Modern hospitals and health-care clinics require the services of trained technologists to operate sophisticated electroneuro-diagnostic (END) testing equipment. Electrodiagnostics test the integrity of the peripheral and central nervous system.
BCIT's Electroneurophysiology Technology full-time Diploma of Technology program provides you with the background necessary to operate sophisticated electroneuro-diagnostic (END) testing equipment and other related biomedical equipment.
The Program
The program provides a combination of lab and lecture instruction at BCIT and clinical experience in the diagnostic neurophysiology departments of major hospitals.
The program draws from a variety of subject areas:
You learn the mathematics needed to perform your role.
Basic physics principles and their application to Electroneurophysiology Technology are explained.
Engineering provides the context for discussing electronics, electrical signals, electrical safety, et cetera.
Basic health sciences inform about human physiology and the biological signals to be measured.
Social sciences prepare you for interpersonal relationships within the clinical environment.
Extensive clinical experience helps you develop necessary practical skills in the work environment.
In both spring and fall terms, special courses in electroneurophysiology, neuroanatomy, and neuropathology train students in the basics of biological signal measurement and clinical apparatus. The spring term (20 weeks) covers different areas of clinical experience: electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), evoked potentials, and polysomnography.
Upon completion of the two-year program, graduates receive a Diploma of Technology in Electroneurophysiology. After a period of work experience in a clinical situation, graduates are eligible to write the Technologist Registration examinations of the appropriate certifying body in their chosen fields of interest.
In addition to original transcripts of the above, candidates are also asked to submit a letter of intent (cover letter) and resume to Admissions to complete the application process.
Individuals wishing to enter this field should be interested in the welfare of people and have an aptitude for physics, and electrical and mechanical apparatuses. The program also considers (on an individual basis) applicants who have special backgrounds and/or experience.
Most courses taken within the program require successful completion of certain prerequisites. A program prerequisite includes documented competence in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Based on the documentation submitted, BCIT invites the most suitable applicants to an interview. Application packages include a health form and student acknowledgement of program requirements.
Provisional Acceptance
If you have been provisionally accepted to BCIT you will be notified in writing and you will be required to submit the following documents in order to be fully accepted into the program:
Immunization Review [PDF, 691 KB]
Immunization is a mandatory requirement for this program.
Once these and any other outstanding provisions have been met, you will receive written notification of your full acceptance.
BC provincial exams
For programs beginning in August 2007 or later which require Grade 12 Math and Science courses, BCIT will not require the applicant to write the provincial exam. Provincial exam marks will still be required for English 12, Communications 12, and Technical and Professional Communications 12.
Allow four to six weeks for Admissions to process your application and supporting documents. You can check that BCIT has received your application at any time using the Secure Information System.
Application processing
Oct. 1 of the previous year until March 31. Applications are considered for a specific intake.
Out-of-province and international applicants should review BCIT's applicant priority information.
costs & supplies
Tuition fees
Please see the Fees, Payments and Refunds section of the website for more information on full-time tuition fees.
Books and supplies
Levels 1 & 2: $410; Levels 3 & 4: $100
(general estimated cost, and subject to change)
courses
Program matrix
Level 1 (15 weeks)
Credits
BHSC 1112
Anatomy, Physiology, and Neurosciences 1
Provides an essential foundation in human anatomy, physiology and neurosciences for the clinical practice of electroneurophysiology. Supports subsequent Basic Health Sciences courses (i.e. BHSC 2212, BHSC 3312) and a variety of components in electroneurophysiology curriculum and training. The structure of the body, both at a gross and microscopic level, provides a framework for the discussion of complex physiological processes. Includes cytology, histology, principles of homeostasis, body organization and terminology, the nervous system including historic and current approaches to imaging, analysis, and diagnosis, organization and the function of components of the central nervous system, organs of special sense, peripheral neuroanatomy and muscles used in nerve conduction and electromyography studies. Presents topics in an illustrated lecture format. Describes, where appropriate, derangements of normal structure and function.
Introduces the fundamental approach to diagnosing neurological diseases and illustrates the impact of neurological disease on the patient, practitioner, and society as a whole. This is achieved through a combination of lectures, guest speakers, seminars, case studies and video examples of neuropathology and the neurological exam, lab visits, directed readings, individual and group projects and presentations. The goal is to develop an appreciation for and a rudimentary skill in applying the systematic diagnostic approach of neurology. The contributions of various electroneurodiagnostic and monitoring techniques (imaging, laboratory and testing) will be considered. Group work and presentation skills will be emphasized as will close collaboration and articulation with other related courses.
As an Electroneurophysiology Technologist, you will be communicating on various technical and interpersonal levels with colleagues, other medical personnel, support staff, and clients/patients. This course introduces you to the research, business, and technical communication skills you will require to be successful in your career. You will apply these skills when writing memos, e-mails, technical instructions and reports. Your major research assignment this term will be on a topic in the field of electroneurophysiology; you will present your research as a formal written report, and as a poster presentation to your fellow students and several instructors. As industry requires high literacy levels, we will also focus on English grammar and editing skills.
Offers an introduction to the field of electroneurophysiology (EEG). Emphasizes a fundamental understanding of the electronics behind the recording and processing of an electrical signal. Covers basic principles and concepts related to the recording of brain waves. Provides an overview of recording techniques and related topics such as electrical safety, digitization, waveform recognition and localization issues. An interactive computer disk provides EEG samples.
Unit conversion, percentages, percentage change and relative change. The equation of a straight line. Systems of linear equations in two and three variables with applications to chemical mixtures and electric circuits. Exponential and logarithmic functions with applications to population growth, human physiology, radioactive decay, decibels, electric transients. Time constants and half-life. The use of semi- log and log-log graphing to fit experimental data to power-law and exponential models. Angular measure and right-angle trigonometry. Graphs of the sine and cosine functions. Introduction to AC circuits: voltage triangles, impedance triangles, RMS values. Analog to digital conversion. Prerequisite: Principles of Math 12 (C+) or Applications of Math 12 (B).
Introduces the hospital environment and the basic safety concepts of patient care. Includes observation and communication skills, body mechanics, fire safety and medical and surgical asepsis.
Provides a basic understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of immediate relevance to the current practices of electrophysiology. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship of nervous system anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology to the EEG. There is a systematic treatment of normal central nervous system anatomy and physiology, general neuropathology, seizures and epilepsy, and other CNS disorders. Written and graphic support materials are provided. Discussion of related material encountered in the clinic, lab, or other courses is encouraged and active participation in learning will be expected. Prerequisites: BHSC 1112 and BHSC 1151
In this course, you will build on the skills learned in COMM 1180. Assignments will be relevant to your career as a technologist and will include those for your career package: company profile, job advertisement, resume, application letter and job interviews, where you will assume the roles of interviewer and interviewee. You will also complete short reports, including a proposal and a research report; give oral presentations using PowerPoint and a poster; use effective interview techniques to gather patient/client medical information; and learn effective conflict resolution strategies. As industry requires high literacy levels, we will focus on English grammar and editing skills. Prerequisites: COMM 1180
A continuation of ENPY 1153. Introduces clinical EEG, including topics such as activation procedures commonly used in clinical settings, abnormal and normal EEG waveforms, and clinical conditions associated with EEG testing. Gives specific attention to recognizing and detecting EEG patterns associated with brain dysfunction. Computer software provides examples of abnormal waveforms. 16 credits. Prerequisites: BHSC 1151 and ENPY 1153
Computer Applications and Statistics for Electroneurophysiology
Descriptive statistics, basic probability concepts and probability distributions including the binomial, Poisson and normal distributions. Sampling and sampling distributions, point and interval estimates for mean and proportion (large and small samples). Hypothesis testing. Linear regression and correlation. Introduction to Microsoft Excel. Fourier Series and line spectrum. Prerequisite: Principles of Math 12 (C+)
This is a special level physics course with emphasis on various basic physics principles and their application to the ENPY Technology. Topics cover measurement theory with emphasis on graphical analysis and interpretation and computer applications; static electricity including electric fields, artifact generation, and safety considerations; physics of various transducers (Piezo electrical, thermistors, strain guages, and thermocouples), including the construction, theory of operation, and application to ENPY technology; and, electromagnetics, with emphasis on induction. Theoretical derivations are not stressed. Prerequisites: ENPY 1153 and MATH 1791
Explores basic considerations of behavioural science relevant to the electroneurophysiology technologist's concerns. Presents theory and research findings dealing with stress and illness behaviour. Explores professional and ethical considerations and ways of dealing with common hospital events. Emphasizes human relations skills in dealing with patients and staff.
Provides a basic understanding of anatomy, physiology, neurosciences, and pathophysiology of immediate relevance to the current practices of electroneurophysiology. Emphasizes EEG and EMG. Includes a systematic treatment of seizures, epilepsy, general neuropathology, and major disorders of movement and sensation. Prerequisites: BHSC 2212
Provides hands-on patient contact under direct supervision at local hospital EEG laboratories, in preparation for the fourth term practicum experience.
Provides basic training in neuromuscular disease processes, nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electrophysiology. Prerequisites: ENPY 2253 and BHSC 3312** (** must be taken concurrently)
Spends an appropriate amount of time in each of the following clinical areas: EEG, EMG, polysomnography (diagnosis of sleep disorders). Program is tailored to the specific student. Clinical work may take place out of town. Prerequisites: ENPY 3351 and ENPY 3352
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if
they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's
Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
program details
Program length
Two years, full-time beginning in September of every second year (even numbered years only).
Grading
All courses require a 60% mark to pass with the exception of the clinical practicum courses, ENPY 3351 and ENPY 4450 which are graded on a S/U basis. ENPY 3351 requires students to spend 1 day a week at a clinical site located in the Lower Mainland. During Level 4, students are placed full-time at a clinical site which may be located outside the Vancouver area.
graduating & jobs
Job Opportunities
Graduates principally find employment in diagnostic neurophysiology departments of hospitals or private clinics in the following fields: electroencephalography (electrical activity of the brain), electromyography (electrical activity of the neuro-muscular system), evoked potentials (electrical activity generated by stimulation of the sensory systems), and polysomnography (electrical activity of the body during sleep). In addition to performing a wide variety of tests on patients, the employer expects the graduate to evaluate the results to assess the performance of the test equipment and perform quality control procedures on equipment and basic calibration/maintenance functions.
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As BCIT strives to keep our programs current, programs and courses are subject to change without notice.