Occ. Code 6214400

ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPH RESEARCH TECHNICIAN, GRADE 12

New York State Department of Civil Service

Classification Standard

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

Positions in this title operate electroencephalograph (EEG) machines to record patients brain waves and provide data for diagnosis of brain disorders. 

These positions are located at the Institute for Basic Research within the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).  Incumbents at OPWDD assist in the total care of consumers and perform various duties and functions in conjunction with the overall operation of a facility and/or location to which they are assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPH RESEARCH TECHNICIAN: full performance level; perform digital video EEG recordings for diagnostic evaluation and assist physicians in the performance of electromyogram (EMG) and other nerve conduction tests. 

RELATED CLASSES

Electroencephalograph Technicians prepare and posture patients to make electroencephalograms and observe and record all artifacts and clinical symptoms. They make minor repairs to the machine and be responsible for maintaining records of supplies; are called upon to assist with, or give practical demonstrations of, the operation of an electroencephalograph to students, trainees, or hospital or clinical personnel. Work is performed under the supervision of a psychiatrist, neurologist or other medical officer.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

Perform digital video/ EEG recordings.

• Read orders provided by the physician specifying the nature of EEG test to be administered.

• Position patient and attach EEG electrodes, ensuring proper placement.

• May record reactions to specific activities by directing patients to breathe rapidly or by introducing visual, auditory, or other stimuli.

• Detect and identify artifactual waves caused by such activities as the patient opening his/her eyes or turning of the patients head.

• Make adjustments to recording parameters.

• Remove electrodes from patient and clean the substances used in attaching the electrodes to patients.

• Mark graph tracings and document with patient name, physician, and date for identification.

• May demonstrate and provide training in the operation of the EEG machine to students, trainees, hospital or clinical personnel.

• Make and maintain back-up copies of recordings in accordance with confidentiality regulations.

Maintain EEG machine and equipment.

For analog equipment:

• Stock equipment with recording paper.

• Replenish ink supplies.

• Make minor adjustments and repairs, such as replacing tubes, condensers, and electrodes.

• Clean pens and electrodes as necessary.

• Report machine malfunctions. 

For digital equipment:

• Back-up files as per established procedures.

• Upgrade software when supplied by EEG company.

• Report any hardware or software malfunctions.

Set up and assist physicians in the performance of electromyogram/nerve conduction tests.

Perform evoked potential tests such as visual evoked potential (VEP), brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAER), and somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP).  

Maintain archives of tests and results.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Open Competitive:  completion of a course in the operation of EEG equipment or six months experience in the operation of EEG equipment and two years of experience in specialized EEG monitoring in a research setting. 

Date:  12/11

NOTE: Classification Standards illustrate the nature, extent and scope of duties and responsibilities of the classes they describe.  Standards cannot and do not include all of the work that might be appropriately performed by a class.  The minimum qualifications above are those which were required for appointment at the time the Classification Standard was written.  Please contact the Division of Staffing Services for current information on minimum qualification requirements for appointment or examination.