Online EEG Classes, Schools and Training Programs
An electroneurodiagnostic (END) technologist assists neurologists by performing electroencephalograms (EEG). These tests monitor brain activity to diagnose and treat such illnesses as epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease. Some theoretical training is offered via distance education; however, clinical experience is mandatory.
What You Need to Know
<p>In an online EEG program, both Web-based classes and in-person clinicals are typically required. Clinicals provide the training needed to sit for certification exams. Community and technical colleges offer degrees in neurodiagnostic and END technology that include online classes.
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<table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Online</b> </td><td> Online options are available, but usually in a hybrid format</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Training</b> </td><td> Certificates in neurodiagnostic technology and bachelor's degrees in neurodiagnostics/sleep science and health science; clinical training is also required</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Classes</b></td><td> END technology, neuroanatomy, healthcare economics, healthcare quality management, delivery systems</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatDistanceLearningEEGClassesCanITake">What Distance Learning EEG Classes Can I Take?</h3>
<p>While you can take some theoretical courses online, supervised on-the-job training in a clinical setting at least 16 hours a week for a full year is necessary to complete most degree and certificate programs. Clinical experience is necessary to meet the American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists (ABRET) requirements for certification (<i>abret.org</i>). Available Web classes cover these topics:
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<ul><li>Neuroanatomy and neurophysiology
</li><li>Biomedical electronics
</li><li>Beginning and advanced END technology
</li><li>EEG abnormalities and epilepsy
</li><li>Intracranial EEG and neurosurgical monitoring
</li><li>Healthcare economics
</li><li>Healthcare delivery systems
</li><li>Neurological disorders
</li><li>Healthcare fundamentals
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatTypesOfSchoolsAndTrainingProgramsAreAvailableOnline">What Types of Schools and Training Programs Are Available Online?</h3>
<p>If you don't live near a school offering an END degree, you have the option to enroll in an online certificate or bachelor's degree program. Still, these programs require that over half of your courses are supervised practicums conducted in a local hospital or medical clinic.
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<p>Online training programs for non-degree self-learning are made available by the American Epilepsy Society (<i>www.aesnet.org</i>). The training lectures include sections on EEG, specifically neurophysiology, clinical evaluation and surgical video monitoring for the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. These schools offer online EEG classes and training programs:
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<ul><li>Institute of Health Sciences
</li><li>Labouré College
</li><li>University of North Carolina at Charlotte
</li><li>Southern New Hampshire University
</li><li>Kellogg Community College
</li></ul><h3 id="section---AreThereAnyPrerequisites">Are There Any Prerequisites?</h3>
<p>Demonstrated competency in the natural sciences, computer technology and math, along with strong critical thinking and communication skills, are necessary for EEG training. As with any health care profession, you'll be responsible for the well-being of patients, so you must be able to perform well under pressure.
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<p>In addition, good eyesight and hearing, physical strength and endurance, exceptional coordination and manual dexterity are essential to performing your duties as an END technologist. A clean background check and updated immunizations are typically required prior to placement in a clinical internship.</p>