Catalog Description of Program

Neurodiagnostic Technology (previously known at EEG) is an allied health specialty for diagnosing patients with neurological disorder such as epilepsy, stroke, coma, multiple sclerosis, and other disorders.  A competent neurodiagnostic technologist has knowledge of the nervous system and knows how to operate many types of sophisticated instruments properly.  Neurodiagnostic technologists are employed in hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, university medical centers, and research centers.  Orange Coast College’s Neurodiagnostic program provides theory and clinical experience in Electroencephalography (EEG) and in Evoked Potential (BAEP, PVEP, SSEP) testing as well as an introduction to other neurological testing procedures.  Some of the testing procedures include Nerve Conduction testing, Brain Mapping, Telemetry, Transcranial Doppler (TCD) Studies, polysomnography and more.  The program can be completed in approximately 22 months (4 semesters and 1 summer). Completion of the program earns an Associate of Science Degree in Neurodiagnostic Technology.  A new group of students begin this program in the fall semester of even years.

Description of job for which the program prepares students

A neurodiagnostic technologist performs non-invasive diagnostic procedures on the nervous system.  The diagnostic procedure performed most often is electroencephalography (EEG), which measures the electrical activity (microvolts) of the brain.  The majority of neurodiagnostic technologists will also perform evoked potential tests which diagnose nervous system disturbances in the visual, auditory, and somatosensory pathways.  Other diagnostic procedures may include brain mapping, nerve conduction velocity, surgical monitoring, telemetry and ambulatory recording, polysomnography, and more.

Required program prerequisites

          q  Allied Health 010: Health Occupations

          q  Biology 221: Human Anatomy and Physiology

          q  Completion of general education courses for the Associate of Science Degree

Associate of Science Degree

This is an Associate of Science degree program.  All Associate of Science degree requirements must be completed in order to graduate from the program. (See college catalog for specific requirements)

Does the program transfer?

No.  This is the only CAAHEP accredited program in the State of California.

Procedure for program admittance

Selections are made from students successfully completing Allied Health 010.  The formal process and application folder is completed in the Allied Health 010 – Health Occupations course.  Allied Health 010 is available as an on-campus (highly recommended) or online Internet course (see class schedule). Applicants must meet all prerequisite requirements prior to admittance into the program. (see School of Allied Health Professions Application and Admissions policy) Individuals with prior EEG training or experience may be allowed to enroll in specific courses to update and improve skills. (Call program coordinator for further information).

 Program start

The fall semester of even numbered years.

Employment possibilities upon program completion

Hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, research centers, and mobile services

Salary

Ranging from $40,000 to $50,000 annually or higher.

Courses with the program which students can take while seeking admission to the program (subject to catalog restrictions)

          q  Allied Health 111: Medical Terminology

          q  Allied Health 120: Human Diseases

          q  Associate of Science general education requirements

Length of program

Two years (4 semesters plus 2 intersessions and 1 summer)

Spaces available

24

Background checks

All students will be required to submit an application for pre-clinical background check.  The background check will include Social Security number, address verification, a two-county felony criminal history, a State sex offender search, and a Medicare/Medicare Sanctioned Fraud List verification (OIG/GSA) search.  The background checks will be performed by a service provided by the District and must be completed prior to beginning of the first clinical rotation.  The student understands that the results of background checks must be provided to the clinical sites before patient care or clinical work commences.

Clinical requirements

The program requires that students participate in scheduled course clinical experience concurrent with classroom courses. Clinical assignments provide students with hands-on application of knowledge and skills learned in the classroom and laboratory courses at OCC contracted hospitals, medical centers, and/or outpatient facilities.  It is the responsibility of each student to provide his or her own transportation to assigned clinical sites.

Just prior to entry into clinical, students are required to complete/obtain:

          q  A physical examination

          q  Criminal background check clearance

          q  CPR, HIPAA training, Blood borne pathogen training provided through Al H 115

          q  Student liability insurance

Students must adhere to appropriate required dress code which may include a laboratory coat, nametag, and other program specific requirements.

Clinical sites may require drug testing or other blood work.  There may be exposure to hazardous materials or pathogens in the clinical setting.  Students will adhere to all safety and precautionary measures.  The student receives no financial compensation for clinical experience, but does receive course units as a required class in the program.

Employment prospects

National shortage, only 12 accredited programs in the U.S.  All graduates are able to find employment.

Accreditation of program

The program is accredited by CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs). For more information, go to www.caahep.org

Other

It is possible to combine the Neurodiagnostic Technology and Polysomnography Technology programs with the addition of some specific courses.

Contact information

Walt Banoczi, Program Coordinator                   Dan Adelmann, Allied Health Advisor

Office: C & L 100-E                            Office: C&L 114 B

wbanoczi@occ.cccd.edu                                  dadelmann@occ.cccd.edu

714-432-5591                                                714-432-5541
                                                                   714-432-5702 appts

Allied Health Program Assistant 
Jane McLaughlin 
jmclaughlin@occ.cccd.edu
714-432-5729