17 EEG Technician Interview Questions and Answers

An EEG technician is a medical professional who uses special equipment to record electrical activity in the brain. This information is then used by doctors to diagnose and treat conditions like epilepsy, sleep disorders, head injuries, and stroke.

If you want to become an EEG technician, you will need to complete an accredited EEG training program. Once you have completed your training, you will need to pass a certification exam. Once you are certified, you will be able to find a job as an EEG technician.

Before you can start your new job, you will need to interview for the position. During the interview, the interviewer will ask you questions about your training, your experience, and your skills. They will also ask you questions about your ability to handle different situations that may come up while you are working.

In this guide, we will provide you with a list of the most common EEG technician interview questions and answers.

Are you certified in EEG technology?

EEG technicians must be certified in EEG technology to work in the field. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the necessary certification for the job. If you are not yet certified, let them know that you plan on getting your certification as soon as possible.

Example: “I am currently studying for my certification exam. I will take it at the end of this month and hope to receive my certification by the time I start working here. I understand how important it is to be certified in this field, so I’m making it a priority to get my certification before starting.”

What are the different types of EEGs and which ones do you commonly perform?

EEG technicians need to be familiar with the different types of EEGs and which ones they commonly perform. This question helps employers determine if you have experience performing a variety of EEGs, including those that are more complex. When answering this question, list the different types of EEGs and briefly describe what each one is used for.

Example: “There are three main types of EEGs—a routine EEG, an event-related potential (ERP) and an intracranial electroencephalogram (ICEE). A routine EEG is typically performed on patients who are experiencing symptoms like seizures or headaches. An ERP is usually done when there’s a suspected problem in brain function, such as after a concussion. The ICEE is only performed when there’s a concern about brain tumors.”

How would you describe the relationship between an EEG technician and a neurologist?

This question can help interviewers understand your knowledge of the medical field and how you interact with other professionals. Use examples from your experience to explain what an EEG technician’s role is in relation to a neurologist, including how you work together to provide care for patients.

Example: “An EEG technician’s job is to monitor brain activity during an exam and record data that a neurologist can use to diagnose a patient. I have worked with many neurologists throughout my career, and each one has different methods of interpreting results. However, we always communicate our findings so they know exactly what to expect when reviewing the data.”

What is the proper procedure for preparing a patient for an EEG?

The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your knowledge of proper procedure and ensure that you are able to work safely with patients. In your answer, provide a step-by-step process for preparing a patient for an EEG test.

Example: “I always start by explaining the entire testing process to the patient so they know what to expect. I then clean the area around their head where the electrodes will be placed. Next, I apply gel to each electrode and place them on the patient’s scalp. Finally, I connect the electrodes to the EEG machine.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult patient and how you handled the situation.

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your interpersonal skills and ability to work with a variety of patients. When answering, it can be helpful to mention how you used your communication or problem-solving skills to help the patient.

Example: “In my last role as an EEG technician, I worked with many different types of patients. One day, I had a particularly difficult patient who was upset about having to wait for their appointment. I tried to calm them down by explaining that we were running behind schedule due to some technical issues. They calmed down after hearing this information and waited patiently until they could see the doctor.”

If a patient has an EEG that is normal, but they continue to experience symptoms, what would you do?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would handle a situation that may arise in your work as an EEG technician. In your answer, try to demonstrate your critical thinking skills and ability to solve problems.

Example: “If a patient has an EEG that is normal but continues to experience symptoms, I would first ask them if they have any other medical conditions or take any medications. If not, I would then speak with my supervisor about what we should do next. We could decide to perform another EEG test or refer the patient to a different specialist.”

What would you do if you were performing an EEG on a child and they started to become upset?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you interact with patients and their families. It also helps them understand your ability to remain calm under pressure. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation in which you helped a child feel more comfortable during an EEG test.

Example: “When performing an EEG on children, I always try to make sure they’re as comfortable as possible. If they start to become upset or nervous, I will explain what is happening step by step so that they know exactly what’s going on. This usually calms them down and makes them feel more at ease. In my previous role, I once had a patient who was very nervous about having an EEG test. After explaining everything to him, he calmed down and we were able to complete the test.”

How well do you deal with stress?

EEG technicians often work in high-pressure environments. They must be able to manage stress and remain calm when working with patients who may be experiencing anxiety or pain. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific time you dealt with stress effectively.

Example: “I have worked as an EEG technician for five years now, and I’ve learned how to handle stress well. In my previous position, we had a patient who was very anxious about the procedure. He kept asking me questions and wanted reassurance that everything would be okay. I took a few minutes to explain the process to him and answer his questions. This helped him feel more comfortable and allowed us to complete the test.”

Do you enjoy working with children?

EEG technicians often work with children, so the interviewer wants to know if you have experience working with them. If you do, share a story about how you helped a child feel more comfortable during their EEG test. If you don’t have any experience working with children, explain that you are willing to learn and develop your skills in this area.

Example: “I love working with children because they always make me laugh. I had one patient who was very nervous about having an EEG test. He kept asking me what it would feel like when he got shocked. I told him that it wouldn’t hurt at all and that he would barely notice it. When we were finished, he asked me if I could be his mommy. It made my day.”

When performing an EEG, what is the proper procedure for attaching the electrodes to the patient’s scalp?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the proper procedure for attaching electrodes and how you ensure a safe environment for patients.

Example: “The first step in attaching electrodes is cleaning the patient’s scalp with alcohol wipes. Next, I use conductive gel to attach the electrodes to the patient’s head. The electrodes should be placed at least one inch apart from each other and attached firmly so they don’t move during the EEG test. After that, I connect the electrodes to the EEG machine and make sure all wires are secure. Finally, I turn on the EEG machine and begin recording data.”

We want to improve our turnaround time for EEG results. What strategies would you use to do so?

Turnaround time is an important factor for many facilities. The interviewer may ask this question to see how you would improve the facility’s turnaround times and ensure that your department meets its goals. In your answer, explain what strategies you would use to reduce wait times for results.

Example: “I would implement a system of checks and balances in my workflow to make sure I’m following all protocols when entering data into the computer. This will help me avoid mistakes and ensure accuracy. Another strategy I would use is to create a schedule with specific tasks for each day so everyone knows their responsibilities. This can help us stay on track and meet our deadlines.”

Describe your process for reviewing an EEG and analyzing the data.

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform this role. You can answer by describing a process for reviewing EEGs, including how you analyze data and make decisions about patient care.

Example: “I start my review of an EEG by looking at the overall results. I look for any abnormalities in brain waves or unusual spikes in electrical activity. Next, I check the patient’s sleep stages to see if they are normal or if there are any irregularities. Finally, I compare the current EEG with previous ones to see if there are any changes.”

What makes an EEG inconclusive?

EEG technicians must be able to recognize when an EEG is inconclusive and know how to handle the situation. This question allows you to show your knowledge of this process by explaining what makes an EEG inconclusive and how you would handle it.

Example: “An EEG can be inconclusive for a number of reasons, including if there are too many artifacts or if the patient has been sedated during the test. If I notice that an EEG is inconclusive, I will ask my supervisor whether they want me to repeat the test or if they want me to move on to another patient. In most cases, we’ll decide to repeat the test so that we have more data to work with.”

Which EEG patterns do not indicate a specific diagnosis and which do?

This question is a test of your knowledge about EEG patterns and how they relate to specific diagnoses. It also tests your ability to prioritize tasks in the workplace. In your answer, explain which patterns do not indicate a diagnosis and why you would prioritize them over others.

Example: “There are many different types of EEG patterns that can indicate a variety of conditions. However, there are some patterns that don’t necessarily mean anything. For example, an absence pattern is when there’s no activity on the screen for a period of time. This doesn’t always mean something is wrong, but it could be a sign of sleep deprivation or other issues. A normal pattern is when there’s regular brain wave activity with no abnormalities.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of being an EEG technician?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you understand what it takes to be successful in this role. Your answer should include a few key skills and traits that are important for EEG technicians, such as attention to detail, problem-solving skills and excellent communication skills.

Example: “The most important aspect of being an EEG technician is your ability to remain calm under pressure. EEG technicians work with patients who may be experiencing anxiety or discomfort during their tests. It’s important to have empathy and compassion for these patients while remaining focused on performing accurate tests.”

How often should an EEG machine be calibrated?

EEG technicians must calibrate their machines regularly to ensure accurate results. Interviewers may ask this question to see if you understand the importance of calibration and how often it should be done. In your answer, explain that EEG machines need to be calibrated every time they are moved or when a new patient is tested. You can also mention that some facilities require regular calibration while others only do so once per year.

Example: “I believe an EEG machine should be calibrated every time it’s moved or whenever a new patient is tested. This ensures that the equipment is always working properly and gives us accurate readings. Some facilities have policies where they calibrate their machines once per month, but I think it’s important to calibrate more frequently than that.”

There is a discrepancy between the EEG results and the patient’s diagnosis. What would you do?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work with a team. Your answer should include how you would approach the situation, who you would involve in the discussion and what steps you would take to resolve the issue.

Example: “If there was a discrepancy between my EEG results and the patient’s diagnosis, I would first discuss it with my supervisor or manager. If they were unable to provide me with answers, I would then speak with the physician about the results. I would also ask for clarification on the diagnosis so that I could ensure I am interpreting the EEG correctly.”