Polysomnography technicians and technologists administer clinical diagnostic tests that measure neurological and physiological changes during sleep. Accredited two-year programs are available at universities, community colleges, and allied health schools. After gaining experience, technicians can take certification tests to improve their credentials. Ongoing training and experience can lead to the freedom to design and lead innovative independent studies.
Polysomnography is a clinical diagnostic test that measures neurological and physiological changes during sleep. Professionals who administer tests, make observations, and analyze results are called polysomnography technicians and technologists. To ensure that workers are fully prepared to undertake studies, most employers require detailed training and education in polysomnography. A person interested in pursuing polysomnography training can look for accredited two-year programs at universities, community colleges, and allied health schools. With a degree and several weeks of on-the-job training, a new professional can enjoy an interesting and rewarding career in the field.
Some private and hospital laboratories hire high school graduates without formal training in polysomnography. Most employers, however, require candidates to hold a closely related specialty. Degree programs in polysomnography, biomedical technology, and clinical laboratory technology can generally be completed in about two years. Shorter online programs are also available, but a prospective student should be careful to ensure that schools have the proper accreditation. Information about different classes and programs can be found by visiting the school’s website and speaking with academic advisors in person.
Once enrolled in a polysomnography training program, a person can expect to split their time between classroom instruction and hands-on lab work. In the classroom, students learn about human anatomy and physiology, biological processes, mathematics, and computer science. Laboratory training courses provide essential skills working directly with diagnostic test equipment. An individual is tested on their understanding of clinical laboratory work protocol, research design, ethics, and scientific article writing.
With a diploma, a graduate can start applying to hospitals, private research institutions and university research centers. A new technician usually serves as an assistant for several weeks or months, while still attending formal polysomnography classes. After gaining some experience, many technicians decide to take the certification tests offered by organizations such as the Association of Polysomnographic Technologists in the United States to improve their credentials. In addition, some countries have boards of directors that provide official licensing to experienced polysomnography specialists.
New technologies and research techniques are constantly emerging in sleep science. A technologist can expect to spend a lot of time reading recent studies and attending continuing education courses throughout their career. With ongoing training and experience, a technologist may eventually be given the freedom to design and lead innovative independent studies.
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