Sleep Technology Program

The Sleep Technology Program at Lurie Children’s is a comprehensive 6-month training program designed to prepare individuals for a career in Sleep Medicine through specialized education and hands-on clinical experience in polysomnography (sleep studies). Prior to beginning the core Sleep Technology curriculum, participants complete an 8-week rotation in electroencephalography (EEG) within the Clinical Neurophysiology Lab, where they develop foundational knowledge and skills in EEG, electrode application, neurophysiology, sleep stage recognition, and seizure identification. This introductory rotation provides participants with a strong foundation in neurodiagnostic principles that supports their transition into advanced training in polysomnography and pediatric sleep medicine.

The program combines structured didactic education with extensive hands-on clinical experience. Trainees complete the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) Accredited Sleep Technologist Education Program (ASTEP) curriculum, consisting of 26 educational modules designed to be completed sequentially. Each module includes competency assessments and post-test evaluations to reinforce learning.

During the 8-week EEG training rotation, participants develop foundational knowledge and hands-on skills in EEG. Training includes learning the International 10–20 System of Electrode Placement and progressing to supervised patient connections, with emphasis on accurate electrode application, impedance management, patient preparation, and overall recording quality. Participants learn to recognize wakefulness, drowsiness, Stage N1 sleep, and Stage N2 sleep. The rotation also introduces the clinical distinction between seizures and epilepsy, including appropriate seizure response testing and documentation during EEG monitoring. In addition, participants develop an introductory understanding of key instrumentation concepts, including the differential amplifier, electrode impedance, and common mode rejection, establishing the technical foundation needed for continued development in neurodiagnostic technology.  

In addition to the didactic curriculum, trainees complete approximately 960 hours of direct patient care clinical experience under the supervision of experienced sleep professionals. This immersive training model provides the knowledge, technical skills, and professional competencies required for entry into the field of Sleep Technology.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will demonstrate proficiency in:

• Performing comprehensive polysomnography (sleep studies)
• Applying evidence-based sleep medicine practices
• Delivering safe, patient-centered care
• Working effectively within an interdisciplinary sleep medicine team
• Meeting the foundational competencies for entry into the field of Sleep Technology

Our Goal 

To develop a highly qualified workforce by promoting patient safety, standardizing educational practices, and ensuring professional competence in the field of Sleep Technology.

Core Curriculum

Lurie Children's provides all enrolled Neurodiagnostic Technology Assistants with access to the AASM Accredited Sleep Technologist Education Program (ASTEP) curriculum.

The bundled 26-module curriculum is designed to build professional competence by progressing from foundational concepts to advanced topics in sleep medicine and polysomnography. Through sequential learning, competency assessments, and practical application, trainees develop the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and perform polysomnographic procedures.

Required Textbook will be provided by the program:
Endee, L. (2020) Spriggs Essentials of Polysomnography: A Training Guide and Reference for sleep Technicians

Phase I: Clinical Neurophysiology Rotation – 8 Weeks

During the 8-week rotation, trainees receive didactic instruction and supervised hands-on experience in:

• International 10–20 System of Electrode Placement
• Patient preparation and supervised EEG electrode application
• Electrode impedance and recording quality
• Recognition of wakefulness, drowsiness, Stage N1 sleep, and Stage N2 sleep
• Foundational EEG waveform and pattern recognition
• Seizures versus epilepsy and seizure response testing
• Introduction to EEG instrumentation, including differential amplifiers, impedance, and common mode rejection

Phase II: American Academy of Sleep Medicine ASTEP Modules

Module 1: Welcome to Sleep Technology
Module 2: The Patient Chart
Module 3: Meet the Patient
Module 4: Infection Control in the Sleep Center
Module 5: Basics of Electrode Application: EEG and EOG
Module 6: Basics of Electrode Application: Respiratory and EMG Monitoring
Module 7: Basics of Sleep Recordings
Module 8: Respiratory Monitoring
Module 9: Sleep Study Protocols
Module 10: Normal Sleep
Module 11: Breathing during Sleep
Module 12: Sleep Center Emergencies
Module 13: Scoring Workshop- Waveforms
Module 14: Scoring Workshop- Sleep Stages
Module 15: Scoring Workshop- Respiratory Events
Module 16: Scoring Workshop- Arousals, EEG Abnormalities, Movements and Cardiac Events
Module 17: Insomnia and Hypersomnia
Module 18: Circadian Rhythm and Movement Disorders
Module 19: Sleep Related Breathing Disorders
Module 20: PAP for SRBD
Module 21: Non-PAP Therapies for the Treatment of OSA
Module 22: Administration and Titration of Oxygen
Module 23: Parasomnias and Nocturnal Epilepsies
Module 24: Pediatric Breathing Disorders
Module 25: Other Pediatric Sleep Disorders
Module 26: Home Sleep Apnea Test

Neurodiagnostic Technology Program in Polysomnography Outcomes

Academic Year: 2021-2022
Students Enrolled: 1
Students Graduated: 1 
Job Placement: 1 (100%)

Academic Year: 2022-2023
Students Enrolled: 2
Students Graduated: 2
Job Placement: 2 (100%)

Academic Year: 2023-2024
Students Enrolled: 2
Students Graduated: 2
Job Placement: 2 (100%)

Academic Year: 2025-2026
Students Enrolled: 2
Students Graduated: In process
Job Placement: In process

Faculty 

Nick Novak, RPSGT
Lead Instructor

Regina Palomo, RPSGT
Lead Instructor

Timothy McMahon, RPSGT
Lead Instructor

Erik Padilla, MBA, R. EEG/EP T., CNIM, CLTM, FASET, FACHE
Director

Marco Almeda, MD
Medical Director

Contact Us

For questions, please contact Tiauna Smith, our program coordinator: 
Tismith@luriechildrens.org 
312.227.4018