We have been aware of a nation-wide shortage of highly
skilled technologists for a very long time.
In my role, I get calls all the
time from employers who just can’t find the techs they need to fill open
positions and from people who would like to pursue a career in neurodiagnostics
but who do not have access to a Neurodiagnostic Program in their area. The on-line programs alleviate this problem
somewhat, but there are very large areas of the country, covering many states,
that do not have one single neurodiagnostic technology training program! The on-line schools also have some difficulty
recruiting out-of-state students who do not qualify for in-state student loans.
At this time ASET lists 30 schools in the USA, and 23 of
these schools are currently CAAHEP accredited.
2011 is the last year that CAAHEP has statistics available regarding graduates of these programs, and that year 180 NDT technologists graduated.
2011 is the last year that CAAHEP has statistics available regarding graduates of these programs, and that year 180 NDT technologists graduated.
The Washington Post currently has 778 Neurodiagnostic
Technologist positions listed in their on-line job search website. So, we are far from able to fill all job
openings with our new graduates.
So, what to do? How
can we build more new programs? The ASET
Formal Education Task Force has created a “Dean’s Packet”. This packet includes a cover letter addressed
to a Dean, and a seven page document that provides an overview of pertinent
statistics that a Dean would require to justify the opening of a new
program. The statistics include locations
of current schools, salary statistics, ABRET exam statistics and other key
facts that help to illustrate the state of our profession. If you are aware of a community college in
your area that might be willing to consider opening a new course of study, or
has a grant or mission to address needs of the local community, and you would
like to reach out to a Dean with this information, please contact me directly
and I will send you a copy of the packet items via e-mail.
We are hoping to build a database of contacts at colleges
that do not yet have a program in Neurodiagnostics, so any suggestions you have
will be greatly appreciated.
My e-mail address is: faye@aset.org
and I welcome your comments, queries and suggestions.
