Announcement
This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the evolving role of TMS technicians in the future of TMS therapy, highlighting their importance, qualifications, and career potential.
Introduction
TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) therapy is a non-invasive form of treatment that has received FDA approval for mental health conditions like depression and continues to be a useful therapy for other conditions, including anxiety disorders and OCD.
In addition to being highly effective by stimulating areas of the brain that may previously have been damaged or dormant, transcranial magnetic stimulation can be combined with any other form of treatment without contraindications and has very few, if any, side effects. Today, it is increasingly important for TMS technicians to deliver this revolutionary therapy.
Understanding the Role of a TMS Technician
What is a TMS technician? They are the people who run the office that provides transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment.
What does a TMS technician do?
What does a TMS technician do on a daily basis? Their duties can span from things like the front desk to patient care to providing the TMS treatment directly.
For example, when patients first come to a clinic, they typically correspond with a TMS technician at the reception area. This technician handles administrative tasks like:
- Scheduling appointments
- Working with patients or insurance to collect payment
- Managing medical records in full compliance with HIPAA laws
They also work with individuals during the procedure as well. Given the fact that transcranial magnetic stimulation does not require anesthesia, the TMS technician qualifications are slightly different compared to comparative therapies like electroconvulsive therapy.
During a typical session, a TMS technician will not only help check the patient in for their appointments but set them up in the reclining chair with the necessary equipment for their procedures.
TMS technicians then place the device where appropriate on the patient’s head and figure out where the coils should be positioned in order to provide optimal treatment. During the first session a TMS technician does something a little bit differently than other sessions which is to map the general layout of the brain and figure out precisely where different areas of the brain are on each patient. This provides more precise targeting with the rest of the stimulation for all other sessions.
What does a TMS technician do during brain mapping? During this session, a TMS technician handles the device and repeatedly turns it on and off based on clicking sounds or tapping and the subsequent results that come from those sounds or taps. A TMS technician will have to keep the patient still throughout this procedure and offer them Comfort throughout the rest of their procedures while they utilize the correct dose.
TMS Technician Qualifications and Requirements
In addition to mental health knowledge, basic clerical skills, and empathy, TMS technician certification requirements have to do with a background in:
- Healthcare
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Medicine
Certain facilities may also require certification which can be done over the span of several days in an online course with an in-person element or through an in-person course. you can find these offered by universities, TMS clinics, and other organizations.
In addition to the relevant training on the TMS machines and the appropriate certifications, a lot of the TMS technician qualifications and requirements are simply skills like mental health knowledge and interpersonal skills, things that you can build as you work in a facility.
How to Become a TMS Technician
So, how do you become a TMS technician?
Educational background
TMS technician requirements start with the educational background. A prerequisite for most positions is to have an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a field that relates to behavioral medicine. However, this is not necessarily a requirement.
Relevant training and certifications
TMS technician qualifications extend thereafter to becoming certified. certification courses can be conducted through seminars that provide the training necessary to operate the machinery and the type of therapy that is used. TMS machinery is one of the most important things that will need to be understood.
Beyond that, those who are interested in becoming a TMS technician will also learn about the history of the procedure as well as how effective it is in treating mental health disorders while receiving hands-on training and tests.
Figuring out how to become a TMS technician requires that you find universities or reputable organizations that offer certifications. While there are online options, most of the assessments and training still have to be done in person. Seminars are typically only a few days, after which you’ll be tested and, if you pass, receive your certification of completion.
Gaining practical experience
Of course, receiving your certification of completion and having the appropriate educational background won’t give you the practical experience that you gain on the job. Some providers will offer on the job certification as well as training so you can learn as you go and get a lot of practical experience.
The Role of TMS Technicians in TMS Therapy
As mentioned, there are several roles that a technician will fill.
Day-to-day responsibilities of a TMS technician
Firstly, the day-to-day responsibilities of a TMS technician have to do with managing patients, working the front desk, and managing the TMS procedure.
This requires the ability to be sensitive toward individual patients, to determine the severity of their symptoms by actively listening, and to pay attention to progress that is being made in order to adjust treatment parameters where required.
Secondly, on a daily basis there will be clerical and administrative tasks that have to do with scheduling appointments, taking payments, and filling out medical records so that the operation remains up to date and in compliance with government regulations.
The impact of TMS technicians on patient outcomes and satisfaction
Doing a job well as a TMS technician can have a significant impact on mental health for the many patients who are seeking relief from symptoms like depression, OCD, anxiety, and more.
There are several ways that you can achieve TMS technician certification and the more willing you are to learn on the job, immerse yourself in mental health knowledge, and practice empathy toward your patience, the better the outcome and satisfaction will be not just for yourself but for your patients.
The Evolving Role of TMS Technicians
Today, there are many technological advancements in TMS therapy, particularly the research that is being done on the use of TMS for several mental health conditions, as an adjunct therapy for things like substance abuse, and for specific issues that were a challenge to manage like neurological conditions and chronic health problems.
As research continues to advance the use of TMS therapy, the role of TMS technicians is evolving as well. There is significant potential for career growth and specialization within the field. While right now, technician responsibilities in some facilities might span everything from operating the machine to handling administrative tasks, in the future, there could be a chance for new treatment protocols to offer specialization for those who want to help with a single mental health disorder.
Conclusion
Overall, a TMS technician position is in high demand as the therapy continues to evolve and provides great relief for many symptoms of mental health disorders. It is important that those who are considering a career in this field pursue their certification and appropriate education to position themselves so that they can build on the evolution of the therapy itself and the wide array of conditions it will help to treat.