Polysomnography Technologist

Melrose Wakefield Hospital; Medford (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider seeks a Sleep Technologist to assess and treat patients with sleep disorders. The role involves operating sophisticated medical equipment, conducting sleep studies, and providing comprehensive patient care. Candidates should have an associate's degree, relevant certifications, and experience in a sleep lab.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in a sleep lab required.
• Successful completion of a sleep technology program.
• Preferred: Three years of experience in a sleep lab.

Responsibilities

• Collects and analyzes patient information to meet specific needs.
• Operates medical equipment to record sleep/wake physiology.
• Provides patient education and instruction.

Skills

Understanding of anatomy

Knowledge of polysomnographic procedures

Attention to detail

Ability to react quickly in emergencies

Education

Associate's degree in a health-related field

Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT)

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Job description

Job Profile Summary

This role focuses on assessing the needs of patients with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities and delivering therapy services to improve their developmental, physical, or cognitive impairments. Additionally, it involves performing sleep therapy duties, including evaluating patients and treating sleep-related conditions. The role requires specialized knowledge or skills gained through vocational education, training, and experience, primarily applied to patient care and scientific/laboratory settings. It is an experienced-level position requiring basic knowledge of procedures and tools, working under moderate supervision, and capable of interpreting or deviating from standard procedures when necessary.

Job Overview

Under medical supervision, this position provides evaluations and treatments of sleep disorders, including in-center, overnight polysomnograms, and home sleep testing, along with diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, comprehensive patient care, and education. The individual operates sophisticated medical equipment independently to record sleep/wake physiology and documents and scores tests accurately in compliance with departmental and regulatory standards.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in a health-related field.
• Successful completion of a sleep technology program.
• Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT), Registered Sleep Technologist (RST), or Sleep Disorder Specialist (SDS).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Two (2) years of experience in a sleep lab.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three (3) years of experience in a sleep lab.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Collects, analyzes, and integrates patient information to identify and meet patient-specific needs.
2. Determines final testing parameters with physicians and protocols.
3. Reviews patient history and verifies medical orders.
4. Follows sleep center protocols for sleep studies.
5. Verifies patient identity, collects documents, and obtains consent.
6. Explains procedures and orients patients for testing.
7. Selects and calibrates equipment for testing.
8. Administers oxygen and CPAP, monitors equipment, and recognizes pathology.
9. Follows protocols for special procedures like MSLT, MWT, and parasomnia studies.
10. Performs special procedures and scores sleep data according to standards.
11. Provides patient education and instruction.
12. Cleans and maintains equipment and inventory.
13. Responds to patient inquiries and participates in regulatory surveys and CQI activities.
14. Assists in sleep center operations and cross-trains staff as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Occasional physical activities including lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Requires monitoring patients for extended periods.
• Manual dexterity for operating equipment and providing testing/treatment.
• Ability to see and hear adequately for patient assessment and documentation.

Skills & Abilities

• Understanding of anatomy, physiology, and sleep/wake pathology.
• Knowledge of polysomnographic procedures and equipment.
• Ability to apply professional judgment and recognize indications and contraindications for treatments.
• Availability for in-house and portable studies.
• Attention to detail, safety, and patient comfort.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies.