Job Description for a Sleep Technician

Sleep technicians assist physicians in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders.

Sleep technicians work under the direction of a sleep technologist to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. Conditions such as sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, nightmares and night terrors can be helped by a sleep medicine physician and the prescribed medical device or surgical intervention. Sleep technicians can advance to a career as a sleep technologist with more training and education.

Function

The sleep technician provides care and support to patients undergoing treatment for sleep disorders. Through sleep studies and tests administered by the sleep technician, doctors can diagnose the sleep disorder and the extent of the condition. Sleep technicians must be familiar with the tests and procedures used in polysomnographic technology.

Job Duties

A sleep technician gathers patient information, such as medical history and a description of the sleep disorder symptoms. During the information gathering phase, the technician determines the physical condition of the patient and any underlying medical condition that may affect treatment. A sleep technician can help patients feel comfortable during their time in the sleep clinic or center. Technicians calibrate the equipment used during sleep testing. A technician must prepare the equipment and ensure that it is ready to use on patients. The sleep technician administers the sleep test and observes the patient. Sleep events and disturbances are documented during the study. Sleep technicians assist technologists in scoring the sleep stages.

Skills

A sleep technician must have a good bedside manner to help patients during sleep studies and tests. Good written and verbal communication is a skills set that a sleep technician must have to be effective. Sleep technicians may be required to stand on their feet for long hours and work overnight when sleep tests are usually conducted.

Education

A sleep technician must have completed a one-year polysomnography program with an accredited school. A sleep trainee with at least six months of experience can also advance to a sleep technician. A sleep trainee must be enrolled in an accredited program that has a focus on polysomnography and demonstrates a proficiency in polysomnographic testing under the supervision of a technician.

Salary

The median salary for a sleep technician is $47,680 as of November 2009, according to Salary.com.

References

• American Academy of Sleep Medicine: Polysomnographic Technician (PDF)
• Salary.com: Average Polysomnographic Technician Salary
• American Association of Sleep Technologists: Job Descriptions