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Careers in respiratory care and sleep (polysomnography)

Career overview

• Respiratory care student worker provides patients with respiratory care to facilitate recovery and/or healing while utilizing skills in teaching, communication and the science and art of respiratory care.
• Respiratory care practitioner/therapist is responsible for assessment, diagnosis, treatment and education of patients with respiratory impairments as directed by a physician.
• Polysomnographic technician performs comprehensive polysomnographic testing and analysis, and associated interventions under the general oversight of a Sleep Technologist and/or the clinical director.
• Polysomnographic technologist provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders. This may involve polysomnography, diagnostic and therapeutic services or patient care and education.

Earnings and employment outlook

• Salaries for respiratory care student workers are based upon their education and experience as it relates to the position.
• Salaries for respiratory care practitioners / therapists vary. For more detailed information go to US Department of Labor Statistics
• Salaries for polysomnographic technicians are based upon their education and experience as it relates to the position.
• Salaries for polysomnographic technologist are based upon their education and experience as it relates to the position.

Education

For more information go to How to choose a health care program.

• Respiratory care student worker - High school graduate or GED and current enrollment in a Respiratory Care program. Completion of academics and clinicals may also be required.
• Respiratory care practitioner / therapist - High school graduate or GED, graduate of an approved Respiratory Care Program, 1 to 2 years previous critical are experience, credentialed by the National Board of Respiratory Care as CRT or RRT (preferred) and current registration status within the state of practice.
• Polysomnographic technician - High school graduate or GED and completion of a polysomnography program, of no less than one year duration, associated with a state licensed and/or a nationally accredited educational facility.
• Polysomnographic technologist - High school graduate or GED, completion of an accredited educational program leading to an associate degree with an emphasis in polysomnography, and certification by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists as a registered polysomnographic technologist or equivalent.

Scholarships available through Allina

The Minnesota Respiratory Care Foundation (MRCF), the Minnesota Society for Respiratory Care (MSRC) and Allina Hospitals & Clinics are pleased to announce the recognition of leadership in respiratory care by awarding a $500 scholarship to a respiratory care student for outstanding leadership in the respiratory care profession.

For more information and to apply, please visit MSRC's website.

Programs offered in Minnesota and Wisconsin

Respiratory care programs

Minnesota:
College of St Catherine, Lake Superior College, Northland Community & Technical College, St. Paul College

Wisconsin:
Chippewa Valley Technical College, Madison Area Technical College, Mid-State Technical College, Moraine Park Technical College, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Western Technical College

Polysomnographic technology programs

Minnesota:
Minneapolis Community & Technical College, St. Paul College

Wisconsin:
State of Wisconsin, Education