Thanks for replying. I did not introduce myself and apologize for that. I am actually not sleepless (yet). I have been a Radiology Tech (RTR) for 15 years and a lithotripsy tech for 4. For last 3 years I have been struggling with no success to regain FT employment in pt care. No luck, primarily due to extreme job market saturation. As I began to look for other options, I came across a sleep tech. With my combined experience I feel I'll be of most use if I remain in health care, although present employment opportunities are so greatly limited. I thought about other "careers", but none look as good or as open-ended as pt. care.
So, what I would like to get from you, if possible, is some suggestions, links and maybe contacts that ultimately would help me find my way into sleep lab/s.
According to credentialing guidelines, as an RT(R), I only need 6 months of training.
Some people I spoke to so far suggested that I'd take an A-STEP. I can't see a clear benefit of it however, other than investing scarce $2500+ in "uncertain" stock. My research seems to be indicating that A-Step does not facilitate neither employment nor further training. Why then would I want to pursue it?
Best way appears to get directly involved with some sleep center as a "sleep tech trainee" or something like that.
Let me know how you feel about it.
Also, perhaps you are the only person who replied, perhaps you could introduce me to others. I have sent "friendship inquiry" to several people listed here. Only you have replied - my fault, because I have not introduced myself. Likely they think I am a salesman harassing people.

Thank you and best wishes, Chris

Hi Susan,
Yes, I know where Willoughby is. My sister lived there for a while. Hey, guess what......I also made lil covers for my headgear. I made mine out of a soft fleecey material. They are working nicely.....Really helps stop the lines on the face, and only spent a few bucks for the material and the velcro. I just ordered a new mask, its called the simplicity, should be here by next week. Cant wait to try it out! I also bought a 4" mattress topper, should be here by next week too!! Hey, anything to help sleep better, I'm all for!!

Hi Susan! Nice to meet you! Sheffield Lake is between Avon Lake and Elyria. It's a small community, close to Lake Erie. I'm right down the street from Lake Erie, walking distance. I can even hear the roar of the Lake sometimes when I'm sitting out back. I would love to move away from Ohio, I cant weather the winters anymore, my choice would be to live in Tennessee, that's my future destination. I'm so glad your feeling better!! Using the cpap is quite an adjustment, but the past two days, I think I have started to notice a difference!!!! It can only get better from here, right!!! Thanks for dropping by! Yes, the picture really says it all and hopefully soon I can change it to a bright smiling me!!

Susan, some of the questions to which I need to ask require personal information to which I don't want you to share with the other board members. You can email me directly at tundra4x4@verizon.net or send me a message thru the board.

Dan