EEG Technologist

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a diagnostic technique for disorders of the brain. EEG technologists help doctors to understand the electrical activity of a patient’s nervous system including brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) and peripheral nerves. EEG technologists operate electroencephalograp equipment to assist physicians in diagnosing diseases, injuries and abnormalities of nervous system of the body. This group includes supervisors and instructors. EEG technology involves more methods for stimulating and recording the nervous system, besides the use of needles.EEG technologists help diagnose various problems with the brain, such as:

Seizures and epilepsy
Strokes and bleeding in the brain
Degenerative brain disease
Brain infections

Evoked Potentials testing records electrical activity of the brain and spinal cord after a deliberate external stimulation. The visual (eyes), auditory (ears), motor (muscle) and sensory nerves can all be tested for such things as:

Spinal cord injuries
Tumours on the nerves
Inflammation of the nerves

When the patient is ready, the technologist briefs them about the procedure to help reassure them and to discuss any questions or concerns. The patient must give consent in order to begin the testing, and then the EEG technologist records their medical history. The EEG technologist may help position the patient correctly and help them relax or cooperate for the needle EEG examination.

Average Hourly

$28.15

Range Hourly

$25.56-$30.25

Average Yearly

$54,883

Range Yearly

$49,842- $58,987

NOC Code

Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists (3217)

Alias Job Titles

Neuroelectrophysiology technologist

Qualifications Required

Electroencephalographs and other diagnostic technologists require completion of a two-year college or hospital-based program in electrophysiology technology and supervised practical training.

Job Demand

Medium
Employment outlook is fair to undetermined in most provinces. More information is available here.

Growth opportunity

Without further education, chances to advance in this occupation are limited.

Years’ Experience Required

0-1 year training and experience are usually required

Training Options (if available)

British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) - Blended
Collège Communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick - based in New Brunswick

Personal Qualities

professionalism, maturity and self-confidence

empathy and the ability to reassure patients

the ability to be detail-oriented

the ability to respond quickly and appropriately in emergencies

the ability to work with little direct supervision

the ability to work as part of a team.

An IMG can do a two-year college diploma program in Electroneurophysiology and supervised practical training.
Registration with the Canadian Board of Registration of Electroencephalograph Technologists is required by employers.
However, CBRET accepts international candidates for their licensing exams. IMGs with previous experience with EEG can submit for an assessment and if accepted they may get certified as EEG technologist directly. Learn from from here.
Registration with l’Ordre des technologues en imagerie médicale, en radio-oncologie et en électrophysiologie médicale du Québec is required for cardiology technologists and electrophysiological technologists in Quebec.
In Alberta, the profession is regulated by Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists.