Polysomnographic (Sleep) Technician

Overview

Program Tuition: $4,000.00

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Sleep studies are diagnostic tests performed by polysomnography specialists. The results of sleep studies (a polysomnogram) provide healthcare providers information to help in diagnosis of health issues or to rule out certain health issues. These tests are often recommended when the patient has symptoms of conditions that affect sleep. The tests are also performed to determine if a treatment has been successful. The test uses sensors that track the activity of multiple body systems, including the heart, brain, and respiratory system. Conditions in which sleep are commonly used include sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, insomnia, seizures, night terrors, nocturnal panic attacks, sleepwalking, sleep paralysis, and many others. A polysomnographic (sleep) technician is an entry-level position in the sleep field. They facilitate the sleep study, often explaining the procedures to the patients, documenting patient information, preparation the equipment and tools used in the study, monitoring the test, collect the data, and care for the patient being tested under the supervision of sleep doctors and higher level polysomnography specialists. They work in sleep study facilities, hospitals, laboratories, clinics, and public health centers.

At the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Use medical terminology in communicating with health care professionals.
• Communicate effectively in both verbal and written communication methods.
• Explain the ethical and legal requirements of the polysomnography field including medical ethics, patient confidentiality, and medical record security.
• Explain basic patient care procedures for patients in residential care.
• Explain basic emergency procedures for healthcare environments.
• Perform basic math calculations.
• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of computers in the healthcare industry.
• Explain how to perform a patient interview to obtain patient history, medication list, and other required information prior to a sleep test.
• Perform basic vital sign assessment.
• Describe sleep stages.
• Describe the respiratory events of sleep.
• Explain desaturations as it relates to sleep.
• Discuss the movements commonly seen in sleep.
• Describe the cardiac events that can occur in sleep.
• Describe arousal and arousal disorders.
• Explain the use of equipment and supplies used in sleep studies.
• Explain how to prepare the patient for the sleep study.
• Explain how to test, verify impedance, and calibrate sleep study equipment.
• Explain common sleep study procedures and protocols.
• Identify, respond to, and document findings related to the sleep study.
• Perform calculations using common formulas required for sleep studies.
• Explain how to document observations in the technician summary of a sleep study.
• Describe common therapeutic treatments and interventions related to sleep.