Head Larry
Larry Head Institute, Electroneurodiagnostic Training Courses, Monroe, Michigan, USA.
Am J Electroneurodiagnostic Technol. 2004 Mar;44(1):3-23.
The roles and responsibilities of electroneurodiagnostic (END) technologists have changed significantly. The variety and complexity of procedures defined within the Scope of Practice for END Technology require that technologists be true professionals. External factors like state licensure, reimbursement issues, and the absorption of END procedures into the scope of practice of other allied health professions are a driving force toward mandated education and credentialing of END technologists. As a profession we must insist on formal education and proven competency through credentialing as entry-level requirements. Where does this leave non-degreed, non-credentialed technologists currently working in the field? How can these technologists continue to work and still fulfill these requirements? Or should they be required to do so? There are educational opportunities, resources, and a way to "fast track to boards" that will assist such technologists in educational endeavors and board preparation, equipping them to become true END professionals. The more qualified the END profession becomes through the continued educational pursuit of its members and the declaration of personal competency through the credentialing process, the greater impact it will have on the quality of patient care, employer attitudes, financial benefits, and legislative decisions that can directly affect it.
神经电诊断（END）技术人员的角色和职责发生了显著变化。END技术实践范围内所定义程序的多样性和复杂性要求技术人员成为真正的专业人士。诸如州执照颁发、报销问题以及将END程序纳入其他相关健康职业的实践范围等外部因素，是推动对END技术人员进行强制性教育和认证的一股力量。作为一个职业，我们必须坚持将正规教育和通过认证证明的能力作为入门要求。这让目前在该领域工作的无学位、无认证的技术人员何去何从？这些技术人员如何能继续工作并满足这些要求呢？或者是否应该要求他们这样做呢？有一些教育机会、资源以及一种“快速通过考试委员会”的方法，将帮助这些技术人员进行教育努力和备考，使他们有能力成为真正的END专业人员。通过其成员持续的教育追求以及通过认证过程声明个人能力，END职业越具备资质，它对患者护理质量、雇主态度、经济利益以及可能直接影响它的立法决策所产生的影响就越大。
