POLYSOMNOGRAPHIC/SLEEP TECH (RPSGT)

Covenant HealthCare•Saginaw, MI

About The Position

The Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) works under the general supervision of the Sleep Center Manager and Clinical Director (M.D., O.D., or PhD) to provide comprehensive evaluation, testing, and treatment support for patients with sleep disorders. The technologist conducts diagnostic and therapeutic polysomnographic procedures, monitors and documents patient sleep studies, ensures accurate data collection and analysis, and provides patient care, education, and support throughout the testing process. The role collaborates with the healthcare team to support diagnosis and treatment of sleep-related conditions while maintaining clinical standards, safety guidelines, and regulatory compliance. The technologist is expected to demonstrate customer service consistent with Covenant HealthCare’s Vision, Mission, and Values and its commitment to Extraordinary Care for Every Generation. The work includes preparing patients and equipment, acquiring and documenting study data, scoring records according to applicable guidelines, and supporting quality improvement and professional development activities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Successful completion of an accredited educational program leading to an associate degree with an emphasis in polysomnography, or completion of a polysomnography program of at least one year associated with a state-licensed or nationally accredited educational facility, or equivalent experience with documented proficiency in all competencies required of a Polysomnographic Technician.
Registered Polysomnographic Technologist certification from the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists is required; if lapsed, recertification is required within six months of hire.
BLS certification is required within six months as a new hire or internal transfer.
Knowledge in the specialty of the practice.
Ability to apply critical-thinking skills in a fast-paced, changing work environment focused on patient-centered care.
Computer literacy and ability to use an EMR system while providing patient care.
Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions for establishing a safe work environment.
Interpersonal skills to develop and maintain cooperative internal and external working relationships.
Ability to make decisions within the scope of training and practice.
Effective written and spoken communication skills and appropriate social skills.
Ability to analyze complex situations and apply policy.
Excellent telephone etiquette with physicians, coworkers, vendors, visitors, and patients.
Ability to maintain punctual attendance consistent with ADA, FMLA, and other applicable federal, state, and local standards.
Physical ability to meet the stated lifting and activity demands, including constant lifting up to 10 pounds, frequent lifting up to 25 pounds, and occasional lifting up to 100 pounds or more.

Responsibilities

Collect, analyze, and integrate patient information to identify patient-specific needs and determine testing parameters and procedures with the ordering physician or clinical director, consistent with laboratory protocols.
Complete and verify documentation.
Explain pre-testing, testing, and post-testing procedures to patients.
Prepare and calibrate testing equipment, make necessary adjustments, and apply electrodes and sensors according to accepted standards.
Perform physiologic calibrations and fit positive airway pressure (PAP) interface devices.
Evaluate sleep-study equipment and inventory.
Follow protocols for procedures including MSLT, MWT, parasomnia studies, PAP, and oxygen titration.
Follow lights-out procedures and establish and document baseline values.
Acquire polysomnographic data while monitoring tracing quality and correcting artifacts as needed.
Document sleep stages, clinical events, procedure changes, and significant observations to support scoring and interpretation.
Implement appropriate patient-safety interventions, pharmacological protocol orders for sleep initiation, and therapeutic interventions such as CPAP, BPAP, ASV, and oxygen administration.
Follow lights-on procedures, verify collected data, complete calibrations, and instruct patients on questionnaires, surveys, and discharge instructions.
Oversee and perform difficult or unusual procedures and therapeutic interventions.
Score sleep/wake stages using accepted AASM guidelines after successfully completing the scoring competency protocol.
Score clinical events according to center-specific protocols and generate accurate reports tabulating sleep/wake and clinical-event data.
Complete recertification and licensure requirements under current BRPT policy and applicable APT, State of Michigan, and AARC requirements.
Participate in professional development activities such as workshops, conferences, and institutional training programs.
Support leadership reporting and quality-improvement initiatives.
Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with practice policies and government regulations, including HIPAA.
Perform other duties as assigned.