SLEEP WELLNESS INSTITUTE OFFERS SLEEP TECHNOLOGIST TRAINING

Program is First in Wisconsin Certified for A-STEP Training

West Allis, Wis., October 2, 2007 – The Sleep Wellness Institute (SWI) in West Allis is the first sleep center in Wisconsin and one of only 19 in the U.S. certified by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) to offer the Advanced Sleep Technologist Education Program (A-STEP) for individuals interested in receiving formalized education and training in sleep technology—regardless of experience level. The Institute is also the oldest and largest independent sleep disorders center in the state and is accredited to diagnose and treat both adults and children by the AASM.

An educational initiative of the AASM, A-STEP provides participants with standardized education and training that develops a knowledge-base about sleep medicine and strengthens the professional skills required of a sleep technologist. As a staff member at a sleep facility, a sleep technologist administers sleep tests to patients as well as therapeutic services. The sleep technologist also assists the sleep physician with patient care and education.

A-STEP is offered by sleep centers or post-secondary academic institutions that have met standardized requirements set forth by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM); the program accreditation is for an 80-hour A-STEP Introductory Course and lasts two years. As an A-STEP Provider, SWI has earned this accreditation and now offers its own Introductory Course in conjunction with Sleep Health Management Resources, a survey of the theoretical and medical foundations of sleep technology. A-STEP’s second component combines an 18-month on-the-job training program with a series of online Self-Study Modules, and is completed independently by the program participants through their employers and the AASM Web site.

“The Sleep Wellness Institute is excited to offer A-STEP for people who are interested in gaining formal education in sleep technology,” said Mark Stoiber, SWI President. “It is an invaluable resource for the local education and health care communities because of its appeal to both experienced sleep technicians and new entrants to the field of sleep technology.”

“This is a further demonstration of our commitment to quality care for our patients and to sleep medicine,” said Stoiber.

Individuals interested in receiving formalized education and training in sleep technology may obtain more information from Craig Muri, SWI Clinical Director, at 414-336-3000.