Somnography Technologist - Trainee

Sleep Technician Trainee

As a Sleep Technician Trainee at UNC Health Appalachian, you will build hands-on experience in sleep medicine while helping provide safe, compassionate, and high-quality diagnostic care to patients. Working alongside Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (RPSGTs) and other qualified sleep professionals, you'll gain practical experience preparing patients for sleep studies, monitoring physiologic data, operating specialized equipment, and supporting diagnostic and therapeutic sleep procedures.

This opportunity is designed for someone who has successfully completed an Accredited Sleep Technologist Education Program (ASTEP) and is ready to continue developing the clinical skills and competencies needed to advance in the field of polysomnography. Through supervised clinical experience, competency validation, and continued professional development, you'll work toward obtaining an applicable national sleep technology credential, including CPSGT and/or RPSGT.

Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone, North Carolina offers exceptional outdoor recreation, vibrant community living, and outstanding quality of life.

What You'll Do as a Sleep Technician Trainee

Patient Care & Sleep Study Preparation

• Provide safe, compassionate, and patient-centered care within the scope of the trainee role and validated competencies.
• Prepare patients for diagnostic and therapeutic sleep studies and explain procedures in a clear, professional manner.
• Establish rapport with patients and respond appropriately to their needs throughout the sleep study.
• Maintain patient privacy, confidentiality, dignity, and respect.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, physicians, nurses, sleep laboratory staff, and other members of the healthcare team.

Polysomnographic Procedures & Monitoring

• Perform polysomnographic procedures under the supervision of an RPSGT or other qualified sleep professional until required competencies are validated.
• Apply and maintain EEG, EOG, EMG, ECG, respiratory effort, airflow, pulse oximetry, limb movement, snore, and other required monitoring equipment.
• Perform equipment calibration, troubleshooting, and technical procedures needed to support accurate physiologic data acquisition.
• Monitor patients throughout sleep studies and recognize significant clinical events or abnormal physiologic findings.
• Assist with CPAP/BiPAP and other PAP titration procedures under appropriate supervision.
• Respond appropriately to patient emergencies, safety concerns, and changes in clinical status within the scope of training and competency.

Training & Professional Development

• Complete required supervised clinical experience, competency assessments, departmental evaluations, and post-ASTEP training requirements.
• Develop progressive competency in patient preparation, physiologic data acquisition, equipment application and calibration, troubleshooting, sleep staging, and respiratory event recognition.
• Recognize limitations in knowledge or competency and seek appropriate guidance or supervision when needed.
• Maintain documentation of completed competencies, supervised clinical experience, and required evaluations.
• Participate in continuing education, departmental training, quality improvement, and professional development.
• Progress toward eligibility for and attainment of an applicable national sleep technology credential, including CPSGT and/or RPSGT.

Documentation, Quality, & Compliance

• Accurately document patient care, observations, procedures, physiologic data, and study information.
• Follow applicable AASM standards, UNC Health Appalachian policies and procedures, HIPAA requirements, infection prevention practices, and patient safety standards.
• Support high-quality outcomes related to patient experience, clinical quality, diagnostic accuracy, and patient safety.
• Participate in quality and performance improvement activities that support the efficient operation of the Sleep Lab.

Qualifications

Minimum Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Successful completion of an Accredited Sleep Technologist Education Program (ASTEP) required

Experience

• Previous healthcare or direct patient care experience preferred
• Experience in sleep medicine, polysomnography, or a related clinical setting preferred

Licensure & Certifications

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association required upon hire
• Must meet departmental requirements for supervised clinical experience and post-ASTEP competency validation
• Must obtain the applicable CPSGT and/or RPSGT credential within one (1) year of hire

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Working knowledge of polysomnographic procedures, physiologic monitoring, and applicable AASM standards
• Ability to safely and accurately perform polysomnographic technical procedures under appropriate supervision
• Ability to recognize abnormal physiologic events and appropriately communicate or escalate concerns
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate clinical documentation
• Effective critical-thinking, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to establish professional relationships with patients and members of the healthcare team
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and comply with privacy requirements
• Ability to work independently within validated competencies while seeking assistance when appropriate
• Ability to work overnight, weekend, holiday, and rotating schedules as required by the Sleep Lab

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, position, push, pull, and/or transfer more than 30 pounds
• Manual dexterity and mobility
• Prolonged or extensive sitting, standing, and walking
• Bending, squatting, twisting, and turning
• Near visual acuity for detailed clinical and technical work

Work Environment

• May involve exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other clinical hazards
• Frequent exposure to electrical, mechanical, and powered equipment
• May involve exposure to chemicals, specimens, slippery or uneven surfaces, and other healthcare environmental conditions
• Requires extended periods of standing and walking during shifts
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, turning, and reaching
• Frequent repetitive hand, finger, and wrist movements and moderate dexterity
• May involve exposure to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation

About UNC Health Appalachian UNC Health Appalachian is a premier healthcare provider in the High Country, operating three hospitals and a variety of medical services. We are committed to improving the health and quality of life for residents of the region.

About UNC Health As part of the University of North Carolina system, UNC Health includes 14 hospitals and over 500 clinics, dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of North Carolinians.

Diversity and Inclusion UNC Health Appalachian is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Employment is contingent upon successful background checks and drug screening. For accommodations or additional information, contact View email address on click.appcast.io.