Pros and Cons of a Career in Polysomnographic Assisting
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Polysomnographic assistants, better known as polysomnographic technicians or sleep technicians, monitor patients while they sleep as a way to help diagnose sleep disorders. This career comes with upsides and downsides, which is why it's important to examine the pros and cons of becoming a polysomnographic assistant before making a final choice.
| Pros of a Polysomnographic Technician Career |
|---|
| Relatively short education/training requirements (1-2 years of formal education)* |
| Polysomnographic professionals face positive job security prospects** |
| Opportunities for promotion, including managerial positions*** |
| Position allows for helping others on a daily basis* |
| Cons of a Polysomnographic Technician Career |
|---|
| Requires working irregular hours (most sleep studies are conducted overnight)**** |
| Meticulous attention to detail is essential (one sleep study can generate 1,000+ pages of data)**** |
| Possible exposure to pathogens or hazardous chemicals* |
| Certified technicians must obtain an advanced credential within 3 years***** |
Sources: *American Academy of Sleep Medicine, **Advance for Respiratory Care & Sleep Medicine, ***I Have A Plan Iowa, ****U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, *****Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists
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