Improving the health of the people we serve. A Career in Neurodiagnostic Technology ASET – The Neurodiagnostic Society

NEURODIAGNOSTIC TECHNOLOGIST

Improving the health of the people we serve

A Career in Neurodiagnostic Technology

MAKE A POSITIVE CHANGE

ASET – The Neurodiagnostic Society

Growing field Hands on patient care

Fascinating and challenging Unique skillset

Career growth Traveling possibilities

What do Neurodiagnostic Technologists do?


Record Stimulate

Monitor Assist in treatment

The Alphabet Soup of Neurodiagnostic Procedures


Electroencephalogram (EEG) Long-Term Monitoring (LTM) Evoked Potentials (EP) Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) Polysomnography/Sleep (PSG) Autonomics (HRDB, CV, QSART & Tilt)

Electroencephalogram (EEG)


Record brain waves.Sticky paste, colored pencils and tiny metal sensors are some of

the main tools.

The paste and sensors act as a microphone and speaker to make

the signal as big as possible.

Special computers are used to hide other sources of electricity.

Tiny waveforms are seen on the monitor and matched to normal

patient recordings.

EEG

An EEG in 1958

EEGs in the 21st Century!


Long-Term Monitoring (LTM)


EEG waveforms and video recordings are used to

evaluate a patient’s spells.

Long Term Monitoring can be used for days or weeks. It can help

find etiology or reasons for spells like seizures, passing out

or dizziness.

Can be performed in: • Intensive Care Units (ICU)•Epilepsy Monitoring Units•Homes (Ambulatory EEG/LTM)

LTM


Evoked Potentials (EP)


Shocking (Somatosensory)• Tiny electrical shocks• Make thumbs and

toes twitch

Noise (Auditory)• Loud click sound

Flashy (Visual)• Flashing

checkerboard

EP


Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)


Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)

EEG, EP, EMG

Using 1 or all modalities to

enhance surgery safety

Using 1 or all modalities to

verify anatomy

IONM


Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)


Shock• Shock nerves all over the

body• Enough to make limbs jump

Record• Down the pathway • With electrodes

Physician needle

exam

• Thin, long needle • Listens to the muscle activity

NCS


Polysomnography/Sleep (PSG)


Acronym soup

• EEG• EOG• EMG• EKG• Respiratory belt

Video • Odd behaviors

Audio• Sleep talking• Snoring

PSG


We answer the age old question:Who is taking care of your brain?


Places of Employment for Neurodiagnostic Technologists

• Operating Rooms

• Intensive Care Units

• Neurodiagnostic Labs

• Research

Hospitals

•EEG Labs•EMU Labs•EMG Lab•Sleep Clinic

Outpatient Clinics

Private Doctor’s Offices

• Sales• Research• Development

Equipment Vendors


We asked: What do you enjoy most about being a Neurodiagnostic Technologist? “The neurodiagnostic profession has given

me the opportunity to share my knowledge and, most important, change people’s lives. We as technologists change people’s lives in many ways! This gives me a sense of accomplishment and such a rewarding feeling.”


Susan Agostini, R. EEG/EP T., CLTM, FASETNeurodiagnostics/Epilepsy Monitoring Unit Manager Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center Phoenix, AZ

Who are Our Patients?


Newborn babies

Centenarians

(people over 100!)

What Tools & Equipment Do We Use?


We use electrodes, gels, pastes, and tape measures on the patient

We color, paste, play with flashing lights and occasionally give small shocksNo drawing blood, catheters, IVs, or bed pans

Equipment


“Bright Outlook”

We are listed as a new and emerging occupation in a high growth industry http://www.onetonline.org/help/bright/29-2099.01

Great salary

Average $44,200 recent graduate

Full time, self-employed $112,333

Average annual $65,226

Bright Outlook


http://www.onetonline.org/help/bright/29-2099.01

http://www.onetonline.org/help/bright/29-2099.01

Neurodiagnostics – What Does It Take?

Science, math,

writing skills

Problem solving and

enjoy puzzles

Teamwork! Passion for patients

Be a part of a growing field that tests the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous system; the only system of the body

that cannot be replaced, substituted, or transplanted!


We asked: What prompted or motivated you to enter the Neurodiagnostic Profession?

“I entered the neurodiagnostic profession out of both a curiosity and a desire to understand how the brain works. I am so proud that my work has helped improve the lives of my patients. Today, my profession serves as a source of confidence, knowledge, and passion in my life.”


Jie Zhang, BS, R. EEG/EP T., CNIM, CLTM, FASETClinical Neurophysiology SupervisorMedical University of South CarolinaCharleston, SC

Neurodiagnostic Technology Programs

Contact information, degree specifications, and program length

are available online at www.aset.org/ndschools


For More Information about a Career in Neurodiagnostic Technology:

ASET - The Neurodiagnostic Society

Contact us at:Phone: 816.931.1120Email: [email protected]

Visit our website:www.aset.org


mailto:[email protected]

http://www.aset.org/

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Improving the health of the people we serve. A Career in Neurodiagnostic Technology ASET – The Neurodiagnostic Society