accredited sleep technologist education program (A-STEP)

program objectives

A-STEP adheres to the standards defined by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and will ensure that applicants meet the minimum standards for employment as a Polysomnographic Trainee.

1. Introduction to the history of sleep medicine, an overview of sleep disorders and sleep medicine.
2. Basic understanding of the nervous, respiratory, skeletal and cardiovascular systems.
3. Training in patient safety, infection control, fall precautions and recognizing emergencies.
4. Training in obtaining patient histories, interpersonal communication and management of a difficult patient.
5. Training in patient confidentiality, informed consent and discussion of HIPAA regulations.
6. Instruction in preparation of the patient and equipment for polysomnography.
7. Introduction to polysomnographic recording, treatment equipment and electrical safety.
8.  Introduction to sleep stage scoring and polysomnographic event detection.
9. Instruction on standard polysomnographic procedures, including the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) and Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT). 
10. Instruction in the application of positive airway pressure and supplement oxygen as well as discussion of nocturnal ventilation. 

program leadership

Program director: Khalid Safi, MD

Clinical director: Khalid Safi, MD

Technical director: Joseph Howard, RPSGT 

Instructors:

• Samuel Dzodzomenyo, MD
• Hassan Dbouk, MD
• Zach Woessner, PhyD
• David Greutman, BS, RCP, NPS
• Dianne DeWall, RRT, RCP, RPSGT
• Andrew Adams, RRT, RCP, RPSGT
• Ashley Bowers, RPSGT
• Cameron Saudia, RPSGT
• Marlina Mills, REEG

eligibility & requirements

Dayton Children’s pediatric sleep medicine A-STEP will adhere to the standards set by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and ensure that applicants meet the minimum employment standards for the Polysomnographic Trainee position.

The following education requirements must be met and presented:

• 18 years of age or older
• One of the following education criteria must be met:
  • Current enrollment in an accredited educational program leading to an associate degree with an emphasis in polysomnography.
  • High school diploma or GED, or one year of post-secondary education
• Be able to perform the duties specified in the job description for a polysomnographic trainee.

You will be required to present the following for verification of eligibility:

• High School Diploma, GED, Transcript of Record or equivalent
• Social Security Number for W-9 form
• State-issued Identification Card (Drivers License or State Identification)

tuition and payment

The tuition for Dayton Children’s Pediatric Sleep Medicine A-STEP course is $3000. The entire payment is due by the 2nd session of the course. The cost of materials are included as part of the tuition. Once the student is accepted, the registration fee is non-refundable.

Payments can be made by money order or cashier’s check. All payments should be made payable to Dayton Children’s Hospital and mailed to Dayton Children’s Hospital: Attention Sleep Lab.

absentee policy

The program director must be notified of any absence due to an emergency or illness. For one missed day, make-up hours may be assigned at the discretion of the Director and must be completed within one month of the course’s completion or at the next scheduled A-STEP course. More than one day of missed time in an A-STEP course can be made up at the next scheduled A-STEP course.

upcoming course dates

• There are currently no scheduled classes. Please check back again soon.