Sleep Technician Trainee
Location: Boone, North Carolina | Sleep Lab | Non-Exempt
Why You’ll Love Working Here
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.
Compensation: Based on education, experience, and internal equity
Status: Non-Exempt
Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; tuition reimbursement; wellness incentives; and additional employee support programs.
Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from new hire orientation.
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
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 [email protected].
Location: UNC Health Appalachian · Sleep Lab
Schedule: Full-time, Shifts Vary, To be discussed with leadership
