highest paid ten percent made over $46,620 a year. The BLS estimated in 2000 that job growth would be slower than average owing to technological advances that would allow other medical employees to do the work of EEG techs. Current jobs for EEG technicians start at $18.00 to $22.00 per hour, and many include benefits like health and dental insurance and 401K. Furthermore, there is the possibility to move up to EEG lab management positions, which start around $55,000 annually.