Neurodiagnostic Technician I

UPMC•Pittsburgh, PA

About The Position

The Neurodiagnostic Technician I performs routine and complex neurodiagnostic procedures under supervision and according to established guidelines to collect data used in diagnosing disorders of the nervous system. Procedures may involve EEG, evoked potentials, epilepsy monitoring, polysomnography, or nerve conduction studies. The technician performs duties in diagnostic and research areas as assigned, including EEG and long-term monitoring, and supports epilepsy-related diagnostic and research activities such as SPECT procedures and SEEG implantations in collaboration with the epilepsy surgical team. The role involves operating recording equipment, preparing and educating patients, documenting relevant medical information, recognizing and reporting EEG patterns and changes in patient condition, and maintaining neurodiagnostic equipment. The technician collaborates with physicians, nurses, supervisors, and other medical personnel to support accurate testing and patient safety. Free on-the-job training and online courses, including the ASET Core EEG Curriculum, are offered.

Requirements

High school diploma and six months of patient care experience, or an associate or bachelor's degree.
CPR based on AHA standards, including didactic instruction and a skills demonstration, within 30 days of hire.
Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Act 34 clearance.
For Procirca employees only: successful completion of the END training program and obtaining the appropriate modality-specific credential within two years of hire.

Responsibilities

Operate computer equipment to record nervous system responses that provide quantitative and objective measures of neuronal and sensory function.
Collaborate with supervisors and medical personnel to resolve problems and advise on laboratory procedures, techniques, and equipment.
Clean, adjust, maintain, and perform routine repairs on neurodiagnostic equipment; troubleshoot routine equipment problems.
Document pertinent medical history obtained from patients or family members.
Respond to medical emergencies to ensure patient safety and follow unit and hospital procedures for patients requiring high-acuity care.
Recognize changes in a patient's clinical condition and correlate them with EEG findings; identify changes requiring intervention, such as seizures or cardiac arrhythmia.
Schedule patients, obtain required medical information, explain procedures, alleviate fears, and elicit patient cooperation.
Prepare patients for testing, including measuring and marking the cranial area and fastening electrodes in specified positions on the scalp and body.
Perform neurodiagnostic procedures and complete appropriate documentation.
Identify EEG waveforms and patterns during testing and communicate findings to medical personnel.
Support diagnostic and research activities, including SPECT procedures and SEEG implantations, in collaboration with the epilepsy surgical team.