Polysomnography Technologist Job

A polysomnographer technician studies patients in their sleep to help doctors diagnose sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy, sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome. Polysomnographer jobs often require overnight shifts, since the most accurate results are achieved when patients are observed during their normal sleep hours.
 
Polysomnographers must be good at working with the public. They should also be good problem solvers and adept at analyzing data.

Job Description

Polysomnographers monitor a patient's sleep cycles to identify possible sleep disorders. These tests usually take place at night. The polysomnographer connects the patient to various diagnostic equipment that track heart rate and brain activity. The technician then observes the patient while he or she sleeps, checking for abnormal activity like labored breathing. After the test is over, the technician analyzes the data and reports findings to the patient's doctor.
 
Successful sleep techs are often fascinated with sleep. However, more time is actually spent analyzing data than actually observing patients. Polysomnographers need to be knowledgeable about science and math, and they must be comfortable working with complex electronic equipment.

Salary Guide

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average polysomnographer salary in the US is between $38,000 and $43,000 annually. With advanced training and experience, some jobs in polysomnography can offer upwards of $47,000 a year.

Education, Training and Work Experience

Although some sleep technicians are trained on the job, most polysomnographer jobs require at least an associate�s degree. If you already have an associate�s degree in a medical technology field, you can be trained on the job without pursuing further education. However, if you're just starting college, look for a polysomnography program. Coursework in a typical program includes:
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • CPR
  • Diagnosis and treatment
  • First aid
  • Medical terminology
  • Sleep disorders.
 
Most employers don�t require certification to become a registered polysomnographer. However, certification is available through the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists for those who wish to improve their chances of getting hired or advancing in their careers.

Career Advancement

With experience and additional training, polysomnographer technicians can advance to supervisory positions, where they manage other technicians and perform administrative tasks. The best advancement opportunities exist in large hospital sleep labs. Others move into other departments, like marketing, sales, research, education and community outreach. Additional education could lead to a job developing EEG or MRI technology. Some technicians parlay their positions into new careers in the medical field, such as nursing.

Related Associations and Groups

Many groups and associations exist for polysomnographers. They include:
  • American Associate of Sleep Technologists
  • Association of Polysomnographic Technicians
  • Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists.
 
Share |