Sleep Study Technician Training
People suffering from sleep disorders often need an overnight sleep study, also called polysomnography or PSG. This consists of a variety of devices using EEG and ECT technology attached to the patient’s head and body by a sleep study technician. The devices monitor the patient’s brain waves, eye movements, breathing pattern, heart rhythm and movements during sleep. The sleep study technician explains the procedure, sets up and operates the devices and watches the sleeping patient on a computer and video monitor.
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Identification
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A sleep study technician helps evaluate patients in either a sleep disorders center or a laboratory specializing in sleep-related breathing disorders. To ensure that patients are given a safe, accurate assessment and treatment, a sleep study technician uses the latest technology to perform sleep studies.
Education
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The American Academy of Sleep Medicine developed the A-Step program to promote standardized education and training for a sleep study technician. The A-Step introductory course provides 80 hours of instruction and training through an A-Step provider. Course subjects include sleep disorders, sleep studies and patient care and basic instruction about the sleep process.
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Training
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After finishing the A-Step introductory course, a sleep study technician completes a web-based program of 14 educational online modules. These modules are completed while a sleep study technician receives 18 months of supervised training in a sleep disorders center. Completing both parts of the A-Step program satisfies the education requirements for taking the certification exam, which is offered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists.
Continuing Education
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A sleep study technician can choose from a variety of educational opportunities provided through the American Association of Sleep Technologists to further her knowledge of sleep disorders and to receive continuing education credits. These include lectures, workshops, "webinars" and in-service conferences.
Advancement
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A sleep study technician who is interested in advancement opportunities can take additional training and certification to transition into a field such as EEG or MRI technology. These fields feature technologies and skills that are similar to the skills of a sleep study technician. However, a career change to a field such as nursing would require more education and licensing, according to Education-Portal.com.
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