Sleepcare Diagnostics training course receives accreditation
When it looks for technicians, Sleepcare Diagnostics isn't necessarily looking for experience in the field -- it likes to take people with other medical experience and mold them. So three years ago, the company started a formal training program.
This month, the center became one of six in the country to be designated as an Accredited Sleep Technologist Education Program Provider. The two-year accreditation comes from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Sleep technologists administer sleep tests and education for patients. Sleepcare is specific about how it wants things done.
"What we've found is that techs from other centers that come into our center for employment typically have a hard time adjusting to our ways," said Jason Smith, director of laboratory services for the company, which has locations in Mason, Eastgate and White Oak, as well as Sarasota, Fla.
The two-step training program includes an 80-hour educational course and 18 months on the job with e-learning. The accreditation process involved an evaluation of faculty, curriculum, resources and assessment.
Smith said the field's governing bodies are looking to make an educational program a condition of entry to the field.
Under the direction of Dr. Athar Malik, who directs the program, 19 Sleepcare technologists have completed training and passed the national sleep technologist registration exam.
A typical diagnostic sleep study involves staying at a center overnight, where equipment monitors and evaluates sleep stages, and identifies breathing problems. Sleep centers can diagnose and treat problems such as snoring, sleep apnea, insomnia, restless legs syndrome and narcolepsy.
Remedies include medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, breathing equipment and treatment of underlying disorders.
The 90-employee company has yearly revenues of more than $7 million.
Ritchie covers health care for the Courier. To reach him, call (513) 337-9442 or e-mail jritchie@bizjournals.com.