Sr. Polysomnography Technologist

UCSF•San Francisco, CA

12h•$53 - $66

About The Position

The Registered Polysomnographic Technologist conducts and monitors sleep studies, prepares patients and equipment, trains Polysomnographic Technologists, troubleshoots artifacts, and scores tests. The role requires the ability to work independently and provide sleep technology services in accordance with established protocols, professional standards, provider orders, and scope of practice. The technologist prepares and supports home sleep testing, provides education and support for prescribed PAP therapy, assists with mask fitting, and scores and analyzes sleep study data for physician interpretation. The position also performs MSLT and MWT testing and supports testing and education for patients with complex sleep, respiratory, or ventilatory needs when appropriate to the technologist’s training and established protocols. The role contributes to quality improvement, patient safety, equipment readiness, supply management, technical workflows, staff training, and operational activities. The technologist maintains required credentials, competencies, continuing education, and BLS certification, and enters charges for clinical services performed.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least one year of recent experience in a sleep lab or providing polysomnographic or sleep technology services.
At least one year of recent experience with PAP mask fitting and patient education.
Strong computer skills and experience using clinical applications and sleep-related software.
Good communication and patient education skills.
Ability to work independently and follow established policies and procedures.
Ability to recognize and escalate clinical or technical concerns as appropriate.
Ability to work at different UCSF locations based on operational needs.
Ability to meet departmental competency requirements for assigned sleep procedures.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Current California license or authorization required to practice as a Sleep Technologist.
Must possess and maintain at least one of the following credentials: Registered Sleep Technologist (RST), Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT), Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT), Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT), Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

Nice To Haves

At least one year of recent experience working in an ambulatory or outpatient clinical setting.
Knowledge of healthcare insurance authorization processes, including basic understanding of coverage requirements and authorization workflows.
Experience working with electronic health records and clinical scheduling or sleep medicine applications.
Experience supporting patients with PAP therapy, home sleep testing, and sleep-related equipment in an ambulatory setting.

Responsibilities

Prepare, inspect, and configure home sleep apnea testing equipment according to departmental protocols; educate patients and caregivers on its application, use, care, and return; track equipment distribution and returns; review recorded data for technical adequacy; communicate inadequate studies; and clean, disinfect, maintain, and prepare reusable equipment.
Provide patient and caregiver education about prescribed PAP therapy under established protocols and provider direction; review equipment operation and application; reinforce provider-directed guidance on use, care, and adherence; document education; identify and communicate barriers or concerns; and refer questions about prescriptions or medical management to the treating provider.
Assist patients with PAP interface application, positioning, and adjustment; evaluate fit and identify common problems; educate on interface care; reinforce the prescribed plan; and communicate unresolved concerns without independently changing prescribed settings or treatment.
Review clinical information, history, orders, and technical documentation; score sleep stages and applicable physiologic events according to current standards; assess technical quality and artifacts; prepare preliminary technical reports and summaries for physician interpretation; maintain accurate records; and communicate significant technical findings or concerns.
Enter charges for clinical services performed according to departmental procedures.
Perform MSLT and MWT testing according to protocols and applicable standards; review orders and clinical information; prepare patients and equipment, apply sensors, verify signal quality, document testing, monitor signals, identify technical problems or significant events, and follow escalation procedures.
Provide sleep technology support and patient education for adults with complex sleep-related conditions, including patients using home ventilation, tracheostomy-related equipment, or other respiratory support when appropriate to training, protocols, and provider orders; collaborate with other clinical disciplines when needs exceed the technologist’s scope.
Participate in quality assurance and improvement activities related to sleep testing, scoring, PAP services, patient education, and clinical workflows.
Support patient safety initiatives and follow safety, infection prevention, and emergency response procedures.
Maintain sleep testing equipment and supplies, ensure equipment is ready for patient care, monitor inventory, and initiate ordering or replenishment according to procedures.
Troubleshoot sleep testing equipment, software, applications, and related technology; escalate unresolved issues and communicate equipment, workflow, testing, or patient safety concerns.
Support Sleep Center operational and quality meetings, including agenda development, team discussion items, and follow-up on assigned actions.
Support TNB activities and related workflow, documentation, coordination, and follow-up as assigned.
Support development and maintenance of technical workflows, procedures, documentation standards, and operational processes.
Participate in staff education, training, competency activities, and technical support within demonstrated areas of expertise.
Maintain required professional credentials, competencies, continuing education, and BLS certification.
Perform other duties as assigned.