Polysomnography Technologist I

$5,000 bonus available for qualified candidates. On-the-job training provided; no formal education required.

About the role

Under the direction of the Sleep Services Manager/Supervisor, the technologist is responsible for technical and patient care related to polysomnographic (PSG) testing. This includes setting up and calibrating monitoring equipment, applying electrodes, monitoring patient safety, performing physiological calibrations, and recording data. The position also involves clerical support for scheduling, charging, logging, and distributing testing data. May cross-train in other areas of Cardiology Services. Performs routine sleep lab modalities under the direct supervision of a registered polysomnographic technologist. Develops skills to perform basic sleep testing procedures and associated interventions.

Responsibilities

• Learn to select and calibrate appropriate equipment for testing, making adjustments as necessary.
• Develop skills in applying electrodes and sensors according to accepted published standards.
• Perform physiological calibrations to ensure proper signals and make required adjustments.
• Perform data acquisition while monitoring study-tracing quality to ensure artifact-free signals; identify, correct, and document artifact.
• Document routine observations, including sleep stages, clinical events, changes in procedure, and other significant events to facilitate scoring and interpretation of polysomnographic results.
• Implement appropriate interventions, including actions for patient safety and therapeutic interventions such as positive airway pressure and oxygen administration.
• Develop skills in scoring sleep/wake stages using professionally accepted guidelines.
• Acquire skills in scoring clinical events (respiratory events, cardiac events, limb movements, arousals, etc.) using American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) standards.
• Generate accurate reports by tabulating sleep/wake and clinical event data.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills to recognize and provide age-specific care for pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
• Learn and apply prescribed cleaning and disinfection procedures.
• Monitor patient safety and adherence to patient safety protocols.
• Learn and apply AASM scoring parameters; identify artifact, inadequate signals, and equipment failures to generate accurate reports.
• Comply with applicable laws, regulations, guidelines, and standards regarding safety and infection control.
• Perform routine equipment care, maintenance, and inventory evaluation.
• Maintain current CPR or BLS certification.
• Develop computer skills, written and verbal communication skills, social skills, customer service skills, critical thinking, and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrate teamwork, ability to follow direction, and respond to patient inquiries by providing appropriate education using sleep center protocols.
• Adhere to sleep center policies and procedures, HIPAA, and privacy policies.
• Participate in the quality assurance program.
• Inspect and maintain sleep study-related equipment and inventory.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within 1 month of hire or transfer.
• Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) certification required within 18 months of hire or transfer.
• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate degree or BRPT-approved healthcare credential preferred.
• Enrolled in or completed a STAR-designated A-STEP Self-Study education program approved by BRPT.
• Minimum of 960 hours of clinical experience, including on-site polysomnography duties (direct patient recording and scoring). Reduced hours may apply with a current allied health credential.
• Must complete A-STEP modules provided by MyMichigan Health within 6 months of hire.
• Must obtain RPSGT within 1 year of hire (testing fee reimbursed with a passing score). If not completed, status and pay change to Sleep Assistant, with an additional 3 months to complete. Failure to pass results in securing other employment.
• Required 1-year of service to MyMichigan upon training completion and obtaining RPSGT.
• Clinical experience within a 3-year period prior to the exam.
• Monthly ISR completions with an 85% or better in each category.
• Competency in Microsoft Windows required.
• Sleep Lab experience in collection and scoring (minimum of six months preferred).

Skills

• Interpersonal skills to communicate successfully with individuals and groups at all levels.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, work independently, maintain regular attendance, and stay awake during shifts.
• Dexterity for handling, reaching, grasping, and feeling, with repetition of movements on a regular basis.
• Ability to move freely about the facility, sit/stand/walk for long periods, and perform postural changes such as stooping, kneeling, or crouching.
• Overall vision and hearing, with or without assisted devices.
• Exposure to stressful situations, trauma, grief, and death; ability to work with bloodborne pathogens and infectious materials while following safety protocols.

Physical/Mental Requirements and Working Conditions

• Exposure to stressful situations, public contact, trauma, grief, and death.
• Able to wear personal protective equipment, including latex materials or substitutes.
• Physical demand level: Medium. Must occasionally (0-33% of the workday) lift or carry 21-50 lbs., frequently (34-66% of the workday) 20 lbs., and constantly (67-100% of the workday) 10 lbs.