What Should I Consider When Choosing a Neurodiagnostic Program?
Some professions have a clear career path with little variety in the options available for entering the field. In contrast, neurodiagnostic technology is a profession with several potential pathways. With a variety of options and types of programs, determining the best path forward can seem overwhelming.
Ultimately, you need to complete a program that will not only help you achieve competence in performing neurodiagnostic testing but also lead to achieving eligibility for the board exam you need to take for your area of practice.
Learning on the job?
The ASET Core EEG Curriculum™ may be the right fit for you!
What Test Do I Need?
I want to... | Exam (Credentialing Board) |
Work in a hospital or clinic performing electroencephalography (EEG). | |
Work in surgery performing intraoperative neuromonitoring. | |
Work in a hospital or clinic performing magnetoencephalography. | Tip: ASET's MEG Course is required for exam eligibility. |
Work in a hospital or clinic performing nerve conduction study tests and helping doctors with electromyography (EMG). |
For a complete list of tests and credentialing boards, visit our credentialing resources page
Not familiar with the different types of neurodiagnostic tests?
Visit our Neurodiagnostics page to learn more
Considerations When Choosing a Program
There are several options to complete training and achieve exam eligibility and a variety of programs. Below we summarize some important considerations for choosing a program that will meet your needs.
Program Accreditation and Recognition
CAAHEP Accreditation
Probably the foremost consideration for choosing a school in our field is whether the program is accredited.
Why program accreditation matters: Achieving CAAHEP accreditation signifies a program’s adherence to high-quality standards. Additionally, graduates of CAAHEP-accredited programs face fewer requirements to become eligible for ABRET board exams (Pathway 1).
About CAAHEP Accreditation
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is an accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). In partnership with the Committee on Accreditation for Education in Neurodiagnostic Technology (CoA-NDT), CAAHEP reviews and accredits neurodiagnostic technology and intraoperative neuromonitoring programs.
While there is not a CAAHEP program in every state, online CAAHEP-accredited programs are available for neurodiagnostic technology and intraoperative neuromonitoring.
ABRET Recognition
Some educational programs, while not eligible for CAAHEP accreditation, are recognized by ABRET and provide an alternative pathway to eligibility (Pathway II).
Why this matters: Programs must, at minimum, be recognized by ABRET for exam eligibility, but ABRET-recognized programs have more requirements to qualify for exams and do not have the same level of quality assurance as CAAHEP programs.
About ABRET Recognition
Graduating from an ABRET-recognized program qualifies individuals for the R. EEG T. exam through Pathway II and the CNIM exam through Pathway IV. These pathways require completing an additional 50 clinical cases to meet the eligibility criteria for the exams. However, ABRET-recognized programs may lack the same level of oversight and quality assurance as CAAHEP-accredited programs.
Other Considerations
Institutional Accreditation
Independent from program accreditation (like CAAHEP), colleges, universities, and schools can be accredited. These will be referred to here as “institutions.”
Why this matters: Institutional accreditation is a mark of quality at the school level. Also, the amount of time and money saved by transferrable credits obtained through an accredited institution can be significant.
About Institutional Accreditation
Institutional accreditation might best be compared to a thorough “background check” of the school, investigating teacher qualifications, whether courses are eligible for grants and loans, support and resources for students, and many other quality markers. (Learn more here). An important implication of institutional accreditation is that it could determine whether your credits can be transferred to other schools. For example, some universities only accept transfer credits from courses completed at a school with regional accreditation. If you plan to later pursue further education, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree, it is important to know whether your credits will transfer.
The number of credit hours a student can transfer and tuition fees vary by school, but to provide a hypothetical example, if a school allows a full-time student to transfer up to 60 college credits and has a fee of $300 per credit hour, then the transferred credits could save up to $18,000 in tuition costs and reduce the time to program completion by as much as two years.
To find out whether an institution is accredited, ask the school’s Admissions department or search “accreditation” on the school’s website.
If there is a possibility that you might want to further your education, attending an appropriately accredited school could significantly reduce the amount of time and money needed to complete that goal.
In Person vs. Online Programs
Programs are available in person (seated) and online (distance). Seated programs are available in several states, but individuals in some regions might not have access to a seated program. Also, working adults transitioning careers often prefer the flexibility offered by online programs, even if they have access to a local program.
Online programs either provide a clinical site with a mentor for clinical training or require the student to secure a clinical site. ASET maintains a database of clinical sites; if you need assistance finding a clinical site for training, please get in touch with us at [email protected].
Distance Programs (Online and Hybrid Learning)
When considering online programs for neurodiagnostic technology, it’s essential to understand the differences between synchronous and asynchronous learning formats. Each has advantages and disadvantages.
Synchronous Programs
Synchronous online programs require students to attend live, scheduled classes or sessions in real time. This format fosters direct interaction with instructors and peers, simulating a traditional classroom experience. Students can ask questions, participate in discussions, and collaborate during these live sessions.
Advantages: Immediate feedback, real-time interaction, and a structured schedule.
Disadvantages: Less flexibility; students must adhere to specific class times, which may be challenging for those with work or family commitments.
Asynchronous Programs
Asynchronous programs allow students to access course materials, lectures, and assignments at their convenience without scheduled class times. This self-paced approach is ideal for learners who are balancing education with other responsibilities.
Advantages: High flexibility, enabling students to learn anytime, anywhere. Ideal for individuals with irregular schedules.
Disadvantages: Limited real-time interaction, potential feelings of isolation, and the need for strong self-motivation and time management skills.
Choosing between synchronous and asynchronous online education depends on your learning style, schedule, and need for interaction. Evaluate your preferences and commitments to select the best option for your education and career goals.
Whether you choose an online or seated program, clinical training is necessary to qualify for board exams.
Degree Type
Certificate, associate, and bachelor’s degree programs are available in neurodiagnostic technology. Choosing the right degree type depends on your employment goals and education history.
Certificate vs. Degree Program
Why this matters: Having the right degree for your desired position or area of practice will ensure you don’t miss employment opportunities by not meeting education requirements. Also, researching education requirements before choosing between a certificate or degree program can prevent an unnecessary investment of time and money for individuals who already have science degrees in other fields of study.
In some situations, there are few or no advantages to obtaining a second degree of the same level; however, science degrees are preferred in our field, so an individual with an Associate of Arts or Bachelor of Arts might benefit from pursuing a science degree (AS or BS) rather than a certificate. Our Neurodiagnostic Schools page lists certificate and degree programs.
Associate vs. Bachelor’s
An associate degree is acceptable for most neurodiagnostic technologist positions. For example, an associate degree is usually sufficient for technologists who only wish to perform clinical EEG. However, at least a bachelor’s degree is often preferred for the following:
- Intraoperative neuromonitoring
- Nerve conduction studies
- NeuroAnalyst positions
- Management positions
- Neurodiagnostic education specialist positions
Another consideration when choosing between an associate and a bachelor’s program is that some employers offer tuition reimbursement, so obtaining an associate degree, securing employment, and seeking tuition assistance through your employer to pursue a bachelor’s degree could be financially advantageous. However, many employers only offer this benefit to full-time employees, so individuals with other commitments to balance might find it easier to complete a bachelor’s degree before entering full-time employment. Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages.
A minimum education of at least an associate degree is preferred in our field (Lopez et al. 2023).
Education Options for Employer-Trained Technologists
ASET Core EEG Curriculum™
The ASET Core EEG Curriculum is designed for technologists already employed by or training in an EEG department. The EEG curriculum consists of 13 online courses titled EEG 200-212. ASET’s Core EEG Curriculum is an initiative to grow a qualified workforce and establish a minimum education standard for on-the-job trained neurodiagnostic technologists. By offering this curriculum, ASET seeks to prepare and equip neurodiagnostic assistants or already-employed trainees with the skills and knowledge outlined in the ASET National Competency Skill Standards for Performing Electroencephalography. Detailed course descriptions, CEU information, and pricing can be found here.
ASET offers a curriculum for individuals who are already working in the field and in need of additional education.
