Program Structure

Profession Overview

Neurodiagnostic Technology (NDT) is a scientific field focused on recording and studying electrical activity of the brain and nervous system.  Neurodiagnostic Technologists are trained professionals who specialize in studying and recording electrical activity in the central nervous, autonomic and peripheral nervous systems using specialized equipment.  By recording electrical patterns throughout these systems, Technologists provide valuable data that a physician will use to diagnose and treat conditions such as epilepsy, seizure disorders, stroke, and brain diseases.

There are several different kinds of testing in the field of neurodiagnostics, including:

  • Electroencephalograph (EEG)
  • Long-Term EEG Monitoring
  • Evoked Potentials
  • Nerve Conduction
  • Intraoperative Neuromonitoring
  • Polysomnography

The focus of the ASV Neurodiagnostic Technology program will be on EEG testing, although an overview of the other modalities is part of the program.

Essential Skills & Functions

To perform EEG Testing, Technologists must possess the following skills and abilities:

1. Physical/Motor Skills

  • Stand and walk for extended periods of the time
  • Perform physically strenuous tasks including raising patients in bed, maneuvering patients to and from tables/stretchers and carrying or maneuvering equipment
  • Rise from a seated position without assistance
  • Twist and bend at the waist
  • Extend the hands and arms in any direction
  • Hold, grasp and turn objects with the hands
  • Reach up to six feet off the floor  

2. Sensory Abilities

  • Correctable near vision to 20 / 40 in at least one eye
  • Correctable far vision to 20 / 40 in at least one eye
  • Depth perception
  • Distinguish shades of gray
  • Hear audible speech (e.g. person-to-person communication) at 10 feet
  • Hear speech when lips are not visible (e.g. wearing a surgical mask)
  • Hear auditory alarms (e.g. patient monitors, fire alarms)
  • Hear speech over a telephone
  • Detect odors such as smoke, alcohol, noxious gasses

3. Communication Abilities

  • Read documents in English
  • Write legibly in English
  • Speak fluently in English
  • Understand speech in English
  • Adapt verbal communication to patient/visitor limitations (e.g. hearing loss, pediatrics, diminished mental capacity)

4. Emotional and Behavior Skills

  • Willingness to take directions
  • Be self-directed and assertive
  • Provide emotional support to others in distress
  • Adapt to a changing environment
  • Monitor own emotional state
  • Manage frustration appropriately
  • Accept responsibility for own errors or shortcomings
  • Express emotions in a socially-acceptable manner
  • Respect interpersonal boundaries
  • Manage interpersonal and organizational conflicts in a respectful and professional manner

5. Intellectual Abilities

  • Recall information with reasonable accuracy
  • Recognize cause and effect relationships
  • Anticipate/plan ahead for activities or situations
  • Perform tasks in a logical and efficient sequence
  • Prioritize competing tasks
  • Problem solve when the solution is not self-evident
  • Use critical thinking skills in assessing EEG waveforms and distinguishing artifact
  • Demonstrate attention to detail
  • Evaluate own performance to determine corrective actions when appropriate

Assessment of Essential Skills & Functions

Ascension St. Vincent Neurodiagnostic Technology Program does not discriminate on the basis of disability as determined by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Physical/motor skills, sensory abilities, and communication skills are not assessed during the selection phase of the admissions process.

 

Emotional/behavioral skills and intellectual abilities are assessed during the selection phase of the admissions process as they relate to a candidate’s academic record, and ability to communicate effectively in English during a personal interview.

Environment of Care

Like any profession, neurodiagnostic technology involves occupational risk. As such, clinical education involves training in a potentially hazardous environment. While all reasonable efforts are taken to assure student safety including adherence to state and local laws and following institutional policies and procedures, students should be aware of these environmental risks.

 

  • Exposure to infectious diseases: students will be exposed to patients with known and unknown infectious diseases, will handle and dispose of body secretions, blood, stool, etc., and will be exposed to infectious waste and bloodborne pathogens.  Students are taught proper infection control practices including Standard Precautions and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize the risk to self and others.
  • Exposure to workplace violence: While these situations rarely occur, contact with combative or aggressive patients, family or visitors may happen.  Students are taught de-escalation techniques and how to call for assistance when necessary.
  • Exposure to sharp instruments: Students may be exposed to needles, scalpels and other sharp objects which may or may not be contaminated with infectious waste and bloodborne pathogens.  Students are taught to properly handle and dispose of sharp objects to minimize the chance of injury to self and others.
  • Ergonomic stressors: Students may encounter physical demands of pushing heavy carts, stretchers and other objects.  Students are taught proper body mechanics and practices to minimize personal injury.