New program addresses need for workers in one health care profession

A new program in our area is preparing students for a health care career with good pay

In a simulation lab, students measure the head so they'll know exactly where to place electrodes. It's what neurodiagnostic technologists do. They monitor brain and nervous system activity. It could be a patient with epilepsy or someone with a sleep disorder. The need for those techs is great.

"Our field has a need of about 10,000 more techs in the next couple of years," said Anna Beck, a program manager with Children's Mercy Hospital.

She added, "We have children that come to Children's Mercy from three and four hours away just for an EEG because there are no techs in their area."

Children's Mercy recently partnered with Johnson County Community College to open the only training program in our area. It's a two-year associate degree, the only one in the country focusing on pediatric care.