Sleep Tech Apprenticeship

About North Country Healthcare (NCH):

North Country Healthcare is a non-profit affiliation of four medical facilities, Androscoggin Valley Hospital, North Country Home Health & Hospice Agency, Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital, and Weeks Medical Center, located in the White Mountains Region of New Hampshire. NCH includes numerous physicians and medical providers at multiple locations. This leading comprehensive healthcare network which employs hundreds of highly-trained individuals delivers integrated patient care through three community hospitals, specialty clinics, and home health and hospice services. NCH remains committed to the health and well-being of the communities we serve. As a leader in a management position this role emphasizes advancing High-Reliability Organization (HRO) principles, embedding a culture of safety, accountability, and consistent high performance.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Sleep Tech Apprentice will work as a Medical Assistant at North Country Healthcare, providing support under the supervision of the Director of Imaging and Cardiopulmonary Services. This role involves learning and assisting in the study and monitoring of nocturnal physiology, in line with hospital, departmental, and industry standards. This apprenticeship provides comprehensive training and experience for developing skills necessary to become a proficient Sleep Tech.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

• Associates degree in a Life Science-related field preferred.

Certification:

• N/A

Licensure:

• Current and valid Nursing Assistant License.

• Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) license may be pursued during apprenticeship.

• Association* accredited course in Basic Life Support (BLS) (for clinical staff), or Heartsaver CPR AED (for nonclinical staff), and renewal on a regular basis, with up to a three-month grace period after the expiration date.

Skills:

• Basic understanding of physiology and pathology.
• Strong judgment and interpretation skills for testing.
• Proficient in typing, office tasks, and computer applications.
• Ability to work independently or collaboratively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and technical aptitude.

Work Experience:

• Background or experience in Nursing, Respiratory Care, Cardiology, or EEG preferred.
• On-the-job training under experienced technicians.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Demonstrate courteous and cooperative behavior towards all patients and staff.
2. Collaborate openly, promote performance improvements, and champion change.
3. Take responsibility for actions, optimize time efficiently, and adhere to punctuality.
4. Perform nocturnal physiology studies and monitoring of clinical patients.
5. Collect and correlate clinical history and patient data, documenting appropriately.
6. Set up patients for initial services and DME in absence of a Medical Assistant.
7. Score and analyze sleep studies, ensuring quality assurance.
8. Provide reports for review and analysis by directors and medical personnel.
9. Educate clinical staff on sleep disorder medicine through presentations.
10. Prepare and score sleep studies, aiding in medical interpretations.
11. Conduct MSLT, actigraphy testing, and integrate CPAP/BIPAP during studies.
12. Develop and revise departmental policies and procedures.
13. Train new Sleep Technologists and evaluate their competencies.
14. Prepare patients for polysomnography testing, following protocols.
15. Oversee supply and maintenance of sleep monitoring equipment.
16. Promote sleep medicine services at community events and fairs.
17. Participate in departmental meetings and present quality data.
18. Act as point of contact for IT and technical support for sleep equipment.
19. Assess patient risks and make referrals as necessary.
20. Ensure proper maintenance, calibration, and documentation of equipment.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Performs additional duties as assigned.

Adheres to facility Values, Service Excellence and Standards of Excellence.