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I'm a recently graduated, yet to be employed, Respiratory Therapist (RRT). I did a sleep lab rotation, so I'll tell you what I know.
Polysomnography is a specialty field within respiratory care There are a couple of different ways to get into the field so I will tell you about the pathway that I am familar with. In order to be a sleep tech, you first must become a respiratory therapist, plus pass at least one board exam to be a Certified Respiratory Therapist, (CRT), and then pass two more board exams to be a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). The exam matrix is changing in 2015 to just 2 exams to become a basic RRT.
There is then a specialty board exam for sleep disorders. I believe that you must work in a sleep lab for a year to be eligible. Information about the exams can be found at: Home and about the profession at American Association for Respiratory Care
The sleep lab rotation is interesting. You monitor the patient and their vitals, and brain waves all throughout the night. At the end, you evaluate the number of apnea events in an hour to determine if the patient has sleep apnea. I did find it rather monotonous to watch these all night long. It's very quiet, and hard to stay awake. (Of course, I had class all on top of this too.)
After a patient has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, they return for another night of monitoring at the sleep lab. This time, they are given a selection of apparatus to ensure their airways remain open while they are asleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common, and often CPAP machines are used. The fit of the mask is the biggest challenge. If it doesn't fit properly, and the patient doesn't find it comfortable, they will not use it.
There are some jobs around for this. Most pay rather well. It's not a field that I'm pursuing as I tend to be very people oriented and feel my skills would be better utilized in a different setting of respiratory care.
Hmmm interesting. Thank you for the info and best wishes in finding a job! I wouldn't mind getting certified in it although it certainly would not be my main source of income.
In order to be a sleep tech, you first must become a respiratory therapist, plus pass at least one board exam to be a Certified Respiratory Therapist, (CRT), and then pass two more board exams to be a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
How long time does it take you to graduate and pass the exams and what are the costs?
Anyone in this career field or know anything about it? Please share your experience! Thank you.
I know the techs who monitor people (polysomnography) for sleep apnea can make around $15-$20 an hour, however, I do not know how much schooling/training they often have to get to that position. I knew an acquaintance who already had an LPN (nursing) degree and some years of nursing experience behind her in order to get into the field. If I recall correctly, she had worked the night shift, which was like 8 pm to 6 am. I feel personally working those types of hours is hard to do, but I would imagine most of them work at night instead of days given the nature of their job.
In order to be a sleep tech, you first must become a respiratory therapist, plus pass at least one board exam to be a Certified Respiratory Therapist, (CRT), and then pass two more board exams to be a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
Do you need some kind of nursing degree first? 2 year nursing degree? 4 year nursing degree?
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