Neurodiagnostic Technology Training Program
About the Profession
Neurodiagnostic Technologists support patient care by recording, monitoring, and analyzing nervous system function. They record electrical activity arising from the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves using a variety of techniques and instruments. They then prepare the data and documentation for interpretation by a physician. This profession requires considerable individual initiative, reasoning, and judgment. If that sounds like you, we encourage you to apply.
Common areas of practice include Electroencephalography (EEG), Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM), Long Term Monitoring (LTM), Polysomnography (PSG), Evoked Potentials (EP), and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS). You can learn more about the profession from ASET, The Neurodiagnostic Society at https://aset.org.
About the Program
The Vanderbilt Neurodiagnostic Training (NDT) Program will prepare you to become an entry-level technologist who specializes in performing EEG studies. During the 12-month program, you will receive extensive training in the classroom and a variety of clinical settings.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
This is a full-time (32 hours/week), in-person program, divided into 3 unequal trimesters, each of which includes a didactic and an experiential course. During clinical practicums, students train in VUMC neurodiagnostic laboratories under supervision.
1st trimester
- NDT100: Introduction to Neurodiagnostic Technology
- NDT200: Electroencephalography Skills Laboratory
2nd trimester
- NDT110: Principles of Clinical Electroencephalography
- NDT210: Practicum in Clinical Electroencephalography
3rd trimester
- NDT120: Advanced Topics in Neurodiagnostic Technology
- NDT220: Advanced Practicum in Neurodiagnostic Technology
CREDENTIALING
The American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists (ABRET) is the credentialing board for EEGs and other technologists. The Vanderbilt NDT is not currently accredited. After enrolling its inaugural class, the program will petition ABRET for recognition so graduates will be eligible for Pathway II. On this pathway, students who complete graduation requirements will be eligible to sit for the ABRET Registration Examination for Electroencephalographic Technologists. Those who pass the exam will be registered as electroencephalographic technologists for a period of 5 years and will be authorized to use the designation R. EEG T.
Detailed information on the exam, including application and scheduling, can be found in the ABRET Handbook for R. EEG T. candidates at https://abret.org/apply.
Vanderbilt NDT students will be expected to take the ABRET EEG Registration Examination within 2 months of their eligibility. Students will be reimbursed for the exam cost (once).
Admission Requirements
- U.S citizenship, permanent resident status, or otherwise eligible to work in the U.S.
- Possession of a high school diploma or high school diploma equivalency
- Completion/submission of the NDT Training Program application
- Current resume
- Students who have completed coursework abroad must have also completed coursework in English, whether in the U.S. or another English-speaking country, or must submit documentation of English competency in reading and writing through a TOEFL evaluation.
- Experience in patient care or prior use of EEG (or related technology) is preferred but not required.
Application Process
Applications for Neurodiagnostic Technology trainee positions are accepted through the VUMC Human Resources Department.
Note: Please search for current opportunities on the VUMC HR job search page and use the search term "neurodiagnostic trainee."
Our next cohort will begin on July 15, 2024.
Want to learn more?
Please attend a virtual information session if you’re thinking about applying!
Upcoming information sessions (please use this link for all) TBD.
Contact Info
Kyle L. Dean, R. EEG T., CLTM, CNIM
Program Director