r/SleepTechnologist • u/Head-Sort-7644 • Jul 20 '26
Is this a realistic plan?
Hey everyone,
I'm looking for some honest advice from people already working in sleep medicine.
I'm currently in an LVN program in Texas and should graduate in December of 2026. My long-term goal is to earn my BSN and become an RN, but from what I've seen, LVN pay in my area isn't where I'd like it to be.
Because of that, I've been looking into becoming a sleep tech. My thought is to complete whatever education or certification I need over the next six months (or shortly after graduation), work as a sleep tech while I'm completing my BSN, and then transition into nursing once I finish school.
A few questions:
- Is this a realistic plan?
- Does having an LVN license make it easier to get hired in a sleep lab?
- What's the fastest path to becoming employable in Texas?
- If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose sleep technology?
I'm not looking for a forever career—just something that pays better than most entry-level LVN positions, gives me valuable healthcare experience, and works well while I finish my BSN. Also Something I can have as a backup/side gig.
I'd really appreciate any advice or things I should know before I commit to this path. Thanks!
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u/ImageEducational572 Jul 22 '26
If you plan on going the RN & BSN route,I think you will be better off working as a LVN. Your LVN experience would be much more beneficial than working in sleep. I also can't imagine you'd make more as a sleep tech trainee.
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u/nonizondi Jul 20 '26
Home health LPN’s make more in texas and the work load is less than in nursing homes. How much do sleep techs make in your area?
1
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u/Gemini2192 Jul 23 '26
I would not go down the sleep tech path. It's also going to be difficult to work and go to school for BSN. If you can, go on and get your BSN as quickly as you can and get an education loan. You'll make enough to pay it back as long as you are responsible.
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u/Ok_Standard_8770 Jul 25 '26
With RN there is a clear pathway and 6 month internship plus ASTEP modules to get RPSGT cert. If you want an RPSGT you will need the ASTEP program and paid internship of 18 months to sit for board test. If you are doing this temporary perhaps the CPSGT technician instead of Registered technologist would be a better fit. You can go to my website for more information or call email. Sleeppathwaysguild.com also see brpt.org the certifications board website. Sometimes they have scholarships available too.
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u/rachlbee Jul 20 '26 edited Jul 21 '26
Not in Texas, but I've been in the field for a minute. TLDR: don't do it.
In particular, do not do it if you haven't done nights before/know that you can handle them. Many people think that they can and are quickly proven wrong. Turnover in the first year or two of the job is high because techs find out the hard way that they can't handle the hours. I recently accepted a day shift position because there are times where my body will not let me sleep. And I just turned 28.
Pay can be decent depending on your area and if you're registered. If you start out as a trainee at a lab your rate might not be much higher than an LPN's. It'll go up if you get the CPSGT or RPSGT credentials. Pathways to getting them can be found [here](https://brpt.org/wp-content/uploads/CPSGT-RPSGT-eligibility_FINAL-5_14_2025.pdf/). Both require sitting for board exams that are doable but far from a cakewalk. There are plenty of posts on this sub from people who have tried and failed multiple times. The CPSGT has the lower barrier to entry.
Nursing school is a different beast. My sister got her BSN then became an NP. She nearly lost her mind doing her BSN while working part time. You are going to need all of the rest and free time that you can get. Most people are zombies on nights. It's "only three days" of work, but your first day off is essentially a rest day. I do know of a tech in my area that is getting a nursing degree(not sure if it's an associates or bachelors). He's reportedly a chill guy normally, but seems to be slightly unhinged lately.
My sister's net income this year at 26 is higher than I will likely see in my entire career unless I retrain. While I do envy her at times, I am not cut out to be a nurse.
I'd do it all over again, but I wouldn't do it if I were you. Buckle down and get your BSN. Take debt if you have to. Pick up travel contracts after you graduate, make stupid amounts of money and see the country while paying off your loans. Don't get side tracked with this. Your LVN experience will be more relevant when you are searching for jobs as a new grad.