EEG Training Program
SpecialtyCare offers trusted and reliable full-service EEG solutions with unmatched depth and breadth.
Our highly skilled teams, supported by best-in-class training and resources, ensure a seamless service leading to superior outcomes.
What is Electroencephalography?
Electroencephalography (EEG) is a noninvasive diagnostic test that measures the brain’s electrical activity in real time. By placing small electrodes on the scalp, EEG records the natural electrical patterns—known as brain waves—that help clinicians assess how the brain is functioning.
EEG is a foundational tool in neurology because it provides rapid, continuous, and highly sensitive insights into brain activity. It is used to detect abnormalities, guide treatment decisions, and monitor patients in a wide range of clinical settings.
EEG plays a vital role in diagnosing and monitoring patients with a variety of neurological conditions that put them at risk for seizures and status epilepticus including the following:
Stroke
Brain tumors
Encephalitis
Traumatic Brain Injury
Cardiac Arrest
The role of the EEG Technologist
EEG technologists’ roles can be dynamic and fluctuating from day to day.
The technologist will meet a patient in the hospital in an outpatient or inpatient setting, greet the patient, and describe the EEG procedure before performing the procedure itself. First, the technologist will use a measuring tape to accurately measure the patient’s head according to a standardized system of measurement called the International 10-20 system. This identifies where the electrodes will need to be placed on the scalp. The technologist will use a special type of skin marking pencil to place small marks on the patient’s scalp. After all of the marks are in place, the technologist will prep the skin and apply a conductive paste and gauze or tape to secure the EEG electrodes to the scalp. The electrodes may also need to be secured using a head wrap or cloth. Then, utilizing the EEG equipment, the technologist can assess if the electrodes have been placed adequately with good contact. Once all electrodes are determined to have good contact, the EEG test can be recorded. While the EEG data is being collected, the technologist will monitor the study and interact with the patient to elicit specific types of brain waves. They will document all of the patient’s movements and activities and ensure a high-quality recording. During certain times, the technologist may ask the patient to perform specific tasks like looking at a blinking light or taking quick breaths in and out.
Other times, the technologist may actually leave the study recording for a long-term EEG that can be recorded over many hours, days or even weeks. In more advanced roles, the technologists may be involved in interpreting the EEG waveforms and making annotations on the study that point out waveforms of interest or concern for the neurologist to examine.
Who is SpecialtyCare?
SpecialtyCare is a competitive edge for physicians and the teams that support them. With a consistently proactive approach, our clinicians are always striving to improve their performance through exhaustive reporting and process optimization.
Our highly capable clinicians have been empirically shown to reduce risk, protecting the team from malpractice. This dedication to patient safety means better financial results and patient outcomes across the board.
Training will include online modules and virtual learning for introductions to foundational topics which will also cover the professional requirements and conduct required of the hospital setting. Online courses and a clinical instructor will be utilized for learning the neurophysiologic and technical aspects of training in EEG.
Following successful completion of the foundational training requirements, the ongoing academics will be paired with onsite clinical training, including observation, simulated practice, and hands-on direct patient care. Although the assigned hours are variable, trainees can expect to report to the hospital setting to work under direct supervision 4-5 days per week throughout Phase 1 of training, in addition to the required online coursework. During Phase 2, trainees may be assigned to work independently to complete the entry-level tasks, while they continue to train in more advanced techniques. The online academics are completed at the end of Phase 2. A minimum of 100 EEG recordings completed throughout Phases 1 and 2 is required. Phase 3 is comprised of board preparation materials and practice, while the trainee continues his/her independent practice. Phase 3 is completed with national EEG board registration.
What to expect from the EEG Training Program
Training will include online modules and virtual learning for getting introduced to the foundational topics and covering the professional requirements and conduct of the hospital setting. Online courses and a paired mentor are then utilized for learning the neurophysiologic and technical aspects of training in EEG.
Following successful completion of the foundational training requirements, the ongoing academics will be paired with onsite clinical training, including observation, simulated practice, and hands-on direct patient care. Although the assigned hours are variable, trainees can expect to report to the hospital setting to work under direct supervision 4-5 days per week throughout Phase 1 of training, in addition to the required online coursework. During Phase 2, trainees may be assigned to work independently to complete the entry-level tasks, while they continue to train in more advanced techniques. The online academics are completed at the end of Phase 2. A minimum of 100 EEG recordings completed throughout Phases 1 and 2 is required. Phase 3 is comprised of board preparation materials and practice, while the trainee continues his/her independent practice. Phase 3 is completed with national EEG board registration.
