Electroencephalographic Technologist

Class Specifications – H.30
Supervising Electroencephalographic Technologist – 9058
Principal Electroencephalographic Technologist – 9059
Senior Electroencephalographic Technologist – 9060
Electroencephalographic Technologist – 9061

November, 1979

Series Concept

Electroencephalographic Technologists perform electroencephalographic, electromyographic, and evoked potential examinations; and perform other related duties as required.

Incumbents typically: take medical histories as they relate to neurological diagnosis; prepare and position patients for the conduct of electroencephalographic, electromyographic, and/or evoked potential examinations; apply suitable electrodes to predetermined measured positions on the patient and check their performance; calibrate and adjust the apparatus; replace faulty plug-in components as necessary; select predetermined electrode combinations and determine electrode combinations to define focal abnormalities during examinations; interpret the graphic output during the test recording and modify the test appropriately; observe patients during tests, and indicate all artifacts interfering with a true recording (e.g., muscle movement, eye blinking, swallowing and poorly applied electrodes); and designate all abnormal clinical manifestations observed during the test. Incumbents may: use activation procedures such as hyperventilation and photic stimulation with responsibility for securing the patient’s cooperation; determine when such procedures may be clinically contraindicated; assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of seizure disorders through the performance of special tests; perform tests to determine whether the patient has electrocerebral silence in assessing cerebral death; monitor electromyograms, electrocardiograms, and electro-oculograms; use electroencephalographic equipment in conjunction with other electrophysiologic monitoring devices; and maintain patient records and perform other related clerical work.

Class Concepts

Supervising Electroencephalographic Technologist

Under direction, incumbents direct subordinate Electroencephalographic Technologists and related ancillary medical and clerical support personnel.

Supervising Electroencephalographic Technologists are assigned administrative responsibility for employee selection, corrective action, performance evaluation, budget preparation, cost utilization and revenue analysis, capitol equipment needs justification and procurement, and training organization.

Incumbents answer difficult questions on procedures and techniques, and assist physicians in the performance of difficult or unusual procedures for clinical or research purposes. Incumbents may also develop new procedures and techniques, supervise the demonstration of the mechanical operation of examination apparatus to selected medical personnel, and consult with physicians on the interpretation of clinical electroencephalographic procedures.

Principal Electroencephalographic Technologist

Under general supervision, incumbents independently perform complex specialized procedures approximately 80 percent of the time and are assigned continuing responsibility for the instruction and evaluation of students and junior staff. As an alternative, Principal Electroencephalographic Technologists are assigned clinical supervisory responsibilities which include responsibility for a second work shift and the total department in the absence of the Supervising Electro- encephalographic Technologist; the scheduling of procedures; the allocation of supplies and equipment; and in addition incumbents provide technical information to the medical staff which can directly impact the patient’s well being, such as evaluating the diagnostic urgency of requested procedures and prioritizing clinical procedures.

Senior Electroencephalographic Technologist

Under general supervision, incumbents for a majority of the time independently perform complex procedures requiring knowledge of advanced technologies and/or comprehensive understanding on neuroanatomy, neuropharmacology, or neurophysiology as they relate to electroencephalography, electromyography, or evoked potential studies. Currently, examples of tasks meeting the advanced technology/knowledge requirement include the use of nasopharyngeal electrodes, performing depth recordings, and making preliminary death determinations.

Electroencephalographic Technologist

Under supervision incumbents perform the range of electroencephalographic studies outlined in the series concept. This is the journeylevel class in the series.

Minimum Qualifications

Supervising Electroencephalographic Technologist

Completion of an approved two-year course* in electroencephalography, and four years of experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

Principal Electroencephalographic Technologist

Completion of an approved two-year course* in electroencephalography, and three years of experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

Senior Electroencephalographic Technologist

Completion of an approved two-year course* in electroencephalography, and two years of experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

Electroencephalographic Technologist

Completion of an approved two-year course* in electroencephalography; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

*An “approved two-year course” is one sanctioned by the Council on Medical Education of the American Medical Association.