Sleep Lab Technician Training
A sleep lab technician, also called a polysomnographic (PSG) technician, performs sleep testing and analysis. They work under the supervision of a sleep technologist or clinical director, such as a physician. Sleep technicians are trained to monitor patients during sleep studies, which are done to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. They may be trained through formal training programs or by obtaining experience as a polysomnographic trainee.
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Job Duties
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Sleep technicians gather and analyze patient information by reviewing the patient's medical history, including any medications, and by completing and verifying documentation. The technician explains procedures to patients and answers any questions patients may have. Sleep technicians are trained to prepare equipment needed for testing, and to place electrodes, sensors and masks on patients as needed. They observe patients during procedures and intervene if necessary for patient safety. They compile data and assist in report preparation.
Begin as a Trainee
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Many sleep lab technicians begin their career by working as a polysomnographic trainee. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), becoming a PSG trainee requires candidates to have a high school diploma and six months direct patient care experience, one year postsecondary education or be enrolled in a an accredited associate’s degree program in polysomnography. According to the AASM, a polysomnographic trainee with six months experience may be able to advance to a position as a polysomnographic technician.
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Formal Training
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Sleep technicians often complete formal training programs, which consist of completing at least one year of polysomnographic training with an accredited program. Associate’s degree programs are available in polysomnography and are accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Care Professions. Training programs include both classroom study and lab work. Students are taught basic cardiac life support along with information on positive airway pressure, oxygen therapy and sleep-related breathing disorders.
Procedures
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Sleep technicians are trained to help identify disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea and interrupted sleep. They measure brain waves and conduct routine evaluations, and they calibrate and adjust equipment. They are trained in a variety of procedures such as Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), Multiple Sleep Latency Test and parasomnia studies.
Considerations
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Sleep technicians may be required to spend considerable time standing, and they may also need to lift or move disabled patients. Candidates should have good vision, including both close and distance vision along with good color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Sleep technicians may pursue advanced training to become sleep technologists.
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References
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- Photo Credit sleeping image by Dwight Davis from Fotolia.com
