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Sleep technician vs polysomnograph technician

The differences between sleep technicians and polysomnograph technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a polysomnograph technician has an average salary of $52,875, which is higher than the $50,458 average annual salary of a sleep technician.

The top three skills for a sleep technician include patients, patient care and RPSGT. The most important skills for a polysomnograph technician are patients, polysomnographic technologist, and patient care.

Sleep technician vs polysomnograph technician overview

Sleep TechnicianPolysomnograph Technician
Yearly salary$50,458$52,875
Hourly rate$24.26$25.42
Growth rate1%-
Number of jobs25,50258,237
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 40%Associate Degree, 36%
Average age4343
Years of experience--

What does a sleep technician do?

The sleep technician is someone who works with a physician to ensure the optimal sleep experience of people. The sleep technician's goal is to assist the physician in diagnosing the type of sleep problem of a patient. The sleep technician will help monitor the patient's vital signs, determine sleep patterns, and help execute all prescriptions and instructions of a physician. The sleep technician also works in various laboratory roles, especially in studies concerning people's sleep patterns and problems.

What does a polysomnograph technician do?

In the medical industry, a Polysomnograph Technician is a health professional who specializes in conducting tests and examinations to diagnose and treat different sleeping conditions, all while under the supervision of a physician or polysomnographic technologist. Their responsibilities include assisting patients by preparing them for the examinations, answering inquiries, and helping them understand the procedures, making them feel comfortable every step of the way. A Polysomnograph Technician reviews patient histories, monitors the patients' brain functions in their sleep, and records all observations and progress.

Sleep technician vs polysomnograph technician salary

Sleep technicians and polysomnograph technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Sleep TechnicianPolysomnograph Technician
Average salary$50,458$52,875
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $70,000Between $38,000 And $72,000
Highest paying City-Fremont, CA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-University of California, Berkeley
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between sleep technician and polysomnograph technician education

There are a few differences between a sleep technician and a polysomnograph technician in terms of educational background:

Sleep TechnicianPolysomnograph Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 40%Associate Degree, 36%
Most common majorMedical TechnicianMedical Technician
Most common collegeUniversity of ConnecticutUniversity of Connecticut

Sleep technician vs polysomnograph technician demographics

Here are the differences between sleep technicians' and polysomnograph technicians' demographics:

Sleep TechnicianPolysomnograph Technician
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 36.9% Female, 63.1%Male, 40.5% Female, 59.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 8.8% White, 57.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 9.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.8% Asian, 8.7% White, 58.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between sleep technician and polysomnograph technician duties and responsibilities

Sleep technician example responsibilities.

  • Administer CPAP and BiPAP devices and educate patients the effective way of using and trouble shooting operate clinical devices.
  • Perform mask fitting, CPAP and BiPap set ups and titration through modification of modes and settings base on patient response.
  • Identify and troubleshoot artifact (EEG, EMG, ECG, and respiratory channels as well as the environment).
  • Have experience with running research, in hospital patient's, pediatrics and set ups for MSLT's and MWT's.
  • general floors, PFT lab and perform ECG's.
  • Maintain current CPR, a certification.
  • Show more

Polysomnograph technician example 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.
  • Administer and coordinate video and epilepsy monitoring units.
  • Apply electrodes on pediatric and geriatric patients according to accept published standards.
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Sleep technician vs polysomnograph technician skills

Common sleep technician skills
  • Patients, 16%
  • Patient Care, 9%
  • RPSGT, 6%
  • CPR, 5%
  • Patient Safety, 3%
  • Sleep Disorders, 3%
Common polysomnograph technician skills
  • Patients, 15%
  • Polysomnographic Technologist, 10%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • RPSGT, 6%
  • Sleep Studies, 5%
  • Sleep Disorders, 3%

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