The path into the field can look quite different for many of us.
Most of us probably had a strong interest in Neuro and I would imagine all of us could name that one person that opened the door for them.
Perhaps it was a teacher or mentor that first introduced the topic. Maybe a family member was already in the field or possibly there was the experience of an EEG procedure ordered at one time.
However someone finds their way into this field they will find diverse and enriching opportunities for learning if they are open to looking.
For those of us working in the field I know most all would agree - it’s the Best Kept Secret in Healthcare!
(On a side note: Be sure to follow this blog for our Technologist Spotlight for how the Integris Neuro staff found their way in.). Just click here to subscribe.
For those interested in Neurodiagnostics often the first question people ask is “How can I get registered?”; but instead it might be best to ask the question: “How can I get trained?” With proper training and experience then the registry should follow.
The registry exam is important but it should only follow proper training and experience. Most employers hiring a registered technologist expect experience, independence, and a strong skill set.
Those are very challenging expectations to meet if one has never worked in the field. So focusing first on proper training then landing that first entry level job to build experience is essential. The additional board preparation can follow and once one feels ready - work towards taking the exam.
The current statistics for the 2023 EEG registry exam is a 49% pass rate.
It’s an expensive test so waiting until one is ready is best.
So what's the best place to start?
There currently are 3 ways into the field:
An accredited degreed Neurodiagnostic program where students finish with their training and a college Associates or Bachelor’s degree depending on the school.
A formal training program - this is useful for students that already have a degree but are missing the skill set to transition into the field or perhaps they are looking for a shorter option than a full degreed program.
On the job training - some employers might offer this option.
Once trained the door of Neurodiagnostics is open and there are a variety of places one might find their way in:
A Clinic
A Hospital setting
or a Remote Monitoring company
These settings can look very different depending on how one prefers to work but one thing is for sure - it’s good to have choices!
A current search on Indeed for EEG technicians results in almost 900 job openings across the U.S - this high demand field needs more of us!
If you would like to help spread the word on the benefits of this field to encourage more to explore its options please consider being a part of the ASET Ambassador Program. Your efforts are even good for 1 CEU and we can all use those!
Once in the field and registered the door opens even wider:
Operating room opportunities
Career advancement (Level II, Level III technologists)
Transitioning into other testing modalities (PSG, EMG, NCV, CLTM, etc)
Leadership
Education
And remote monitoring - Who knew one could work in Healthcare and work from home?!
The benefits are many!
Roya Tompkins, MS, REEG/EP T, RPSGT
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