Polysomnographic Technician

POSITION SUMMARY

The Polysomnographic Technologist performs comprehensive polysomnographic testing and analysis, and associated interventions under the direct supervision of a Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) and/or the clinical director (MD, PhD, and DO).

The Polysomnographic Technician will collect, analyze and integrate patient information in order to identify and meet the patient-specific needs (physical/mental limitations, current emotional/physiological status regarding the testing procedure, pertinent medical/social history), and to determine final testing parameters/procedures in conjunction with the ordering physician or clinical director and laboratory protocols.

The technician will prepare and calibrate equipment required for testing to determine proper functioning and make adjustments if necessary. They will apply electrodes and sensors according to accepted published standards. The technician will perform appropriate physiologic calibrations to ensure proper signals and make adjustments if necessary and positive airway pressure (PAP) mask fitting. The technician implement appropriate interventions (including actions necessary for patient safety and therapeutic intervention such as continuous and bi-level positive airway pressure, oxygen administration, etc.)

The Polysomnographic Technician follow procedural protocols to ensure collection of appropriate data and follow "lights out" and "lights on" procedures. They will also complete polysomnographic record scoring and data acquisition while monitoring study-tracing quality.

The Sleep Technologist must demonstrate proficiency in scoring and staging sleep studies in accordance with the latest AASM (American Academy of Sleep Medicine) guidelines. This includes but not limited to accurate identification and documentation of sleep stages (N1, N2, N3, REM), arousals, respiratory events (apneas, hypopneas, RERAs), limb movements, and cardiac events. The technologist must consistently maintain a high level of scoring accuracy and consistency, contributing to reliable diagnostic outcomes and compliance with Interscorer Reliability Testing. The technologist must demonstrate proficiency with various sleep study software platforms and ensure timely and consistent scoring for physician review. Ongoing knowledge of guideline updates and commitment to continued education in sleep scoring is expected.

The technician will comply with BRPT standards of conduct.

QUALIFICATION:

EDUCATION:

Successful completion of an accredited educational program leading to an associate degree with an emphasis in polysomnography. OR

Successful completion of a polysomnography program of no less than one-year duration associated with a state licensed and/or a nationally accredited educational facility or equivalent experience and documented proficiency at all competencies required of a Polysomnographic Technician.

 

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION:

Must have current American Heart Association BLS certification and must maintain current status throughout employment.

 

License by Board of Polysomnography (NJ)

 

EXPERIENCE:

Preferred but not required. Proficiency in Clinical Applications preferred at time of hire; incumbents within position will be trained appropriately and then skill will be required for this position within 30-60 days from date of hire

 

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

Demonstrates the competencies as established on the Assessment and Evaluation Tool for this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. In the performance of this job, the employee may be exposed to chemical vapors such as acetone, ether, or glutaraldehyde. There may also be skin contact with these substances. The employee may also be exposed to infectious agents including blood-borne pathogens.

 

PHYSICAL DEMAND:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and talk or