The demand for polysomnographic technologists (often called sleep techs) continues to grow as sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia and narcolepsy are increasingly recognized and diagnosed. As awareness grows around the critical link between sleep health and chronic disease, highly trained polysomnographic technologists play an essential role in improving patient health across all stages of life.

What Is a Polysomnographic Technologist?

A polysomnographic technologist is an allied health professional who specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. Working under physician supervision, these technologists conduct overnight sleep studies (polysomnograms) and daytime tests to monitor brain activity, breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rhythm and body movements during sleep.

Polysomnographic technologists care for a diverse patient population, from newborns to older adults. Their responsibilities include preparing patients for sleep studies, monitoring and troubleshooting equipment, and ensuring accurate data collection to support effective diagnosis and treatment plans.

How Do I Become a Polysomnographic Technologist?

There are several pathways to becoming a polysomnographic technologist.

A common route includes completing an American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)-approved sleep team education program (ASTEP) during orientation at your first job. You then will complete at least 960 clinical hours performing sleep studies under the supervision of a registered polysomnographic technologist or a registered respiratory therapist (RRT-SDS). After meeting these requirements, you can sit for the registered polysomnographic technologist certification exam.

Additional pathways include:

• Completing a polysomnography certificate or degree program through an accredited college
• Entering the field with an existing allied health degree from an accredited institution

If you hold a degree in respiratory therapy, you may qualify for on-the-job training and pursue the sleep disorders specialist (SDS) certification through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).

Where Can I Work at Norton Healthcare and Norton Children’s?

Our polysomnographic technologists work within our AASM-accredited sleep centers. We offer specialized care across multiple locations, including a dedicated pediatric sleep center at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital.

Our sleep centers provide both diagnostic and therapeutic studies. Technologists collaborate closely with experienced senior technologists and physicians to provide high-quality, patient-centered care.

What Is a Typical Day in This Role?

Polysomnographic technologists typically work overnight shifts, with schedules that include weekends and some holidays. During a typical shift, responsibilities may include:

• Preparing patients for overnight sleep studies
• Applying and calibrating monitoring equipment and sensors
• Observing, documenting and analyzing physiological data during sleep
• Identifying sleep disorders and initiating treatments under physician-approved protocols
• Initiating, monitoring and adjusting positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy and oxygen therapy
• Ensuring patient comfort and safety throughout the study
• Cleaning, maintaining and troubleshooting sleep lab equipment

We offer flexible scheduling options, including full-time, part-time and as-needed roles.

Are You Interested in This Career?

Job Shadowing Opportunities

Norton Healthcare offers job shadowing experiences, allowing you to observe polysomnographic technologists in a real clinical setting and explore whether this career path is right for you.

Job Opportunities

Current openings typically require appropriate credentials, such as the registered polysomnographic technologist (RPSGT) certification or other recognized sleep-related credentials, depending on the position.

Start your career by exploring current opportunities.