Pediatric EEG Technician Career Guide

Overview

There are certain tasks that are only performed by specialists who are good at handling technical work; neither doctors nor nurses are familiar with the technicalities of such tasks. Such a specialist is a pediatric EEG technician, who helps children by operating neurologic technical equipment when an EEG test is in process. It is a test of the brain in which electrical activity is recorded and measured. These specialists diagnose various brain activities in children like tumors, neurological conditions and sleep disorders. It is a vast field with lots of opportunities of success and career growth.

Job Duties

Pediatric EEG Technician’s prime responsibility is to help children with brain related activities. A test of electroencephalogram is performed to examine brain activities. This is done by special sensors connected to computers on one end and the other to the patient’s head. The process starts when wavy lines start appearing on the monitor screen. The electrodes that are attached to the head react and give signals. EEG technician stays with the patients throughout the process. When the test is complete, these specialists remove the electrodes. This test helps these practitioners to understand neurological conditions like epilepsy, moreover; sleep disorders like narcolepsy are also diagnosed and studied. In some cases, physical problems are also examined if found.

Some administrative tasks are also performed by Pediatric EEG Technicians like greeting a patient, noting medical histories and assisting people with work procedures. To work as a professional, one must be good with children and should have sympathy for them. Furthermore, they must have the technological skills to operate electroencephalography (EEG) technology.

Career Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported in 2011 that around 156,860 people were employed in this medical field. Around 68,900 individuals were employed in general medical and surgical hospitals, which is the highest number compared to all occupations.  Their work settings are hospitals and diagnostic care centers.

Salary Outlook

On average Pediatric EEG Technicians earn up to $54,000 annually as stated in 2012 (indeed.com).

Education Requirements

One needs to earn a diploma, certificate or associate’s level degree in healthcare to be employed. Another option is getting trained on the job which is offered by numerous clinics and hospitals. Some other formal programs could also be earned which take 12 or 24 months to complete. These programs are registered by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

Courses that are taught might include physiology, human analogy, medical terminology, neuroanatomy and nerve conduction. Those who want to get employed should seek registration laws which vary from state to state.

Some states may give preference to education, while others to work experience and some to both. So it is recommended to go through the prerequisites before you apply. Certification is done by the American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists. For this, an exam should be passed with at least an associate’s degree.