The Neurodiagnostic Niche
Encouraging a community in the world of Neurodiagnostics
It’s a Great Day to Read a Book
Is this Your Year to Getting Registered?
It’s the Home Stretch!
Remember it’s the Sum of Small Efforts…Daily Efforts.
There is no cramming for this test.
If you have tried to prep without reading a textbook – I highly encourage you not to miss this step!
Click Here to Amazon for one of my favorites and it’s the one I read many years ago preparing for my boards; however, there are many good textbooks.
To search other good EEG books on Amazon just click here.
Reading and understanding a book is not optional in this process.
It’s essential.
Today’s educational models have substituted a lot of digital content instead of text books.
Although digital resources are useful – they are not an equal substitute for a book.
With the remaining weeks of the year – let’s use them wisely and READ.
Like really Read – a Book : )
Let’s Stay Curious and Grow What We Know
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Start With Why
Ever feel like all you are doing is memorizing test questions and answers? Hard part about that is if the question is asked in a different way – you’re stuck! This way of preparing makes it really easy to get tripped up.
Understanding not just the What but the Why is important.
They can then ask the question any way they want and…You.Got.This!
ASAP practice tests are a great way to gauge what you know and what you need to focus your prep on…then make a plan to outline how you are going to learn what your missing.
Really learn – not just memorize.
Do one thing each day to create momentum:
- Follow an expert on LinkedIn – engage in the conversation.
- Take a lesson.
- Inquire from your mentors.
- Create an accountability group.
This might be a good time to reference an older post:
Habits are More Important than Goals
And if you need a little more help – take a peek at Your Year to Getting Registered Member Content on the Marketplace (just click here).
- Take your Neurodiagnostic Niche participation to this new level with Member Only Content. This 12 Month Subscription (around $10/month) provides a monthly email to your in-box to keep you motivated and focused to reach your Registration goal.
- If you struggle with staying on target for this goal – this tool could just be what you need to help stay focused this year.
Let’s Stay Curious and Grow What We Know
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Land the Plane
Is this Your Year to Getting Registered?
If so:
It’s time.
- If a Measurement Assessment is part of your requirement – Schedule it.
- Finish the CEUs – if you need to pay for some to finish…remember time is money. Waiting for the handful of free ones only delays your test and ends up costing you too.
- Gather all your documentation.
- Submit to test.
Once approved you have 3 months to test.
Some suggestions to use those 3 months wisely:
- Review, Review, Review
- If you haven’t already – use the ASAP question list for one month
- Scroll back through the posts on this blog for a ton of tips and suggestions
- If you need a little tutoring support on a topic or just a coach to help your confidence – reach out to one of us. There are a lot of us willing to help!
It’s time.
Land the Plane.
The Neurodiagnostic community needs more Registered Technologists.
This is Your Year to Getting Registered.
You.Got.This
Let’s Stay Curious and Grow What We Know
Alpha/Theta Candle Set – New on the Neurodiagnostic Niche Marketplace
Make Progress with Monthly Content
So grateful to have you follow along! I hope it has been a source of inspiration and resources for you.
Looking for a little extra content? Sign up for a Monthly Subscription delivered to your in-box with more resources to help you on your journey. Just visit the Marketplace on this site.
If this is Your Year to Getting Registered:
Focus on the Process and you’ll continue to make Progress
- Start with a Plan – the Content Outline of the Exam is always a good start.
- Be Disciplined and Create Structure – Routines matter…scroll back thru some older posts on this topic!
- Make the Effort – Plan your day out in a manageable way – ‘a goal without a plan is just a wish…‘
- Be Flexible – Life happens.
For more board prep content – Plan on signing up for the Monthly Subscription that includes Lesson Plans and Resources to help keep you on track.
Click here to sign up today.
Remember – This is Your Year to Getting Registered!
Let’s Stay Curious and Grow What We Know
Alpha/Theta Candle Set – New on the Neurodiagnostic Niche Marketplace
I Love a Good Checklist
Need help organizing your board prep material?
Consider a visual checklist and enjoy marking off the areas you have got covered!
As always the best reference is the Content Outline of the Exam on Abret.org.
Let’s get started with Part 1:
Pre-Study Procedures (makes up 15% of the exam)
_____ACNS Guidelines: (access each via the link)
- _____ACNS Guideline 1
- _____ACNS Guideline 2
- _____ACNS Guideline 3
- _____ACNS Guideline 4
- _____ACNS Guideline 5
- _____ACNS Guideline 6
- _____ACNS Guideline 7
_____Cognitive limitations/developmental delay
_____Common medications
_____Common treatments
_____Related diagnostic procedures – Neuroimaging
- _____MRI
- _____CT scan
- _____SPECT
- _____fMRI)
_____Neuroanatomy/Neurophysiology
_____Neuropathology
- _____tumors
- _____encephalopathy
- _____vascular
- _____Seizures
- _____classification
- _____clinical manifestations
- _____syndromes, etc.
_____Head trauma, traumatic brain injury, skull defects and malformations
_____Psychiatric disorders
_____Skin integrity
_____Basic cardiac rhythms and rhythms associated with EEG changes
_____Basic principles of electricity and electronics
Access the links/Review/Repeat
You.Got.This!
The links above provide a great start! For more tips and suggestions – just enter your email address on the website for more resources delivered right to your inbox.
Resources:
- Johns Hopkins Medicine
- ABRET
- BrainFacts.org
- ASET
- Epilepsy Foundation
Let’s Stay Curious and Grow What We Know
Alpha/Theta Candle Set – New on the Neurodiagnostic Niche Marketplace
Let’s Do the Math
The board exam is expensive. Current cost is $700; especially if you unfortunately do not pass it the first time and have to repeat it.
However – what is more expensive? Actually much more expensive? Working as a non-registered technician instead of as a registered technologist.
Let’s do the math:
Just for a reference, let’s calculate a $3 raise – actual should be more!
3 x 40 x 52 = _________ ($3/hour…40 hours/week…52 weeks/year)
That’s $6,240/year.
Yes, the cost of the test is expensive – but not being registered is costing so much more.
Working non-registered for 5 years? That cost is $31,200 using the above example.
Let’s move on – how about board prep resources?
I don’t think there has ever been a time in history where there are more free or low cost resources available to utilize.
The list goes on and on….I’ll of course start with this blog : )
- The Neurodiagnostic Niche
- Integris Neuro’s blog (new post every Wednesday)
- ASET
- ASAP
- Natus Neuro Training Academy
- My Neuropathway Webinars
- LearningEEG.com
- EpilepsyDiagnosis.org
- American Epilepsy Society courses
- And there are so many more…
Even if you end up needing more support and choose a resource that has a higher price tag – go back up to review our calculations above.
It is worth the investment!
You’ll earn it back and so much more – You.Got.This.
Let’s Stay Curious and Grow What We Know
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Make the Leap conti…
Hopefully you have had the chance to review the first post in this two part series – if not just click here.
If the first four reasons weren’t enough to convince you it’s time to prepare and take your boards – keep reading below:
5. Commitment to Patient Care
By earning your EEG certification, you are also committing to providing the best care for your patients. The process of studying for the board exam and gaining certification ensures that you are up-to-date on the latest technologies, procedures, and best practices in the field.
6. Ongoing Professional Development
The journey doesn’t stop after you pass the board exam. Many certifications require ongoing education to maintain your status. This commitment to continuous learning keeps you at the forefront in the EEG field. It’s essential to stay informed, and certification is a great way to reinforce this habit.
7. Networking and Community
Becoming board-certified opens the door to new networking opportunities within the EEG and healthcare communities. The knowledge you gain while preparing for the exam, coupled with the connections you make, will allow you to grow both personally and professionally.
In Conclusion:
Make the Leap
Taking the EEG board exam is more than just a test — it’s an investment in your future. Certification is a mark that sets you apart, boosts your earning potential, and empowers you to offer even better care to your patients.
The process of preparing for and taking the exam may seem intimidating, but the benefits far outweigh the challenges. It’s an opportunity for you to prove to yourself just how far you’ve come.
If you haven’t already, now is the time to take the leap. Your future self will thank you!
Let’s Stay Curious and Grow What We Know
Alpha/Theta Candle Set – New on the Neurodiagnostic Niche Marketplace
Make the Leap
Hopefully you have been following along on the blog and saw the last post about EEG board exam pass rates.
We can talk all day about board prep (and it’s important!) but one of the contributing factors to the low pass rate is the low sample size.
There are not enough people taking the exam.
You already play a crucial role in diagnosing and managing neurological conditions. The work you do can be both challenging and rewarding. If you haven’t already taken the EEG board exam, now is the perfect time to consider it.
1. Enhanced Professional Credibility
Achieving board certification elevates your professional standing in the field. It demonstrates to your employers, patients, and peers that you are committed to the highest standards. Being board-certified adds weight to your resume, showing you have the expertise necessary to provide accurate and reliable testing.
2. Increased Career Opportunities
Being registered can open new doors. Many employers look for technologists who hold board certification because it proves that they have undergone rigorous training and assessment. Being board-certified will make you a more competitive candidate. It also enhances job security. Certified professionals are often preferred when hiring or promoting.
Currently registered technologists are required for patients that have Medicare coverage for reimbursement. Who knows if this is something that the commercial payers will soon require?
3. Personal Growth and Confidence
Taking the board exam and passing it is an accomplishment you can be proud of. It provides a sense of professional growth and achievement, affirming that you have mastered necessary skills and knowledge. Passing the exam boosts your confidence in your role.
4. Opportunities for Higher Pay
In many healthcare environments, board-certified EEG technologists are compensated at a higher rate. Certification is often associated with higher levels of skill and expertise, and many hospitals or clinics offer increased pay to certified staff. Your investment in the exam will not only pay for itself but will lead to long-term financial benefits.
Stay tuned for more reasons for why to test and in the interim scroll back through older posts for Tips and Suggestions on how best to prepare.
Let’s Stay Curious and Grow What We Know
Alpha/Theta Candle Set – New on the Neurodiagnostic Niche Marketplace
2024 Exam Statistics
Well…like everyone else – I was hoping the drop in the pass rate across all Pathways would be unique to 2023. Unfortunately it looks like it continued in 2024.
Some points to remember:
- The statistics only include first time test takers.
- Also, as you can see there are not a lot of people taking the test.
- It would be interesting to see if there was a higher success rate for those taking the exam at a testing center vs remotely at home as ABRET mentioned they noticed in 2023.
Regardless, if this is Your Year to Getting Registered there are many of us here for you and would love to help.
Free Resources – just to name a few:
- The Neurodiagnostic Niche blog
- Integris Neuro blog
- Natus Neuro Training Academy
- Neuropathways lectures
- ASET (after membership)
- EpilepsyDiagnosis.org
- and there are more…
Scour the pages of these sites – absorb it all in!
Review and Repeat it SO MANY times that you could TEACH the class yourself : )
Work in 15 minute increments. If you wait until you have an entire Saturday clear to study, it’ll never happen.
A little bit of time with consistency over an extended period will help.
For tips and suggestions delivered straight to your inbox, click here to subscribe to my blog.
You.Got.This.
Let’s Stay Curious and Grow What We Know
Alpha/Theta Candle Set – New on the Neurodiagnostic Niche Marketplace
Registered Technologist | Business Owner | Encourager of a community helping others find their way in the world of Neurodiagnostics.
Business website: www.TompkinsAssociates.com
Blog: NeurodiagnosticNiche.com Training Academy: North Texas Neurodiagnostic Academy
The Neurodiagnostic Niche 