Neurodiagnostic technologists administer neurological tests, such as EEGs and nerve conduction studies, and collect medical information, explain procedures and results, and ensure equipment is in good working order. They require formal training, attention to detail, and communication skills to work with patients, medical staff, and equipment. Their duties vary by employer, but they must be able to identify potential disturbances in results and help patients feel comfortable during lengthy testing procedures.
A neurodiagnostic technologist administers neurological tests to patients in a clinic or hospital. Among the tests that a technologist frequently administers are electromyographs, electroencephalographs, and nerve conduction studies. During any of these testing procedures, a person working in that capacity may also be assigned to collect and record pertinent medical information, explain a testing process and relay results to a patient, as well as clarify any questions or concerns a patient may have. about the patient. test. In addition to administering tests that monitor brain and nerve activity, a neurodiagnostic technologist also works to ensure that all equipment used for the test is in good working order.
Neurodiagnostic technologist jobs are highly specialized and require workers to be formally trained at the college level. To succeed in this career, individuals must be extremely detail-oriented, possess the ability to operate and understand complex medical equipment, and must be able to accurately interpret data received during testing. A technologist must also have clear written and verbal communication skills, as well as the personality and ability to work well with patients, a patient’s family members, nurses, physicians, and other members of the medical staff.
The precise duties of the neurodiagnostic technologist may vary between employers. All technologists, however, are trained to operate test equipment used to conduct nerve conduction studies, EEG, EMG, polysomnography, and intraoperative monitoring. In addition to operating the equipment used to administer these tests, a neurodiagnostic technologist must also know how to identify any problems with the test equipment and be able to recalibrate machines or make minor repairs if necessary. In addition, basic tasks such as customizing patient tests, explaining procedures and results to patients and their families, and reporting results to the appropriate medical team are also common requirements of the neurodiagnostic technologist.
Tests administered by a neurodiagnostic technologist are important in detecting abnormalities in the brain and nervous system. Therefore, accurate results are required, and a technologist must be able to identify potential disturbances in these results, such as failures in the monitoring process or equipment, or levels of patient nervousness about the testing procedure that may skew the results. In some cases, the test lasts for several hours and may even require a patient to stay overnight. Part of the neurodiagnostic technologist’s job description is therefore to interact with patients in ways that reduce test anxiety and help make the patient as comfortable as possible during lengthy testing procedures.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
