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Becoming a sleep technician requires training or clinical experience and an exam. This can be achieved through a degree or certificate program, clinical experience, or direct clinical experience under supervision. Continuing education is also required to stay certified.
Requirements to become a sleep technician can depend on standards set by accrediting agencies, but generally include training or clinical experience and an exam. Sleep technicians and technologists participate in the evaluation of patients with suspected sleep disorders. They may set up sleep studies, monitor equipment, and work with a care team to diagnose a patient and determine the best interventions for the patient’s case. Working in this field requires an understanding of the anatomy, physiology and medicine of sleep.
One option is to obtain a degree or certificate in sleep medicine. Some colleges and technical schools have a degree program specifically for students interested in this field. In other cases, a student can earn a health degree and obtain a certificate to become a sleep technician. Certificates require completion of a set number of hours of training in different aspects of sleep medicine, including how to operate equipment and common sleep disorders.
Clinical experience is also typically required for people who attend school to become a sleep coach. They need to work in a qualified facility to develop skills and participate in sleep studies under the supervision of trained personnel. After students complete their studies and have enough clinical hours, they can apply to take an exam. The exam includes both written and practical demonstrations of skills to show that the candidate can work safely and effectively.
Another way to become a sleep technician, permitted by some regulatory authorities, is to acquire several years of direct clinical experience under supervision and apply for the test. In this case, applicants may need a high school diploma to apply to facilities that provide evaluation and treatment for sleep disorders. They work at these facilities to develop professional skills under supervision. After fulfilling the experience requirement, they can apply for permission to take the exam. This option can allow people to start working right away instead of having to go to school first.
Regardless of how someone chooses to become a sleep coach, continuing education requirements can be part of the process. This involves a set number of education hours per year to demonstrate that certified sleep technicians are keeping up with their field. They can participate in workshops and classes, conferences and other events that offer fulfillment of such requirements. Some employers may sponsor them to keep their staff certified, fully trained and aware of the latest developments in sleep technology. Employees can ask for information about what types of continuing education their employers can pay for or support.
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