Grow Your Own Journey Series Marina Lehto

MARINA LEHTO
REGISTERED POLYSOMNOGRAPHIC TECHNOLOGIST (RPSGT)

“I love my new career at SLVH and every day is an opportunity to learn more...”

Before the “Grow Your Own” program, I worked as a CNA since 1998 at SLVRMC/CCH. Now I am a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist by the AASM (American Academy of Sleep Medicine) at the SLVH Conejos County Hospital campus currently going on my eighth year in this position.

It started with a two-week in-person intense course at the Texas School of Sleep Medicine and Technology, followed by online courses along with clinical experience. You are required to complete the online modules along with your clinical hours within a three-year period. The program could be completed much sooner if you wished. SLV Health covered tuition in its entirety and guaranteed me a job.

Thanks to this program I was able to begin a new career, which I love. Sam Valdez, SLVH Lead Sleep Technologist, was invaluable in his guidance as I learned this new skill and continue learning each day.

My advice to someone thinking of following this career path is to realize that in most settings it is at night and by yourself unless you are in a multiple-tech facility. My chosen accreditation path was a lot of self-guided study which might not fit everyone.

I'm excited to continue to serve my community as I continue to work for SLV Health. Personally, my job is very rewarding in the sense that I'm able to help people with mild-to-severe sleep issues. It's very satisfying to hear a patient state that they had a great night's sleep for the first time in a long time with my help.

I would like to thank my husband, Brent Lehto, SLVH Lab Director, for his never-wavering support, as well as to SLV Health for providing opportunities to thrive.

Thanks to this program I was able to begin a new career, which I love. Sam Valdez, SLVH Lead Sleep Technologist, was invaluable in his guidance as I learned this new skill and continue learning each day
My advice to someone thinking of following this career path is to realize that in most settings it is at night and by yourself unless you are in a multiple-tech facility. My chosen accreditation path was a lot of self-guided study which might not fit everyone.

I'm excited to continue to serve my community as I continue to work for SLV Health. Personally, my job is very rewarding in the sense that I'm able to help people with mild-to-severe sleep issues. It's very satisfying to hear a patient state that they had a great night's sleep for the first time in a long time with my help.

I would like to thank my husband, Brent Lehto, SLVH Lab Director, for his never-wavering support, as well as to SLV Health for providing opportunities to thrive.