Accredited Sleep Technologist Education Program (A-STEP)

education and/or entry

High school diploma or GED, or one year of post-secondary education.
or
Current enrollment in an accredited educational program leading to an associate degree with an emphasis in polysomnography.

physical demands

Students must be able to perform the duties specified in the job description for a polysomnographic trainee.

absentee policy

The Course Director must be notified in the event of an absence due to emergency/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 completion of the course or at the next scheduled A-STEP course. More than one day missed can be made up at the next scheduled A-STEP course.

equal opportunity

Dayton Children’s Hospital Sleep Center (A-STEP) is an equal opportunity employer and program. All qualified applicants for attending or teaching the course will receive consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status, pregnancy, or disability, provided they meet the minimum requirements.

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. 

Dayton Children's pediatric sleep medicine A-STEP will adhere to the standards defined by American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and will ensure that applicants meet the minimum standards for employment as a Polysomnographic Trainee. The following education requirements must be met and presented:

• Age-at least 18 years old
• 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)

To apply to the program, please complete the A-STEP application packet here, including items in the list below no earlier than three month prior to the start of the next class. Information to submit:

Checklist for application:

• Application: The application should be completed by the applicant for admission and emailed to dchastepprog@childrensdayton.org.
• Copy of High School Diploma: A copy of your High School diploma or equivalent must be submitted. A college or university diploma will be accepted as a substitute.
• Resume: A resume or curriculum vitae that reflects your educational background, work experience and any applicable volunteer experience.
• Statement of purpose: One page essay that describes why you wish to be considered for A-STEP training or the field of Sleep Medicine.
• Social Security # for W-9 form.
• State-issued identification card (Drivers License or State Identification)
• $300 registration fee, in the form of money order or cashier’s check, to be applied to tuition if accepted. Personal checks are not accepted.

admission process
Within 30 days, applicants will receive notification of acceptance or denial to the A-STEP. Once a student is accepted to the program, an Acceptance Packet will be e-mailed to the student within one week. All forms should be signed and returned to the Educational Co-ordinator with the remainder of tuition, no later than one week prior to the start of class.

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, 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.

• Program director - Maninder Kalra MD, PHD, ABSM
• Clinical director - Maninder Kalra MD, PHD, ABSM
• Technical director - Joseph Howard, RPSGT 
• Instructors:
  • Belinda Huffman BS, RCP
  • Kathleen Oppy BS, RCP
  • Samuel Dzodzomenyo, MD
  • Zach Woessner, MD
  • Sarah Gehring, NP
  • Hila Collins, NP
  • Andrew Adams, RRT, RPSGT
  • Ashley Bowers, RPSGT
  • Crystal Ary, RN
  • Lindsey Combs, RRT-RPSGT
  • Cameron Saudia, RPSGT