LTU’s IONM Program Gains ABRET Accreditation

SOUTHFIELD — Lawrence Technological University’s Intraoperative Neuromonitoring Graduate Certificate program has received the American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists Inc. (ABRET) accreditation.

Founded in 1964, ABRET is the nonprofit, credentialing board for Electroencephalographic (EEG) Technologists, Evoked Potential (EP) Technologists, Neurophysiologic Intraoperative Monitoring (CNIM) Technologists, Long Term Monitoring (CLTM) Technologists, Autonomic Testing Professionals (CAP) and the Certificate in Magnetoencephalography (CMEG). There are four available pathways to acquire a CNIM certification as a registered IONM technologist. With this accreditation, LTU has achieved CNIM Pathway IV for program graduates.

Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) is a technique focused on minimizing, reversing, or preventing neurological injury during surgery through the identification of changes in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerve functions. It reduces the risk of debilitating deficits such as muscle weakness, paralysis, and hearing loss.

Ensuring Success in a Growing Field

“This accreditation bolsters the LTU IONM program’s reputation amongst the professional community, putting it on par with several other well-established and reputable IONM programs around the country” said Jay Fanelli, the program director.

Students enrolled in LTU’s IONM program train with advanced neurophysiologic equipment in state-of-the-art simulation labs and complete clinical experiences with leading healthcare organizations. Students are exposed to a wide range of procedures, from routine spine surgery to intricate craniotomies, to prepare for the challenges of the growing field.

“Being part of LTU’s IONM program has truly been a life-changing experience. The instructors care deeply about our growth, and the program strikes a great balance between hands-on learning and real-world preparation. Seeing the program earn ABRET accreditation confirms what we already knew: this is a program that goes above and beyond to prepare us for success,” said Troy Herrick-Thomason, a current IONM student.

The three-semester, 35-credit-hour program includes 30 weeks of supervised clinical experience in operating rooms through LTU’s relationship with industry partners Comprehensive Care Services Inc. (CCS) of Plymouth. The first semester consists of classes at LTU, followed by two semesters of clinical rotations at CCS, and other in-house and contracted partnering IONM service providers.

“Choosing Lawrence Tech’s IONM program was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my career. I fell in love with the work, the fast-paced OR environment, and the way IONM allows you to make a real impact during surgery,” said Skyelar Herriman, another IONM student.

LTU’s program aims to provide students with all the qualifications necessary to sit for the certification examination administered by ABRET upon completion of the program.

LTU’s IONM program will also be seeking CAAHEP accreditation in the coming months, a specific accreditation for post-secondary institutions.

Lawrence Technological University is one of only 13 private, technological, comprehensive doctoral universities in the United States. Located in Southfield, Mich., LTU was founded in 1932 and offers more than 100 programs through its Colleges of Architecture and Design, Arts and Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Engineering, and Health Sciences. PayScale lists Lawrence Tech among the nation’s top 11 percent of universities for alumni salaries. Forbes and The Wall Street Journal rank LTU among the nation’s top 10 percent. U.S. News and World Report lists it in the top tier of the best colleges in the Midwest. Students benefit from small class sizes and a real-world, hands-on, “theory and practice” education with an emphasis on leadership. Activities on LTU’s 107-acre campus include more than 60 student organizations and NAIA varsity sports.