- Sleep technicians work in the field of polysomnography, which focuses on an individual's sleep. More than 80 types of sleep disorders exist, including narcolepsy and insomnia. Diagnosis begins with an overnight stay at a sleep clinic wherein a technician will attach sensors to a patient's body and monitor physiological signs throughout the night. The technicians makes note of various behaviors, such as snoring and records medical facts such as heart rate throughout the study.
- The American Academy of Sleep Medicine, in partnership with other professional groups, developed job overviews for the three major positions in the field--trainee, technician and technologist. A technician is responsible for gathering patient information, explaining procedures to patients, preparing and testing equipment, testing patients, recording observations throughout the test and performing initial analysis. A wide variety of protocols exist regarding "lights on," "lights out" and safety intervention to ensure patient safety and comfort. The technician follows all of these protocols as needed in order to collect usable data. The large majority of sleep technicians work at night, when patients' sleep patterns are closest to their norms.
- Some facilities will hire an individual with a high school diploma or equivalent as a trainee for six months to a year and, in essence, train that person to be a technician. Other facilities prefer to hire individuals who have completed some training on their own, either through online courses or by attaining an associate's degree of applied science in polysomnography or a related field. More training generally relates directly to more career opportunities.
- The Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) is a nonprofit certification board promoting high professional and ethical standards within the field of sleep technology. The BRPT offers a Certified Polysomnographic Technician certificate for those interested in entering the sleep technology field. The certificate is valid for three years. During that time, a technician can study for and take an advanced exam. Otherwise, the certificate expires at the end of month 36. Such certification is not a requirement to work in the field, however, it can significantly affect an individual's ability to get a job and may have direct bearing on the rate of pay.
- The BPRT also offers a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) examination as a credentialing program for polysomnography technologists. This program is accredited by the National Commission of Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Being credentialed as a technologist can provide additional career opportunities for an individual working in sleep technology.
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