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How to get into Polysomnograhy without being an RT
Hello. My name is Bob. I am a 42 year home builder working on a career change, to sleep tech. Wow! Confusing! I've been taking random online medical classes, just to get back into the swing of learning. I then planned on taking the 80hr. A-Step program in sleep medicine next month, to make me, what I thought, eligable for an entry level position at a sleep lab however, I've come to the realization that in order to become a poly tech, I'll have to become a resp. therpst. first. It seems no clinic will bring me in as a sleep tech trainee, even if I go and get the 80hr. A-STEP course done. They all seem to want RT's. I was hoping to get in with just the education of sleep technology, and without having to go back to a college for 2 years to become an RT. Does anyone have some advice???
Views: 225
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by D. W. Conn on
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What you are kidding right? RPSGT and rt are two different fields. Sleep is more Neuro that rt
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Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on
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Going through respiratory to get into sleep is like flying from LA to NY with a layover in Miami. After finishing the 80 hour course and your ASTEP modules you will be eligible to take the boards in 9 months. Indeed.com has over 200 poly job openings nation wide. Labs are slow right now, but we still do not have enough techs to fill future demands. You will get hired somewhere. It just may not be local.
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RPSGT and Neuro in caps. rt in lower case. Tell us how you really feel Conn. Why is neurolgy not actively pursuing sleep the way the AARC is?
D. W. Conn said:What you are kidding right? RPSGT and rt are two different fields. Sleep is more Neuro that rt
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Permalink Reply by Robert Bivona on
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I know it. From what I am hearing, the reason they are now pushing for RT's is based around being able to administer O2, and also with titration for the CPAP. No offence to RT's, but the overview of what the RT Associates degree course offers, doesnt seem to even be close to the overview of the sleep, or polysomnography studying I've been doing, nor does it have the same apeal to me, as I am interested in SLEEP DISORDERS. I think this is making it harder for people to enter the field of sleep disorders, without taking two years( and alot more $) of RT schooling, which most of which I wouldn't EVER use as a Sleep Tech.
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Thanks Rock! I'll check that site out!-Bob
Rock Hinkle said:Going through respiratory to get into sleep is like flying from LA to NY with a layover in Miami. After finishing the 80 hour course and your ASTEP modules you will be eligible to take the boards in 9 months. Indeed.com has over 200 poly job openings nation wide. Labs are slow right now, but we still do not have enough techs to fill future demands. You will get hired somewhere. It just may not be local.
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Check out binarysleep.com as well.
Robert Bivona said:Thanks Rock! I'll check that site out!-Bob
Rock Hinkle said:Going through respiratory to get into sleep is like flying from LA to NY with a layover in Miami. After finishing the 80 hour course and your ASTEP modules you will be eligible to take the boards in 9 months. Indeed.com has over 200 poly job openings nation wide. Labs are slow right now, but we still do not have enough techs to fill future demands. You will get hired somewhere. It just may not be local.
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Permalink Reply by Walt Service on
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I came into the sleep field from being a medic...rough getting over the "para-god" mindset, but I LOVE my job. Always a good thing (if you're interested in any field of medicine) to continue the medical educational courses that you're involved with...but don't hinder yourself by only looking to a RT slot to move into sleep... I've been in sleep now for over 13 years in the New England area and have met only 4 techs who came into sleep via RT. Keep your options open. Personally, if I was going to go back to school for two years I would focus on getting my RN and working that into the sleep field; MANY more doors would open for you.
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I hear the sleepwhisperer.net is a good place for info as well Robert.
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Thanks for you help, Rock. -Bob
Rock Hinkle said:I hear the sleepwhisperer.net is a good place for info as well Robert.
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Permalink Reply by Rock Conner RRT on
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Hi Bob:
Life is too short to go to RT school just to get into sleep. I was an RT for years & then discovered sleep, but I don't recommend that as a career path. Most of what you would learn in RT school doesn't transfer over into sleep. I hope you can find a way into a sleep lab & then go from there.
Rock C.
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Permalink Reply by Russell A. Crum on
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Hi I'm Russell and I'm looking to get into the sleep field and I was thinking of doing the 80 hour two week class. I would appreciate any tips or advice on getting into this field > I'm looking for classes and they all seem to be in the 2500- 3000 dollar range, Does anyone know of any cheaper ones? I'm in florida , Tallahassee actually Also can anyone reccommend a book to get started reading? I have no medical experience but I have always had an interest in this stuff. Thank you guys in advance for any input!
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The Essentials of Polysomnography and the Fundamentals of EEG are the two books that I would start with. The Promise of sleep by Dr. Dement is a great read for thew beginner as well. the 80 hour class is great. i would check with the local sleep labs and see what their hiring requirements are. You might find one willing to train you without the class.
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