Polysomnographic Technology

Polysomnographic technologists perform diagnostic testing, individualized evaluations, and application of treatments that assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders in patients of all ages. Their knowledge base includes the understanding of the basic physiology of sleep, the acquisition and categorization of biological signals, and the recognition of the typical findings associated with common sleep disorders.

Polysomnographic technologists perform diagnostic testing, individualized evaluations, and application of treatments that assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders in patients of all ages. Their knowledge base includes the understanding of the basic physiology of sleep, the acquisition and categorization of biological signals, and the recognition of the typical findings associated with common sleep disorders.

The technologist gathers and analyzes patient information and physician orders to ensure that the appropriate test is performed. Technologists explain the sleep study procedures to the patient. Before a sleep study technologists prepare and calibrate equipment required for testing and make adjustments if necessary. They apply electrodes and sensors according to accepted published standards; perform appropriate calibrations to ensure proper signals and make adjustments if necessary; and perform positive airway pressure (PAP) mask fitting. PAP consists of a machine (air pump) that is connected to a mask worn over the patient’s nose by a hose; the machine gently pushes the air into the patient’s nose and down the airway to prevent it from collapsing during sleep, as in the case of sleep apnea. There are protocols for several types of tests including the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT, which measures daytime sleepiness), the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT, which measures the ability to stay awake), parasomnia studies (e.g., unusual behaviors during sleep), and oxygen and PAP titration (e.g., adjusting the air pressure of the PAP machine to find the right pressure that will keep the airway from collapsing). The polysomnographic technologist follows these protocols to ensure appropriate data collection. Technologists follow “lights out” procedures to obtain baseline values. They then perform data collection while keeping track of study quality and making any necessary adjustments. The technologist keeps a log of observations including sleep stages and clinical events, changes in procedure, and significant events. This helps in the interpretation of polysomnographic results. During the sleep study, the technologist must ensure patient safety, apply PAP at the correct pressure level when appropriate, and administer oxygen as directed. At the end of the study, the technologist follows “lights on” procedures to ensure that data have been collected correctly. Polysomnographic technologists must be comfortable working with newborn, child, teenage, adult, and geriatric patients. After the sleep study the technologist scores sleep/wake stages using professionally accepted guidelines; scores clinical events (such as respiratory events, cardiac events, limb movements, arousal, etc.) according to center-specific protocols and generates accurate reports by tabulating sleep/wake and clinical event data. All polysomnographic technologists must comply with laws, regulations, guidelines, and standards regarding safety and infection control issues. They perform routine and complex equipment care and maintenance and evaluate sleep study-related equipment and inventory. Current CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or BCLS (basic cardiac life support) certification is required.

The technologist gathers and analyzes patient information and physician orders to ensure that the appropriate test is performed. Technologists explain the sleep study procedures to the patient. Before a sleep study technologists prepare and calibrate equipment required for testing and make adjustments if necessary. They apply electrodes and sensors according to accepted published standards; perform appropriate calibrations to ensure proper signals and make adjustments if necessary; and perform positive airway pressure (PAP) mask fitting. PAP consists of a machine (air pump) that is connected to a mask worn over the patient’s nose by a hose; the machine gently pushes the air into the patient’s nose and down the airway to prevent it from collapsing during sleep, as in the case of sleep apnea. There are protocols for several types of tests including the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT, which measures daytime sleepiness), the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT, which measures the ability to stay awake), parasomnia studies (e.g., unusual behaviors during sleep), and oxygen and PAP titration (e.g., adjusting the air pressure of the PAP machine to find the right pressure that will keep the airway from collapsing). The polysomnographic technologist follows these protocols to ensure appropriate data collection. Technologists follow “lights out” procedures to obtain baseline values. They then perform data collection while keeping track of study quality and making any necessary adjustments. The technologist keeps a log of observations including sleep stages and clinical events, changes in procedure, and significant events. This helps in the interpretation of polysomnographic results. During the sleep study, the technologist must ensure patient safety, apply PAP at the correct pressure level when appropriate, and administer oxygen as directed. At the end of the study, the technologist follows “lights on” procedures to ensure that data have been collected correctly. Polysomnographic technologists must be comfortable working with newborn, child, teenage, adult, and geriatric patients. After the sleep study the technologist scores sleep/wake stages using professionally accepted guidelines; scores clinical events (such as respiratory events, cardiac events, limb movements, arousal, etc.) according to center-specific protocols and generates accurate reports by tabulating sleep/wake and clinical event data. All polysomnographic technologists must comply with laws, regulations, guidelines, and standards regarding safety and infection control issues. They perform routine and complex equipment care and maintenance and evaluate sleep study-related equipment and inventory. Current CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or BCLS (basic cardiac life support) certification is required.

Most polysomnographic technologists work in sleep disorders centers. Sleep disorders centers may be located within or affiliated with a hospital, or may be “freestanding.” Freestanding centers may be located in a physician’s office or professional building. Some senior technologists may spend all or part of their time scoring sleep recordings, performing daytime tests, and managing a center, but most of the polysomnographic technologists’ work is done at night. Typical shifts are three to four ten to twelve-hour shifts per week. The recommended workload is two patients per night. Salaries and benefits are competitive with other allied health professions.

Most polysomnographic technologists work in sleep disorders centers. Sleep disorders centers may be located within or affiliated with a hospital, or may be “freestanding.” Freestanding centers may be located in a physician’s office or professional building. Some senior technologists may spend all or part of their time scoring sleep recordings, performing daytime tests, and managing a center, but most of the polysomnographic technologists’ work is done at night. Typical shifts are three to four ten to twelve-hour shifts per week. The recommended workload is two patients per night. Salaries and benefits are competitive with other allied health professions.

The curriculum of an accredited program focuses on the correct performance of polysomnographic procedures and patient safety. Students learn the principles of physiological monitoring and the pathophysiology of sleep disorders. Through lectures and observation, they gain experience with study protocols. A two-year program leading to an associate’s degree is preferred. However, some programs provide a certificate after a year of training.

The curriculum of an accredited program focuses on the correct performance of polysomnographic procedures and patient safety. Students learn the principles of physiological monitoring and the pathophysiology of sleep disorders. Through lectures and observation, they gain experience with study protocols. A two-year program leading to an associate’s degree is preferred. However, some programs provide a certificate after a year of training.

BRPT 4201 Wilson Blvd 3rd Floor Arlington, VA 22203 P-(800) 935-8115 / F-(703) 940-7227 www.brpt.org

Before embarking on your allied health journey, delve into the essential requirements of your desired profession. Understanding the certification, registration, or licensure process will help you select the right education program and confidently pursue your career goals. The following organization(s) can assist you in becoming an allied health professional: American Association of Sleep Technologists (AAST) 330 N. Wabash Avenue, Suite 2000 Chicago, IL 60611 Phone: 312-321-5191 Website: www.aastweb.org

Before embarking on your allied health journey, delve into the essential requirements of your desired profession. Understanding the certification, registration, or licensure process will help you select the right education program and confidently pursue your career goals. The following organization(s) can assist you in becoming an allied health professional: American Association of Sleep Technologists (AAST) 330 N. Wabash Avenue, Suite 2000 Chicago, IL 60611 Phone: 312-321-5191 Website: www.aastweb.org

BRPT 4201 Wilson Blvd 3rd Floor Arlington, VA 22203 P-(800) 935-8115 / F-(703) 940-7227 www.brpt.org