Neurodiagnostic Technologists
What is a Neurodiagnostic Technologist?
Neurodiagnostic Technologists are specialized healthcare professionals who use advanced techniques to assess and monitor the nervous system's function. They are responsible for conducting diagnostic tests that evaluate brain and nervous system activity, primarily through electroencephalograms (EEGs), nerve conduction studies, and polysomnography. These professionals play a crucial role in diagnosing various neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, and other conditions affecting the nervous system.
They work closely with neurologists and other healthcare providers to interpret test results, ensuring accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment plans for patients. Neurodiagnostic Technologists often work in hospitals, sleep centers, outpatient clinics, or neurological specialty practices. Their job requires a strong understanding of neuroanatomy and physiology, as well as proficiency in operating complex diagnostic equipment.
Beyond technical skills, Neurodiagnostic Technologists must exhibit strong communication abilities, as they frequently interact with patients to explain procedures and alleviate concerns. They are also required to maintain sensitive patient information and adhere to ethical guidelines in healthcare. The field of neurodiagnostics continually evolves, with advancements in technology and techniques, thus necessitating ongoing education and training for professionals in this domain.
Tasks
- Indicate artifacts or interferences derived from sources outside of the brain, such as poor electrode contact or patient movement, on electroneurodiagnostic recordings.
- Monitor patients during tests or surgeries, using electroencephalographs (EEG), evoked potential (EP) instruments, or video recording equipment.
- Conduct tests or studies such as electroencephalography (EEG), polysomnography (PSG), nerve conduction studies (NCS), electromyography (EMG), and intraoperative monitoring (IOM).
- Collect patients' medical information needed to customize tests.
- Explain testing procedures to patients, answering questions or reassuring patients, as needed.
Technology Skills
- Medical software
- Presentation software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
Tools Used
- Electromyograph electrodes or sets
- Electroencephalograph EEGs
- Eye charts or vision cards
- Pulse oximeter units
- Medical tape measures
Knowledge
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
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Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Abilities
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Associate's degree
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
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Bachelor's degree
Work Activities
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Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Detailed Work Activities
- Test patient nervous system functioning.
- Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.
- Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals.
- Explain medical procedures or test results to patients or family members.
- Adjust settings or positions of medical equipment.
Work Interests
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$35890.0 - $79860.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.