Professional opportunities
The Neurophysiopathology Technician is a healthcare professional with the responsibilities established by Ministerial Decree no. 183 of March 15, 1995 (Ministry of Health), Law 251/2000, and subsequent amendments and additions.
They perform their work in the diagnosis of nervous system disorders, directly applying, upon medical prescription, specific diagnostic methods in the neurological and neurosurgical fields (electroencephalography, electroneuromyography, polygraphy, evoked potentials, ultrasound).
They apply methods for recording bioelectrical phenomena, with direct intervention on the patient and equipment for the purpose of implementing a diagnostic-instrumental work program or neurophysiological research program developed in close collaboration with the specialist.
They manage the collection and optimization of various diagnostic methods.
-Uses diagnostic and instrumental methods to assess electrocerebral activity for clinical and/or forensic purposes.
-Provides and monitors the instrumentation and equipment provided.
Skills: The graduate in Neurophysiopathology Techniques independently selects the methods and techniques to use for their work and is therefore responsible for their application, evaluation, and interpretation, on which, upon request, they may prepare a technical report.
Able to manage the complex operations underlying neurophysiological examinations, the specialist implements all the necessary steps to optimize bioelectrical signal monitoring procedures, paying particular attention to the context and quality of the instruments used. This includes:
- Managing the recording environment
- Implementing strategies to reduce environmental interference
- Maintaining the devices used for signal collection
- Evaluating solutions to improve bioelectrical signal detection
- Verifying the quality and efficiency of instruments by planning quality and safety checks (in collaboration with the I.C.)
- Planning the phases of the analog-digital signal acquisition process
- Setting and evaluating acquisition parameters, and possibly modifying them during the process
- Evaluating the quality and quantity of biological and bioelectrical phenomena
- Managing recordings via audio-video systems synchronized with the bioelectrical signal for diagnostic assessments
- Collecting information on the patient's disease status
- Implements the care protocol.
- Detects patient signs and symptoms upon registration.
- Supports the patient before, during, and after the service is provided.
- Performs stimulation-activation maneuvers, managing any complications.
- Collaborates in developing integrated care plans with other professionals as part of diagnostic-therapeutic pathways.
Career Opportunities: Neurophysiopathology Technicians can practice as employees or freelancers. The facilities where their specific skills are required are primarily: public hospitals, affiliated healthcare facilities, IRCSS (National Institutes of Health), private clinics, outpatient neurophysiological diagnostic services, epilepsy diagnosis and treatment centers, pre-surgical epilepsy study centers, sleep medicine centers, neuromuscular diagnosis clinics, and centers for rare degenerative CNS diseases.
Graduates in Neurophysiopathology Techniques may continue their studies by enrolling in a master's degree program after passing an admissions competition organized by the proposing universities. They may also enroll in first-level university master's programs and advanced training courses. After completing their master's degree, they may enroll in second-level master's programs and a PhD program.