© 2007 American Association of Sleep Technologists Sleep Technologists Health Care Professionals Dedicated to Improving the Quality of Life through Better Sleep

© 2007 American Association of Sleep Technologists What is your dream job? What is your dream job?

© 2007 American Association of Sleep Technologists Have you dreamed about being a Sleep Technologist!!!! Career opportunity Competitive salaries Growing profession Lifetime learning

© 2007 American Association of Sleep Technologists Rewarding Career What do Sleep Technologists do? Many of the patients that are seen suffer from severe sleep deprivation. Play a key role in preventing major health problems in both adults and children. You have the opportunity to change a person’s life in one nights stay at the sleep center.

© 2007 American Association of Sleep Technologists Enjoy A Rewarding Career Sleep Technology is the study of sleep, sleep disorders, and the treatment of sleep disorders. Sleep technology and medicine involve many medical disciplines, but primarily: Pulmonology, Neurology, and Psychology.

© 2007 American Association of Sleep Technologists Examples of Pulmonology-related Sleep Disorders  Sleep Apnea  Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome  Snoring

© 2007 American Association of Sleep Technologists Examples of Neurology-related Sleep Disorders  Narcolepsy  Restless Leg Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder  REM Behavior Disorder  Nocturnal Seizures

© 2007 American Association of Sleep Technologists Examples of Psychology-related Sleep Disorders  Insomnia  Nightmares  Night Terrors

© 2007 American Association of Sleep Technologists Why Sleep Technology? Sleep Technology is a growing field Advances in polysomnographic equipment and digital recordings The best way to enter the field is through sleep technology. There are many advancements and wide range of job opportunities.

© 2007 American Association of Sleep Technologists Polysomnography is Sleep Technology Polysomnography is a comprehensive recording of the bio-physiological changes that occur during sleep. Polysomnography is usually performed at night or during normal sleep times by a sleep technologist.

© 2007 American Association of Sleep Technologists Diagnostic Testing Sleep Technologists administer sleep testing procedures which include:  Diagnostic Polysomnographic Test  Multiple Sleep Latency Test  Maintenance of Wakefulness Test  CPAP/Bi-Level titrations

© 2007 American Association of Sleep Technologists Standard Polysomnogram 1

© 2007 American Association of Sleep Technologists Standard Polysomnogram 2

© 2007 American Association of Sleep Technologists Patient arrival at sleep center Patient education Patient set-up Clear signal readings Documentation of patient’s readings. “A Good Night’s Work”

© 2007 American Association of Sleep Technologists “Don’t be left in the dark. Get into the field of Sleep Technology!” AASM A-STEP Program CoAPSG Certificate Programs

© 2007 American Association of Sleep Technologists Need for Technologists  Qualified technologists will be needed to treat these patients.  The need for qualified technologists is higher than ever.  Sleep Technology has been predicted to have tremendous growth over the next 10 years.  Approximately 20 million adults in America have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). 5-28% have mild form of OSA.

© 2007 American Association of Sleep Technologists “Credentialing through the BRPT is essential” The registry exam given by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) is the ‘gold standard’ for professional sleep technologists. The credential of “RPSGT” is recognized throughout the world as the only technical credential in the field of sleep Technology. The credential is being required in some states in order to work in the field.

© 2007 American Association of Sleep Technologists “How do I maintain my certification?” Maintaining the RPSGT credential requires continuing education 50 Continuing Education Credits of sleep-related education is required every 5 years to maintain the credential Many organizations offer continuing educational courses, locally, nationally and internationally

© 2007 American Association of Sleep Technologists “What could I be doing if I go into this field?” Advancing Your Career in Sleep Technology!!!!

© 2007 American Association of Sleep Technologists Levels of Polysomnographic Technologist Polysomnographic Trainee Polysomnographic Technician Polysomnographic Technologist Specialty Technologist

© 2007 American Association of Sleep Technologists Other jobs Scorers Shift Supervisors Clinical Supervisors Sleep Manager/Directors Durable Medical Equipment Specialists

© 2007 American Association of Sleep Technologists Industry Representative Sales Many sleep companies hire RPSGTs in sales Installation Installation Who can better anticipate your needs then a fellow tech Development Development Great ideas for use of equipment come from the technologists

© 2007 American Association of Sleep Technologists Teaching Opportunities Many A-STEP programs need Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (RPSGT’s) Colleges are beginning sleep programs – why not share the knowledge? Sleep organizations need speakers/teachers

© 2007 American Association of Sleep Technologists Sleep Organizations For more information regarding sleep related organizations, please visit the AAST Web site at