How To Become A Polysomnograph Technician: What It Is and Career Path

What is a polysomnograph technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

A polysomnographic technician, or a sleep technician, runs tests and analyses data on the brain waves and reactions in sleep patients to determine what is causing them to have trouble sleeping. While under the supervision of a polysomnographic technologist, their job is to explain the equipment and procedures to the patient and have the ability to answer any technical questions. They'll also be in charge of attaching and removing any equipment, as well as reviewing the results from the data.

Polysomnographic Technicians often need to work with the technologist to come to a treatment conclusion. They'll work with other technicians to review the data and compile a list of symptoms and options for the technologist to review, as well as develop a way to present the findings to the patient.

To become a polysomnographic technician, students need to have at least one year of polysomnography education at an accredited school. They will then need to pass a state-administered certification to be considered qualified to practice. From there, a polysomnography technician makes about $47,000 a year, on average. Their shifts can be up to ten hours and are generally overnight; however, there are daytime opportunities.

ScorePolysomnograph TechnicianUS Average

Salary

4.1

Avg. Salary $52,875

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

7.4

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.70%

Asian 8.72%

Black or African American 9.03%

Hispanic or Latino 17.76%

Unknown 5.14%

White 58.64%

Gender

female 59.53%

male 40.47%

Age - 43

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43

Key steps to become a polysomnograph technician

Explore polysomnograph technician education requirements

Most common polysomnograph technician degrees

Associate

35.5 %

Bachelor's

34.1 %

Certificate

10.8 %

Start to develop specific polysomnograph technician skills

Skills	Percentages
Patients	15.34%
Polysomnographic Technologist	9.83%
Patient Care	7.83%
RPSGT	5.57%
Sleep Studies	4.61%

Research polysomnograph technician duties and responsibilities

Perform CPAP desensitization clinics for patients before titration study.
Attend field relate seminars and conventions to keep the lab up to date with the latest AASM standards.
Use of electrophysiology methods such as EMG and evoke potentials to monitor the functional integrity of neural structures.
Apply sensors/electrodes according to AASM standards, perform physiologic calibrations to assure proper signals and make adjustments as necessary.

Prepare your polysomnograph technician resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your polysomnograph technician resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a polysomnograph technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable polysomnograph technician resume templates

Build a professional polysomnograph technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your polysomnograph technician resume.