Polysomnographic Technologist
(PSG Tech or Sleep Study Disorders Tech)

One of the newest and most exciting careers in health care is the study of sleep disorders –formally known as Polysomnography. The field of sleep medicine has seen dramatic changes during the past decade. Not long ago, few medical professionals were even aware of sleep disorders. Today, practically every medical center has some type of sleep program. There is a tremendous shortage of qualified people in this field. And with new sleep labs opening every year, that shortage will continue.

Polysomnography is the scientific evaluation of sleep and represents the premier standard in sleep diagnostics and treatment assessment. As with any technology, its true value depends on the skills and expertise of those who use it. A Polysomnographic Technologist (PSG Tech or Sleep Tech) works with a team to diagnose and treat patients with sleep disorders. Sleep labs are looking to hire trained and registered technologists.

CFI trains you with the skills and experience you need to take the national exam and successfully start your career as a registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT).

Polysomnography continues to reveal new information. Many clues to sleep related disorders, which were once over looked are now being used to better understand and define sleep patterns, sleep-related breathing pathologies, EEG arousals, and movement disorders. The range of sleep disorders is varied, but includes such common disorders as:

• Narcolepsy (sudden attacks of sleep or loss of muscle tone)
• Sleep apneas (airway gets closed off during sleep)
• Insomnias (inability to sleep)
• Parasomnias (abnormal behaviors or movements during sleep, such as sleep walking and nightmares)
• Seizures

The polysomnography is a study to determine if a person has a sleep disorder that is harmful to their health.  It requires an overnight stay in a sleep laboratory. While the patient sleeps, they are monitored with various equipment.

• Electroencephalography (EEG) - The electroencephalograph records brain wave activity from different parts of the brain and charts them on a graph. The EEG helps establish what stage of sleep the patient is in and may also detect seizures.
• Continuous Electro-Oculography (EOG) - This records eye movement and is used to determine when the patient is going through a stage of sleep called rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep. Both EEG and EOG help determine how much time it takes for a person to fall asleep, total sleep time, the time spent in each sleep stage, and the number of arousals from sleep.
• Thermistor or Thermocouple – This heat sensitive device measures the air flow through the patient's nose and mouth. This can help detect periods of when breathing is stopped (apnea) or inadequate breathing (hypnopea).
• Pulse Oximetry – This measures the amount of oxygen in the blood.  It is used to determine the degree of oxygen starvation during episodes of apnea or hypnopea.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) - The electrical activity of the patient's heart is also measured on an ECG. This helps to detect abnormal heart rhythms (cardiac arrythmias), which may occur during periods of sleep apnea. Blood pressure is also measured, as sometimes sleep apnea can dangerously elevate blood pressure.
• Electromyogram (EMG) - The movement of limbs may be monitored during sleep. This can be helpful in detecting such sleep disorders as periodic limb movements and restless leg syndrome.

At CFI, the Polysomnography Technologist program prepares graduates for careers in the growing field of sleep disorders.  It teaches students about sleep patterns and sleep disorders.  The curriculum includes cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology, normal and abnormal sleep, and diagnostic and therapeutic techniques performed by Polysomnographic Technologists.  Students gain experience performing sleep studies in a clinical setting.  Clinical and externship experiences are conducted at hospitals and sleep-disorders centers.
PSG Techs perform the following duties:

• Perform Sleep Study
• Educate patient before and after study.
• Patient preparation with electrodes and breathing equipment. 
• Operate, monitor and troubleshoot computerized sleep equipment while patient is sleeping.
• Monitor, collect, analyze data, and compile results for physician interpretation.
• Work closely with physicians and other sleep specialists participating in patient education and treatment plan coordination.
• Instruct patient regarding treatment plan

PSG Techs have excellent career opportunities working in the following facilities:

• Sleep Disorder Clinics
• Hospitals and Outpatient Care Centers
• Public and Private Educational Services
• Sales and Equipment Application
• Clinical Research Facilities

Polysomnography Graduates may obtain the following national and state credential by passing the corresponding certification examination:

(RPSGT) - Registered Polysomnographic Technologist through The Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT).