Intraoperative Neuromonitoring: Protecting Your Nerves During Surgery – JobGuppy
In this episode, Chris speaks with Ronier Albarca, an intraoperative neuromonitoring specialist, who monitors neurological functions during surgery (the intraoperative part). His job is to keep the surgeon informed on what is happening to the nervous system around the area where the surgeon is operating – usually during neck or back surgery. Ronier shares what a typical day in the life can look like, how to prepare before a scheduled surgery, and the importance of communication in this field of work.
Education level required:
- A Bachelor’s degree is required at a minimum.
- A degree related to Science is best, but it is possible to transition to this role with other degrees.
- IONM certification
Specific college programs referenced in the conversation:
- University of Connecticut (UCONN) – Intraoperative Neuromonitoring and Surgical Neurophysiology
- University of Michigan – Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) Progam
- University of Pittsburgh – Intraoperative Neuromonitoring Course
- Neurodiagnostic schools listed on the ASET.org website
Income and Salary:
Acronyms to help research this job role:
- ASET.org – ASET Neurodiagnostic Society
- ABRET.org – ABRET Neurodiagnostic Credentialing and Accreditation
- CNIM – Certification in Neurophysiologic Intraoperative Monitoring
- IONM – Intraoperative Neuromonitoring
- SSEP – Somatosensory Evoked Potential (example link)
- MEP – Motor Evoked Potential (example link)
- ABR – Auditory Brainstem Response (example link)
Job Search terms and ideas: