Polysomnographic Technologist (Sleep Tech) - Adult Services

Duke Careers • Durham, NC

73d • Onsite

About The Position

Provide clinical assessment, physiological monitoring, and testing to assist with the diagnosis, management, and prevention of sleep-related disorders in adult patients. This role utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic tools to deliver high-quality care within the Duke Health System.

Requirements

• Level 1: High school diploma/GED plus 1 year of post-secondary education OR current enrollment in an accredited health-related program (PSG or Respiratory Therapy emphasis).
• Level 1: No experience required with an Associate’s Degree; otherwise, 6 months of direct patient care.
• Level 2: 18 months in polysomnography preferred. If no Associate's degree, must have 2 additional years of direct patient care.
• Level 3: 4 years of experience in Polysomnography Technology required.
• Must maintain current BLS certification.
• Level 1: Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) or Respiratory Care Practitioner (CRT or RRT) license required.
• Level 2 & 3: Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) or Respiratory Therapist with Sleep Disorders Specialist certification (CRT-SDS or RRT-SDS) required.
• Expertise in adult-specific sleep disorders (Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Insomnia, Narcolepsy, and Restless Leg Syndrome).
• Ability to communicate complex clinical information to adult and geriatric patients with professionalism and grace.
• Strong technical proficiency in sleep-specific software and diagnostic hardware.

Nice To Haves

• Level 2 & 3: Associate’s Degree in a health-related field preferred, OR completion of a polysomnography/respiratory therapy program (minimum 1-year duration) at an accredited facility.

Responsibilities

• Polysomnography & Scoring: Identifying clinical events (respiratory, cardiac, limb movements, arousals) according to AASM and laboratory guidelines.
• Reporting: Generating accurate reports by tabulating sleep/wake and clinical event data.
• Therapeutic Titration: Expert management of Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) devices, oximetry, capnography, and nocturnal oxygen.
• Assessment Tools: Utilizing actigraphy, screening devices, and adult-specific patient questionnaires.
• Preparation: Verify medical orders and protocols; explain procedures to adult patients and orient them to the sleep center environment.
• Calibration: Prepare and calibrate testing equipment to ensure proper functioning; identify and report abnormalities.
• Data Acquisition: Perform routine PAP mask fittings and apply electrodes/sensors per published standards. Assist with "lights out" and "lights on" procedures.
• Documentation: Record routine observations, sleep stages, and clinical events to facilitate physician interpretation.
• Patient Care: Provide age-specific care focused on adult and geriatric populations.
• Clinical Independence: Perform all Level 1 duties with increased autonomy and minimal supervision.
• Advanced Monitoring: Independently perform routine and CPAP/split polysomnography data acquisition; ensure signals are artifact-free and make real-time adjustments.
• Clinical Review: Independently review patient history, physical information, medications, and study protocols to tailor the night's evaluation.
• Baseline Documentation: Execute "lights out" procedures to document baseline values (body position, SpO2, heart rate, etc.).
• Complex Procedures: Perform complex PAP/split/BPAP/ASV data acquisition and fitting for patients with comorbid conditions.
• Specialized Protocols: Follow MSLT, MWT, and complex parasomnia study protocols.
• Operational Leadership: Oversee unusual procedures, troubleshoot equipment as a "super user," and perform maintenance.
• Administrative: Assign nightly workloads, process daily charges, and serve as Charge Tech for designated annual hours.

Benefits

• Relocation Assistance: Available for qualified external candidates.
• Commitment Bonus: This position includes a $7,500 commitment bonus for eligible new hires.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED