How to Become a Neurodiagnostic Technologist

How to Become a Neurodiagnostic Technologist

To be a neurodiagnostic technologist, you must have a high school diploma and a two-year degree that includes coursework in physical or biological sciences. A training course in neurodiagnostic technology is usually a one to two year program that includes clinical work with patients.

1. Graduate from High School

To prepare for a major in neurodiagnostic technology, the following courses and activities are recommended during the high school years:

  • Math
  • Science
  • Biology
  • Language courses
  • Computer courses

You should also consider volunteering at a hospital, rehabilitation center or other facility. You’ll be able to gain valuable experience here working with seriously ill people.

Some states are considering requiring licensure requirements for neurodiagnostic technologists, in particular those who perform polysomnographs.

2. Earn an Associate Degree (2 Years)

After completing high school, you will need to enroll in an associate's or bachelor's degree program in neurodiagnostic training that is accredited by the Commission on accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The major you will go into to become an EEG technician is electroneurodiagnostic technology.

This course load includes specialized training in the following:

  • EEG technology
  • Physiology
  • Anatomy
  • Medical terminology
  • Patient care skills

Core courses focus on the various neurodiagnostic procedures and on clinical work obtained through an internship, laboratory session or other training activity.

Advanced certificate programs are available if you have already earned an associate's degree in another area. These programs allow you to specialize and train in clinical processes and EEG fundamentals.

3. Earn the Required Certification

A student has four possible pathways open to become eligible to take the EEG credentialing exam:

  1. Enroll in a neurodiagnostic program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) for a period of about six months.
  2. Complete a formal Neurodiagnostic education program that is recognized by the American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists (ABRET), along with documentation of 100 EEGs.
  3. Be employed in a neurodiagnostics position while holding an associate degree or registered polysomnographic technologist (RPGST) credential. In addition, have one year of clinical EEG experience and documentation of 150 EEGs post-experience and 30 EEG ASET-CEUs.
  4. Be employed in Neurodiagnostics and have two years of clinical EEG experience, along with documentation of 60 EEG ASET-CEUs and 200 EEGs post-experience and
  5. Neurodiagnostic technologists must also hold a current CPR/basic cardiac life support (BCLS) certification to take the exams.