Polysomnography Technologist

Overview

Under the direction of the Sleep Services Manager/Supervisor, the technologist focuses on technical and patient care related to polysomnographic testing. Duties include setup and calibration of monitoring equipment, applying electrodes, monitoring patient safety, performing physiological calibration, recording data, and providing clerical support to ensure timely and accurate scheduling, charging, logging, copying, distribution and retention of testing data. May be cross-trained to other areas of Cardiology Services.

This position performs routine sleep lab modalities under the direct supervision of a registered polysomnographic technologist. Sleep Technologist I will develop skills, perform basic sleep testing procedures and related interventions.

• Learn to select appropriate equipment and calibrate for testing to determine proper functioning; make adjustments as needed.
• Develop skills in applying electrodes and sensors according to accepted standards; perform physiological calibrations to ensure proper signals and make required adjustments.
• Perform data acquisition while monitoring tracing quality to ensure artifact-free signals; identify, correct, and document artifacts; document routine observations, sleep stages, clinical events, procedure changes, and other significant events to facilitate scoring and interpretation.
• Implement appropriate interventions for patient safety and treatment (e.g., positive airway pressure, oxygen administration).
• Develop skills in scoring sleep/wake stages using AASM standards; score clinical events (respiratory, cardiac, limb movements, arousals, etc.); generate accurate reports; provide age-appropriate care across pediatric to geriatric populations.
• Learn and apply cleaning and disinfection procedures; monitor patient safety and adherence to safety protocols; adhere to AASM scoring parameters; identify artifact, inadequate signals, and equipment failures and generate accurate reports.
• Other duties related to sleep lab operations and responsibilities as assigned.

• Comply with applicable laws, regulations, guidelines, and standards regarding safety and infection control.
• Perform routine equipment care and maintenance and inventory evaluation; maintain current CPR or BLS certification.
• Develop or demonstrate computer, written and verbal communication skills; demonstrate appropriate social and customer service skills.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and ability to work with minimal supervision; follow HIPAA and privacy policies; respond to sleep patients’ inquiries with education using center protocols.
• Adhere to sleep center policies and procedures; participate in the quality assurance program.
• Inspect and maintain sleep study equipment and inventory; comply with professional standards of conduct; perform other duties as assigned.

• Credential: BLS:
  Basic Life Support — Equivalent
  
  Experience:
  
  Within 1 month of hire or transfer
• Credential: RPSGT:
  Registered Polysomnographic Technologist — Equivalent
  
  Experience:
  
  Must become registered within 24 months of hire/transfer for full-time; 36 months for part-time
• Qualification Source: AHA
• Essential: true

• Education: HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
• Equivalent
  
  Experience:
  
  Associate degree preferred; BRPT-approved healthcare credential for board eligibility preferred
• Education Specialization: Essential: true

• Enrolled in or completed a STAR-designated A-STEP Self-Study education program approved by BRPT.
• Minimum 1,638 hours of clinical experience including on-site polysomnography duties (recording and scoring).
• Must complete A-STEP modules within 6 months of hire; must obtain RPSGT within 12 months of hire (testing fee reimbursed upon passing). If not completed within 1 year, progression and status may be adjusted as described in policy.
• Clinical experience requirements and progression timelines are specified by My Michigan Health policies.
• Demonstrate interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills; competency with Microsoft Windows; and willingness to participate in continuing education; preferred Sleep Lab experience of at least six months.

• Exposure to stressful situations, possible trauma, and exposure to infectious materials; able to wear PPE including latex or substitutes if required.
• Mobility: able to move about the facility with or without assistive devices; normal vision and hearing, with or without aids.
• Work may involve sitting/standing for long periods with frequent postural changes; occasional lifting of 21-50 lbs; general movement requirements as described for the physical demands of the role.

Equivalent Experience and Other Comments (Education) and Other Information sections have been integrated where applicable above to maintain the job description content while removing extraneous formatting.