A Day in the Life of a TMS Technician: Behind the Scenes at Gulf Coast NeuroSpa
At Gulf Coast NeuroSpa, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) isn’t just a treatment modality—it’s a commitment to restoring hope. Many patients wonder what goes on behind the scenes during their sessions. To give you a clearer picture, today we’re pulling back the curtain and walking you through a typical day for one of our TMS technicians.
Meet the Team: Who’s Behind the Treatment?
Our lead technician and TMS Coordinator, Tia, plays a pivotal role in ensuring each patient’s experience is smooth, safe, and effective. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and continues advancing her education in behavioral health. Gulf Coast NeuroSpa
Beyond her technical skills, Tia brings empathy and coordination to each treatment—acting as a bridge between patients, providers, and clinic operations.
The clinic also benefits from having leadership who understand the technical side of this therapy. For example, Stephanie (our CEO) is certified as a TMS technician, and she leverages that insight in shaping the patient experience. Gulf Coast NeuroSpa+1
Morning: Prepping the Clinic & Supporting Staff
7:30 – 8:00 AM — Opening and Equipment Check
- The technician arrives early to power on equipment, check coil integrity, and run system diagnostics.
- Rooms are sanitized, headrests and chairs inspected, and safety protocols confirmed (e.g. no loose metal in the room, emergency stops working).
- Any software or firmware updates are applied, and backup logs are archived.
8:00 – 8:30 AM — Team Huddle & Schedule Review
- The technician meets with providers and front-desk staff to review the day’s schedule.
- They highlight any special cases (e.g. adjusted dosing, patients with special needs) and confirm patient arrival windows.
- The technician ensures they have the printouts or digital records for each patient’s treatment plan.
Midday: Patient Sessions & Quality Assurance
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM — First Half of Sessions
- The technician welcomes patients, reviews any changes in patient condition (sleep, medications, side effects), and confirms consent/comfort.
- They position the TMS coil carefully over the treatment area, calibrate the intensity per individual protocols, and monitor for safety throughout the session.
- Once a session begins (typically ~19 minutes per Gulf Coast NeuroSpa’s protocol) Gulf Coast NeuroSpa+1, the technician observes the patient via camera or direct line of sight, ready to pause if needed.
- After each session, the technician debriefs: asks how the patient feels, logs any discomfort or side effects (scalp tingling, headache, etc.), and resets the room.
12:00 – 1:00 PM — Lunch / Break
- A short break to rest, recharge, and possibly discuss mid-day adjustments or troubleshooting with team members.
1:00 – 3:30 PM — Afternoon Sessions
- The protocol continues. Some slots may be reserved for walk-ins, check-ins, or time for adjustments if a patient is lagging behind schedule.
- The technician may coordinate with psychiatry or clinical staff if a patient reports side effects requiring attention or adjustments.
Late Afternoon: Wrap-Up, Maintenance & Planning
3:30 – 4:30 PM — Final Sessions & Clean-Up
- The last patients are seen, and post-session check-ins are done.
- The technician ensures that every room is cleaned, coils and chairs are reset, and consumables (disinfectant, wipes, gel, etc.) are restocked.
4:30 – 5:00 PM — Data Logging & Reporting
- The technician audits the day’s treatment logs: confirming that each session’s parameters, notes, and patient feedback are properly recorded.
- They generate summary reports for providers (how many sessions, average intensities, any side effects).
- Any anomalies or technical gltiches are documented and flagged for maintenance or vendor support.
5:00 PM — Closing the Day
- The technician secures all devices, locks treatment rooms, and ensures that emergency protocols are in place overnight.
- Before leaving, they may review tomorrow’s schedule and pre-load any patient data or custom parameter files.
What Makes Working as a TMS Technician Unique?
- Precision & safety: While the equipment is highly advanced, small adjustments can make a big difference in patient comfort and outcome.
- Patient interaction: Unlike purely technical roles, this position demands strong communication and empathy—patients often are coming from a place of vulnerability.
- Ongoing learning: New protocols, coil types, and research emerge regularly. Technicians must stay current with best practices in neuromodulation.
- Team collaboration: Technicians work closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, front-desk, and operations staff to deliver integrated care.
Final Thoughts: Why It Matters
For patients, understanding what happens behind the scenes can ease nerves and foster confidence in their care. For prospective technicians, it highlights that the role is not just about machine operation—it’s about healing, attention to detail, and human connection.
At Gulf Coast NeuroSpa, we’re proud that our TMS technicians are part scientists, part caregivers, and full-time partners in our mission to help patients reclaim mental wellness.