Combining your interest in sleep technology with training in the field can lead to a career as a sleep technologist. The field of sleep technology is a subset of medicine that focuses on sleep disorders and research. If you want to pursue this field of study, you should have a desire to help others, an interest in research, and the ability to work with complicated equipment. To become a sleep technologist, you’ll also need other skills like good communication and a desire to keep learning throughout your career.
You must be trained in the field of sleep technology, also known as polysomnographic technology, in order to work as a sleep technologist. This necessitates completing a sleep technology program at a college or university. There are accredited training programs that can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to do a good job. Classes in sleep technology equipment, analysis, and research are typically offered over the course of two years. You can start applying for jobs after graduating from a program and becoming certified the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT).
There are openings in hospitals and sleep clinics all over the world. Getting good grades and letters of recommendation in your training program will aid you in your pursuit of a career as a sleep technologist. The application process varies position, so check with your potential employer to find out exactly what they require of you in order for you to work as a sleep technologist for them. Consult your school’s career advisers to learn about open positions in your area and elsewhere.
From night terrors to insomnia, sleep disorders encompass a wide range of issues that people face while sleeping. To enjoy the work, you must be interested in learning about these disorders as well as studying ways to effectively monitor and adjust them. Having a strong aptitude for math and science is advantageous, as many of the required classes heavily utilize these subjects. Some jobs require nighttime work to keep an eye on sleeping patients, while others do not.
Because the job requires working with physicians and other sleep disorder specialists, good communication skills are essential for becoming a sleep technologist. The ability to convey information correctly is critical to job success. Furthermore, you must enjoy assisting others, as the job entails assisting patients in getting set up to be monitored while they sleep and waking them up after the testing is completed.