Program Information

Mission of program

The mission of the program is to prepare students as qualified Neurodiagnostic Technologists for entry level employment, who will support the highest technical standards of practice, care, and continued professional growth.    

Catalog description of program

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 the electroencephalogram (EEG), which measures the electrical activity 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 include nerve conduction velocity, surgical monitoring, telemetry and ambulatory recording, and more.

Required program prerequisites

• Allied Health A010: Health Occupations ( on OCC Campus only)
• Allied Health A111: Medical Terminology
• Biology A221: Human Anatomy & Physiology
• Math and General Education Requirements (#3 and 4a-d in the College Catalog) for the Associate of Science degree, approximately 18 units

Associate of Science Degree

This is an Associate of Science degree program. All Associate of Science degree requirements for NDT must be completed in order to graduate from the program, even if degrees have been obtained from other institutions. Students should contact the OCC Counseling Office to have official transcripts evaluated to confirm all requirements have been met.

Upon completion of the program, the graduate is eligible to apply for the American Board of Registered Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologist (ABRET) examination.

Does the program transfer?

No. This is the only CAAHEP accredited program at a community college in the State of California.

Procedure for program admittance

All students must complete the course Allied Health A010 – Health Occupations in order to apply to the program.  Students are selected and admitted to the program on a first come, first serve basis following completion of all prerequisite courses.  Students must be admitted to the program in order to enroll in any NDT class.

Program start

The program starts in the fall semester of even numbered years. All classes must be taken in sequence as listed in the college catalog.

Employment possibilities upon program completion:.

Neurodiagnostic technologists are employed in hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, university medical centers, research centers and private mobile services.

Salary

Average annual salary in CA: $78,000.  Entry level salary in California: can range from $62,000 to $80,000 annually ($30-38/hr.) or higher depending upon position, employer and location. Higher salaries (>$80,000) are dependent on years of experience, location, and additional specialty credentials earned.

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

Allied Health A120: Human Diseases

Length of program

Two academic years (4 semesters,1 intersession, 1 summer)

Spaces available

24

Background checks

All students will be required to submit an application for pre-clinical background/drug screen check. The background check will include Fingerprints - LIVESCAN, County Criminal Records (past 7 years), Residency History Search, Social Security Alert, Nationwide Healthcare Fraud & Abuse Registry (OIG/GSA), Nationwide Sexual Offender Registry and a California DMV report. The drug screening will include THC, cocaine, opiates, PCP, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methaqualone, propoxyphene and methadone. If requested by the clinical site, the results of the background/drug checks must be provided to them by the student.

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 program/clinical, students are required to complete/obtain:

• A physical examination and required vaccinations/titers/TB Tests
• Criminal background/drug screen check clearance
• HIPAA training, Blood borne pathogen training provided through Al H 115
• Student liability insurance
• CPR/BLS certification must be through the American Heart Association

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

Very good.  According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the Allied Health Field is expected to grow 18% between 2018 and 2028. Currently, there is a national shortage of technologists as healthcare systems are expanding their Neurodiagnostic departments.

Statistics Required by CoA-NDT on Positive Placement Outcomes: 

Graduating classes only during even numbered years only.

Accreditation of program

The program is accredited by CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs).