Sleep Technicians or Polysomnographic Technicians are key players in providing quality sleep medicine care. They are primarily responsible for conducting and administering a variety of sleep study procedures.
Through his work in the field, Jonathan Wilcox, lead sleep technologist at the UR Medicine Sleep Center, has experienced the positive impact a career in healthcare can make.
“I’m able to see a real difference in a patient’s quality of life,” said Wilcox. “Many times, there’s immediate feedback and response to some treatments. Patients can awaken in the morning after a successful treatment, feeling like they’ve had their first real good night of rest in years. Or patients with a severe condition often come back to the clinic for follow-up months or years later and express such a positive experience, whether it’s losing weight, having more energy during the day, or being able to maintain a healthier lifestyle.”
Sleep Technician is just one of 17 high-demand positions supported by the UR Career Pathways program, providing University employees with tuition advancement, paid release time, supports, and resources that will lead to career empowerment and advancement.
Requiring a two-year Associate Degree in Polysomnography Technology, the field is growing. With 110 sleep centers in New York state and only 12 graduates statewide last year, high demand is an understatement.
“We have recently partnered with Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) for an online degree program in polysomnography for UR Career Pathways participants,” said Jamila Smith, UR Career Pathways development manager. “Preliminary courses can be done online and clinical training will be at the University’s adult and pediatric sleep labs. We are hoping this will make education easier for our staff members who may be interested in a career in a growing healthcare field, right here at the University of Rochester.”
Many sleep technicians start working overnights three days each week. The schedule is great for night owls by nature who prefer to have the extra days off for work-life balance.
“I’d recommend this role to those who are looking for a job in healthcare but don’t necessarily want to become a nurse or doctor,” said Wilcox, who started out as an entry-level tech. “As the lab grew, I transitioned to a daytime tech to specialize in the sleep data scoring aspect, daytime sleep study procedures, and to help launch our Home Sleep Apnea Screening program back in 2012. I really enjoy the opportunity to provide excellent direct patient care to individuals and to have a positive impact on their quality of life, but this role also satisfies my ‘techie’ side.”
UR Career Pathways is now accepting applications for the next group of participants. To start the Polysomnography program at HVCC in the Fall, applications must be received by Monday, July 31. Learn more about Sleep Technicians or see the list of all high-demand positions on the UR Career Pathways program website. An information session will also be available via ZOOM on Thursday, July 27 at noon.