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EMG Technician - Career Profile |
Career OverviewElectromyograph technicians or EMG technicians measure electrical activity in peripheral nerves with an electromyography instrument. They also record the measurements and prepare a report of the data for physicians to review. The purpose of most electromyographs is the diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders.
The role of the EMG technician is to conduct the test, explain the procedure to the patient and obtain their cooperation. Good communication skills are essential to success in this field, as many patients have anxieties about undertaking these types of tests.
During the test procedure, the EMG technician rubs the electrode paste on to the patient’s skin to ensure that the electrodes will make the contact necessary to function. The technician then attaches surface recording electrodes to extremities in which activity is being measured. The electrodes are thus used to detect electrical impulses in that extremity. The technician attaches electrodes to electrode cables or leads connected to EMG instrument and selects nerve conduction mode on the EMG machine and operates the machine accordingly.
The EMG technician is trained to monitor the patient response to the test on an oscilloscope and to record time and distance between stimulus and response. Once the test is complete, the technician removes the electrodes from the patient and uses alcohol and cotton to remove the electrode paste. The technician may perform other follow-up care, such reviewing the procedure with the patient and confirming approximately how long it will be before their doctor is informed of the results and likely to be able to confirm a diagnosis.
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Career RequirementsPreferred qualifications include a high school diploma and completion of one year of college with emphasis on physical or biological sciences, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some positions prefer applicants to have associate degrees or even bachelor degrees in a health science.
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Job OutlookJob security and outlook for EMG Technicians are considered average. The best opportunities are available to the highly trained; those with the capacity to take on additional responsibilities and perform a range of functions as a technician, not necessarily limited to performing and facilitating the performance of EMG exams. The largest employers of EMG Technicians are hospitals and private clinics.
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Career TrackAdvancement is possible with experience and, in some cases, additional training. The most common and accessible promoted positions are those of supervisor or instructor within the field.
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CompensationSalary depends on education, geography, job setting, and experience. Current salaries range from $22,000 to $50,000.
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