Foothill College to Become Home to Northern California's Only Neurodiagnostic Technology Program
August 25, 2026
Innovative associate degree program at Foothill College prepares students for high-demand careers performing advanced neurodiagnostic testing and supporting the care of patients with neurological disorders.
Beginning in Fall 2027, the 21-month Associate in Science degree program will prepare students for careers using advanced technology to help physicians diagnose and monitor disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and autonomic nervous system.
"Neurodiagnostic technology is one of healthcare's most rewarding and in-demand professions, yet too few people know it exists," said John-Paul Sumaquero, BS NDSS, R. EEG/EP T., CNIM, CLTM, Neurodiagnostic Technology Program Developer. "Our goal at Foothill College is to change that by creating an exceptional educational experience that prepares students to become highly skilled, compassionate professionals who will advance neurological care and improve patients' lives. We aren't just building a program—we're helping shape the future of the profession."
Neurodiagnostic technologists work alongside neurologists, epileptologists, neurosurgeons, and other healthcare professionals to perform specialized neurodiagnostic procedures that help detect and monitor conditions such as epilepsy, stroke, brain tumors, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, neuropathies, sleep disorders, and other neurological diseases. As the demand for neurological care continues to grow, so does the need for highly trained professionals who can perform these essential diagnostic procedures.
The new program also reflects Foothill College's longstanding commitment to connecting education with career opportunities. "Foothill has a long tradition of partnering with employers to build a local talent pipeline that meets their needs," said Teresa Ong, VP of Workforce Innovation and Economic Development. "This new program gives students the education they need to secure a job in a growing field, ensuring economic mobility for themselves and their families."
Foothill College President Kristina Whalen said the program closely aligns with the College's broader commitment to access and our vision as a place that catalyzes social, personal and economic change. "We are especially proud that we provide a highly affordable option for those seeking to enter an in-demand profession," Whalen said. "This partnership contributes to a healthier community while providing an immediate return on investment for a student earning the degree."
Students accepted into the highly selective program will gain hands-on experience performing a wide range of specialized neurodiagnostic procedures, including electroencephalography (EEG), long-term EEG monitoring (LTM) in epilepsy and critical care, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM), nerve conduction studies (NCS), and polysomnography (PSG).
“I’m excited to expand our educational and career opportunities in the workforce,” said Nancy Cheung, Dean of Health Sciences & Horticulture. “Our Sunnyvale Center is proud to support the program and address the growing need for qualified neurodiagnostic professionals.” She emphasized the positive impact the program will have on students, healthcare partners, and the communities they serve.
Foothill College also gratefully acknowledges the generous support of UCSF Health. Its $170,000 investment in start-up funding has been instrumental in helping launch the Neurodiagnostic Technology program, including supporting faculty funding as the program gets underway. The investment reflects the collaborative effort among Foothill College and its healthcare partners to expand access to neurodiagnostic education and help meet the growing need for trained professionals in Northern California.
Through more than 1,200 hours of supervised clinical education, students will train alongside experienced neurodiagnostic professionals at respected healthcare partners, including UCSF, Stanford Health Care, UC Davis Health, Kaiser Permanente, the San Francisco VA Health Care System, and Sutter Health.
Learn more by reading the press realeases from USCF and Newswise.
