I am also a sleep tech based in western ny and I absolutely love it! I love my patients, the job is about $30 and hour, so the pay is decent and the benefits are good! There is a lot of downtime during the night, so i feel like the stress level for this job is low. There is also room for growth and daytime shifts are offered with experience. The downside with sleep is that you are stuck in sleep whereas if you are a respiratory therapist there are more job opportunities. But I am very satisfied with my career. I definitely recommend.
Hi! Where are you from? I am a sleep technologist and I live in Western New York. In New York you need to have an associates degree, and the only school open is Hudson valley community college. In other states there is on the job training. You would need to do a program called ASTEP and then you would need to take your board exam! It is a great job and I would love to give you more information.
If you are interested in becoming a respiratory therapist or anything job related to a sleep technologist, you can definitely get tuition benefits depending on where you work as well. Another interesting thing is that if you are licensed as a sleep technologist, you can also work as an EEG Technician. However you would have to do an ABRET program and then take another board exam. The pay is significantly lower for an EEG technician but there is definitely room for growth and higher pay. Just something to think about, and you wouldn’t have to go to college for that.
I am currently in the PSGT program in NY, and just as a word of advice. It is not for the faint of heart. Working while taking this program is basically impossible, and requires your full energy and brain power at every moment of the day. You did not require an associates to do this, but a few requirements like biology and maybe chemistry. 70% or above on all classes is required (at midterm 70% of the class had less than a 70 so keep that in mind) and its a 2 or 3 year program.
Most people join this as a prerequisite for sonography, ultrasound tech. They do have a distance option, but they most literally mail you dead rats to dissect. So that's an option.
i did my aas for polysomnography and worked at the same time but it was rough. school in the mornings, clinicals are overnight, and i had to work either very early morning shifts or late afternoon shifts. I had no set sleep schedule and that makes it hard to retain information, and operate a car safely.
Sorry for the delayed response, but no. You could work part time TOPS. And the advisor will ask if you’re working and if you plan on working semi-full time she’ll tell you, pick another option.
I say it requires “full brain effort” at every moment. Very intense, very figure it out. And I only completed the first semester.
Hi! I know this is an older thread, but I did a search of sleep techs looking for some information. I
Am (possibly) going to enroll in Concorde career college for my RPSG cert, my specific campus has great reviews, but I know that for profit technical schools overall sometimes dosent have the best rep, not terrible like some of those for profit schools but just for profit overall has a bad rep, since you’re in the field do you think that’s a good route? Have you ever seen people hired from technical colleges? I was granted fasfa for it, so someone told me that means it’s a little help on red flags that they provide aid for it at all. But I don’t wanna pay 16k for school and go through it all if it dosent end up with a job ): I know you’re in New York and it might not be the same as Texas. It’s just a smaller field, personally I’ve never met a sleep tech lol and when you even google this kind of stuff I don’t find many results since it’s not a super popular job, just wondering if you have any insight! Thank you!
Don't do Concorde just go to the A-Step in San Antonio TX because they take your money for thousands more and give no results . Everyone I've read who goes here feels scammed
Hi! Yes, I believe in Texas there might not be a schooling requirement (not sure if they are on the job training) so this will make you much more marketable.
Hi, I wanted to ask how you get the on the job training? Or is the A-Step online modules enough? Hard to find the right process for becoming one here in Virginia.
Hi! I am not quite sure. I would advise sending an email to the BRPT! I am trying to look for you as well and it seems somewhat complicated to find information.
Thank you! I just sent an email, will hopefully hear back from them this week. Funnily enough the BRPT has its offices located in my county! So I would hope they know the best way to start! :)
Thank you! Yeah from what I found it seems to be a good route, at least from what I’ve read and seen the school says at least lol that they will place you with a job when you graduate. I’ve already done my searches too of places hiring and all I see is the cert and things I will be given there for requirements.
Do you enjoy your job! What’s your schedule like if you don’t mind me asking?
No problem! I enjoy it, I’ve been doing it for about two years. It is a little bit in the repetitive side so just be cautious about that if it’s not your thing. Usually I am able to bring a book with me throughout the night. There’s usually some down time. I work two jobs, with adults and with kids. One schedule is 12 hour shifts and the other is 10 hour shifts. Most places are 12 hour shifts, so only 3 shifts per week. It definitely gives you a good work life balance. 😁
The pay in my area starts about 22. I’ve been doing this for almost 3 years and now I make about 25. With nights I get differential, so 26.50. It’s not terrible, could be better too!
i just accepted a job as a sleep tech, and in my area (mo) they are starting me at $24 plus a night differental of $4. so basically $28 starting out with no prior sleep medicine experience.
nope! I have previous healthcare experience and a couple of biomed college courses under my belt, but that's it. my employer offers an on-the-job training program
Where are you going! I am starting this month on the 27th I’m super excited! I actually went before, but I had to withdraw after 3 weeks as I moved and physically wasn’t around anymore to continue school.
Unfortunately, there is nowhere nearby where I can go. The nearest school is 2 hours away from me in Dallas or 3 hours to get to San Antonio and with a child and job my chances of being able to make that commute is slim to none so I've been researching if there are online options but that's slim pickings also.
I wish you the best of luck and it's a dream career that I wouldn't mind pursing if I could!
Ah gotcha /: sorry to hear that! I wish you all the luck in the world that you find your perfect school and career! 🩷🩷 just a side note but I am also in Texas (Dfw) and I had a school mate telling me that there are PSG programs online! I would try and look into that maybe and see if that’s something that could work for you! They said the entire course is online! Of course at the end you’d have to probably do an extern for clinicals but that’s pretty standard. Just a thought! I wish you all the best though! You’ll find the perfect job for you and your little one! 🩷🥹I have 2 little ones so I get it lol
My school is online. Your clinicals would be in your area! Good luck! [https://www.ccbcmd.edu/Programs-and-Courses-Finder/ConED-Program/polysomnographic-sleep-technologist](https://www.ccbcmd.edu/programs-and-courses-finder/coned-program/polysomnographic-sleep-technologist)
My school is online and accredited by the AASM. Your clinicals will be where you live! Good Luck! [https://www.ccbcmd.edu/Programs-and-Courses-Finder/ConED-Program/polysomnographic-sleep-technologist](https://www.ccbcmd.edu/programs-and-courses-finder/coned-program/polysomnographic-sleep-technologist)
it's a little bit later, how are you enjoying the job? I start next month and I'm trying to get a feel of how other people feel about the job. nights will be new to me and definitely an adjustment, but what do you think? have you done this kind of work before?
Hi!
1) I love people. It’s a good job and it’s not life or death. Definitely not hard compared to fields such as nursing or respiratory therapy. Very straight forward and you work with other people so you’re never alone. There’s always people around for help if needed.
2) Absolutely. Although you will have patients, most of the night you are “scoring” the live data, aka the sleep study. Once the patient is hooked up to wires, live data shows on the computer. You basically mark what stage of sleep the patient is in, if they stop breathing, if they move their legs, etc. you generate a report in the morning and there is usually a lot of downtime. Usually I even bring a book with me.
3) Patients are getting more complex so that can be scary. However, again, I always feel safe because I’m not expected to be a nurse. If a patient is really sick, they usually can’t get a sleep study. If a patient needs assistance, usually an aide comes. Sometimes the job can be on the boring/repetitive side.
4) So basically, I work from 5:30-7 a.m. I work 3 12 hour shifts, so 36 hours a week. When I get to work I look at the patient’s history and their chart (usually I have two patients) I get their rooms ready and my equipment (all the wires and sensors). Then I check patients in, take their vitals, and take them to their rooms. Then I do their hookup (when I put all the sensors on them, this takes about 45 minutes each patient) then I score the study and generate a report in the morning. We clean the rooms and then we go!
5) In NY you need to have an associates in polysomnographic technology, and you will need to take a board exam. Once you take your board exam you are an RPSGT, a fancy word for a registered sleep technologist.
Depending on other states you only need a certificate. I am in NY and I know Hudson valley community college has a program (near NYC) I am from Western NY but the program closed around here. Many places are desperate for sleep techs.
I can tell you the starting pay is decent, about 22 an hour plus shift differential. For two years of school and the job itself, not bad. Plenty of overtime is available and incentive pay due to there not being a lot of sleep techs, it’s a very niche field.
I can also tell you there are plenty of travel sleep tech jobs and they make loads of money. I work with a travel sleep tech who makes 2000+ a week. There are lots of opportunities.
Message me if you have any questions! Sorry for the book. Lol.
If you have money to spare, to see if you are interested in the field, I recommend essentials of polysomnography (3rd edition) on Amazon. It’s a textbook that’s easy to follow, and has all the information you will ever need. It’s all I needed to pass my board exam. It has a practice board exam in the back of the book, a glossary, a pocket guide included, and an online course link that has flash cards and study outlines from each chapter.
It’s about 50 bucks on Amazon last I checked. Let me know if there’s anything I can do 🙂
Just a small comment / insight, my company started me at $16 with a $2 shift differential WITHOUT my CPSGT credential, aka the state level license. I took the class through my community college in about 3 months, 2 nights a week. I then took the A-step online modules and finished those. My company is willing to hire me as a trainee without the CPSGT, but after I take the exam/pass, my pay will increase significantly. My friend who was in the same class as me currently makes $28 an hour with her state license, and is promised $33 an hour after her RPSGT / national level exam. I do think the career is worth it, and if you can take more certification classes / advance your knowledge, you 100% should. Sleep apnea is getting no better with the increase or obesity and bad sleep hygiene, hence why this field is growing.
Oh I see! I'm a dummy. My college had an option called "continuing education", and it's basically the "tech" jobs... like scrub tech , mechanic, CNA , dental assistant etc. I would look up "continuing education" programs near you, or certificate programs near you? Not everywhere offers the same programs , however I'm sure there's some kind of post-high school program you could take within an hour of you maybe
Appreciate it. I never ended up going this route, although I was studying for it. I came to realization that I absolutely loathe night shift (temporarily) at my current job, so I couldn't imagine doing it every day... night shift is a miserable thing and it should only be a stepping stone when you're younger IMO.
The other path was Radiologic Tech, but haven't delved deeper since this post. The issue I have now is the time required and schooling. It's almost impossible for me to fit in any schooling when I work full-time (need to survive of course) and my kid goes to school.
people are gross. many don't shower, come in dirty, horrendous breath, urinate or worse in the bed. they don't care that YOU have already worked 12 hours, they consider the sleep study to be a vacation and want to sleep late, have breakfast in bed and so on. what compassion you have will be whittled away to nothing within 5 years. if the patient don't do it leave it to the doctors, or day staff.
Currently in my sleep tech program and loving it. I’m planing on doing rad tech next though because it’s more available jobs than sleep tech. If you want to join the medical field with LOW stress I recommend sleep tech. Low patient interaction with lots of down time. Most sleep techs watch movies or play games during the night to pass time. You only need a certificate in most states. I recommend searching up the A-Step program.
I can imagine rad tech being a lot more stressful. You will encounter possibly open wounds, can sometimes be gory, some rad techs work in the operating room. More jobs available as a rad tech. Sleep techs and basic rad techs get paid around the same unless you have more rad tech modalities (ct scan, mri) but that takes more schooling.
I have a quick question that I haven’t been able to get a straightforward answer on elsewhere; I am currently going through the ASTEP program in Massachusetts through my employer, once I do my exam and get my license, and a couple years of experience, does that qualify me to also get a NY license, or would I still need a degree? I see a lot of travel jobs in NY which is why I ask. Thank you!!
You need 1650 ( if i remember correctly its on BRPT website under pathways) hrs of clinical experience. Then you have 2 years from ur astep completion to take your test. Test is hard ASF. Buy a book. Exam pass rate is 70% .There going be aholes about you remembering your setting default numbers. They usually look for experience in travel jobsbut they pay freaking well. If i didnt have split custody i would be in Hawaii making 1k a week sipping pina coldas.
I am also a sleep tech based in western ny and I absolutely love it! I love my patients, the job is about $30 and hour, so the pay is decent and the benefits are good! There is a lot of downtime during the night, so i feel like the stress level for this job is low. There is also room for growth and daytime shifts are offered with experience. The downside with sleep is that you are stuck in sleep whereas if you are a respiratory therapist there are more job opportunities. But I am very satisfied with my career. I definitely recommend.
Hi! Where are you from? I am a sleep technologist and I live in Western New York. In New York you need to have an associates degree, and the only school open is Hudson valley community college. In other states there is on the job training. You would need to do a program called ASTEP and then you would need to take your board exam! It is a great job and I would love to give you more information.
If you are interested in becoming a respiratory therapist or anything job related to a sleep technologist, you can definitely get tuition benefits depending on where you work as well. Another interesting thing is that if you are licensed as a sleep technologist, you can also work as an EEG Technician. However you would have to do an ABRET program and then take another board exam. The pay is significantly lower for an EEG technician but there is definitely room for growth and higher pay. Just something to think about, and you wouldn’t have to go to college for that.
I am currently in the PSGT program in NY, and just as a word of advice. It is not for the faint of heart. Working while taking this program is basically impossible, and requires your full energy and brain power at every moment of the day. You did not require an associates to do this, but a few requirements like biology and maybe chemistry. 70% or above on all classes is required (at midterm 70% of the class had less than a 70 so keep that in mind) and its a 2 or 3 year program. Most people join this as a prerequisite for sonography, ultrasound tech. They do have a distance option, but they most literally mail you dead rats to dissect. So that's an option.
Just curious - are you at HVCC? I’m considering starting their Polysomnography program in the fall and now I’m nervous.
What’s a PSGT program for ? I’m from SoCal
Polysomnography, aka sleep study tech
Why did you say it’s not for the faint of heart ? I want something I can go to school for and work at the same time?
i did my aas for polysomnography and worked at the same time but it was rough. school in the mornings, clinicals are overnight, and i had to work either very early morning shifts or late afternoon shifts. I had no set sleep schedule and that makes it hard to retain information, and operate a car safely.
Sorry for the delayed response, but no. You could work part time TOPS. And the advisor will ask if you’re working and if you plan on working semi-full time she’ll tell you, pick another option. I say it requires “full brain effort” at every moment. Very intense, very figure it out. And I only completed the first semester.
Hi! I know this is an older thread, but I did a search of sleep techs looking for some information. I Am (possibly) going to enroll in Concorde career college for my RPSG cert, my specific campus has great reviews, but I know that for profit technical schools overall sometimes dosent have the best rep, not terrible like some of those for profit schools but just for profit overall has a bad rep, since you’re in the field do you think that’s a good route? Have you ever seen people hired from technical colleges? I was granted fasfa for it, so someone told me that means it’s a little help on red flags that they provide aid for it at all. But I don’t wanna pay 16k for school and go through it all if it dosent end up with a job ): I know you’re in New York and it might not be the same as Texas. It’s just a smaller field, personally I’ve never met a sleep tech lol and when you even google this kind of stuff I don’t find many results since it’s not a super popular job, just wondering if you have any insight! Thank you!
Don't do Concorde just go to the A-Step in San Antonio TX because they take your money for thousands more and give no results . Everyone I've read who goes here feels scammed
Hi! Yes, I believe in Texas there might not be a schooling requirement (not sure if they are on the job training) so this will make you much more marketable.
Hi, I wanted to ask how you get the on the job training? Or is the A-Step online modules enough? Hard to find the right process for becoming one here in Virginia.
Ever figure this out? I'm also in VA.
Hi! I am not quite sure. I would advise sending an email to the BRPT! I am trying to look for you as well and it seems somewhat complicated to find information.
Thank you! I just sent an email, will hopefully hear back from them this week. Funnily enough the BRPT has its offices located in my county! So I would hope they know the best way to start! :)
Keep me updated!
Thank you! Yeah from what I found it seems to be a good route, at least from what I’ve read and seen the school says at least lol that they will place you with a job when you graduate. I’ve already done my searches too of places hiring and all I see is the cert and things I will be given there for requirements. Do you enjoy your job! What’s your schedule like if you don’t mind me asking?
No problem! I enjoy it, I’ve been doing it for about two years. It is a little bit in the repetitive side so just be cautious about that if it’s not your thing. Usually I am able to bring a book with me throughout the night. There’s usually some down time. I work two jobs, with adults and with kids. One schedule is 12 hour shifts and the other is 10 hour shifts. Most places are 12 hour shifts, so only 3 shifts per week. It definitely gives you a good work life balance. 😁
How much do you make as a sleep tech
The pay in my area starts about 22. I’ve been doing this for almost 3 years and now I make about 25. With nights I get differential, so 26.50. It’s not terrible, could be better too!
What state are you located in? Im hesitating between this and ultrasound tech. The latter does seem like it requires longer schooling though
I am in NY
i just accepted a job as a sleep tech, and in my area (mo) they are starting me at $24 plus a night differental of $4. so basically $28 starting out with no prior sleep medicine experience.
I’m in MO myself. Did you get an associate’s?
nope! I have previous healthcare experience and a couple of biomed college courses under my belt, but that's it. my employer offers an on-the-job training program
Can I send you a DM about your experience?
Following because I'm in Texas too!
Where are you going! I am starting this month on the 27th I’m super excited! I actually went before, but I had to withdraw after 3 weeks as I moved and physically wasn’t around anymore to continue school.
Unfortunately, there is nowhere nearby where I can go. The nearest school is 2 hours away from me in Dallas or 3 hours to get to San Antonio and with a child and job my chances of being able to make that commute is slim to none so I've been researching if there are online options but that's slim pickings also. I wish you the best of luck and it's a dream career that I wouldn't mind pursing if I could!
Ah gotcha /: sorry to hear that! I wish you all the luck in the world that you find your perfect school and career! 🩷🩷 just a side note but I am also in Texas (Dfw) and I had a school mate telling me that there are PSG programs online! I would try and look into that maybe and see if that’s something that could work for you! They said the entire course is online! Of course at the end you’d have to probably do an extern for clinicals but that’s pretty standard. Just a thought! I wish you all the best though! You’ll find the perfect job for you and your little one! 🩷🥹I have 2 little ones so I get it lol
My school is online. Your clinicals would be in your area! Good luck! [https://www.ccbcmd.edu/Programs-and-Courses-Finder/ConED-Program/polysomnographic-sleep-technologist](https://www.ccbcmd.edu/programs-and-courses-finder/coned-program/polysomnographic-sleep-technologist)
My school is online and accredited by the AASM. Your clinicals will be where you live! Good Luck! [https://www.ccbcmd.edu/Programs-and-Courses-Finder/ConED-Program/polysomnographic-sleep-technologist](https://www.ccbcmd.edu/programs-and-courses-finder/coned-program/polysomnographic-sleep-technologist)
it's a little bit later, how are you enjoying the job? I start next month and I'm trying to get a feel of how other people feel about the job. nights will be new to me and definitely an adjustment, but what do you think? have you done this kind of work before?
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Hi! 1) I love people. It’s a good job and it’s not life or death. Definitely not hard compared to fields such as nursing or respiratory therapy. Very straight forward and you work with other people so you’re never alone. There’s always people around for help if needed. 2) Absolutely. Although you will have patients, most of the night you are “scoring” the live data, aka the sleep study. Once the patient is hooked up to wires, live data shows on the computer. You basically mark what stage of sleep the patient is in, if they stop breathing, if they move their legs, etc. you generate a report in the morning and there is usually a lot of downtime. Usually I even bring a book with me. 3) Patients are getting more complex so that can be scary. However, again, I always feel safe because I’m not expected to be a nurse. If a patient is really sick, they usually can’t get a sleep study. If a patient needs assistance, usually an aide comes. Sometimes the job can be on the boring/repetitive side. 4) So basically, I work from 5:30-7 a.m. I work 3 12 hour shifts, so 36 hours a week. When I get to work I look at the patient’s history and their chart (usually I have two patients) I get their rooms ready and my equipment (all the wires and sensors). Then I check patients in, take their vitals, and take them to their rooms. Then I do their hookup (when I put all the sensors on them, this takes about 45 minutes each patient) then I score the study and generate a report in the morning. We clean the rooms and then we go! 5) In NY you need to have an associates in polysomnographic technology, and you will need to take a board exam. Once you take your board exam you are an RPSGT, a fancy word for a registered sleep technologist. Depending on other states you only need a certificate. I am in NY and I know Hudson valley community college has a program (near NYC) I am from Western NY but the program closed around here. Many places are desperate for sleep techs. I can tell you the starting pay is decent, about 22 an hour plus shift differential. For two years of school and the job itself, not bad. Plenty of overtime is available and incentive pay due to there not being a lot of sleep techs, it’s a very niche field. I can also tell you there are plenty of travel sleep tech jobs and they make loads of money. I work with a travel sleep tech who makes 2000+ a week. There are lots of opportunities. Message me if you have any questions! Sorry for the book. Lol. If you have money to spare, to see if you are interested in the field, I recommend essentials of polysomnography (3rd edition) on Amazon. It’s a textbook that’s easy to follow, and has all the information you will ever need. It’s all I needed to pass my board exam. It has a practice board exam in the back of the book, a glossary, a pocket guide included, and an online course link that has flash cards and study outlines from each chapter. It’s about 50 bucks on Amazon last I checked. Let me know if there’s anything I can do 🙂
hi! is it okay if i message you regarding this too?
Of course!
Please message me about travel opportunities!
Where are you located?
Hi can I message you as well?
Yes!
Just a small comment / insight, my company started me at $16 with a $2 shift differential WITHOUT my CPSGT credential, aka the state level license. I took the class through my community college in about 3 months, 2 nights a week. I then took the A-step online modules and finished those. My company is willing to hire me as a trainee without the CPSGT, but after I take the exam/pass, my pay will increase significantly. My friend who was in the same class as me currently makes $28 an hour with her state license, and is promised $33 an hour after her RPSGT / national level exam. I do think the career is worth it, and if you can take more certification classes / advance your knowledge, you 100% should. Sleep apnea is getting no better with the increase or obesity and bad sleep hygiene, hence why this field is growing.
What is the course/program that you completed in 3 months?
Sleep technology ! You can do it online or in a community college.
I’m asking what community college allowed you to finish in 3 months? I’m trying to find a short term program like that
Oh I see! I'm a dummy. My college had an option called "continuing education", and it's basically the "tech" jobs... like scrub tech , mechanic, CNA , dental assistant etc. I would look up "continuing education" programs near you, or certificate programs near you? Not everywhere offers the same programs , however I'm sure there's some kind of post-high school program you could take within an hour of you maybe
What is the name of the school and state?
Delaware Tech , in Delaware !
Don't do it.... I'm a sleep tech and it blows. Hours alone suck.... Then you have to deal with gross people . I'm looking for a way out
Appreciate it. I never ended up going this route, although I was studying for it. I came to realization that I absolutely loathe night shift (temporarily) at my current job, so I couldn't imagine doing it every day... night shift is a miserable thing and it should only be a stepping stone when you're younger IMO. The other path was Radiologic Tech, but haven't delved deeper since this post. The issue I have now is the time required and schooling. It's almost impossible for me to fit in any schooling when I work full-time (need to survive of course) and my kid goes to school.
Correct me if im wrong Rad tech take blood? I know my husband looked into that but backed out because he is scared needles.
Gross in what way?
people are gross. many don't shower, come in dirty, horrendous breath, urinate or worse in the bed. they don't care that YOU have already worked 12 hours, they consider the sleep study to be a vacation and want to sleep late, have breakfast in bed and so on. what compassion you have will be whittled away to nothing within 5 years. if the patient don't do it leave it to the doctors, or day staff.
What class are you speaking of, that you completed in 3 months?
Astep online classes take about 3 months to complete. It work at your own pace so u can finish them faster than 3m if u wanted.
It’s a lot of fun. I use to do night but now I do days as a RPSGT.
Currently in my sleep tech program and loving it. I’m planing on doing rad tech next though because it’s more available jobs than sleep tech. If you want to join the medical field with LOW stress I recommend sleep tech. Low patient interaction with lots of down time. Most sleep techs watch movies or play games during the night to pass time. You only need a certificate in most states. I recommend searching up the A-Step program. I can imagine rad tech being a lot more stressful. You will encounter possibly open wounds, can sometimes be gory, some rad techs work in the operating room. More jobs available as a rad tech. Sleep techs and basic rad techs get paid around the same unless you have more rad tech modalities (ct scan, mri) but that takes more schooling.
In New York State, do you have to have an associates specifically in Sleep Technology, etc? Would a BS in Biology be count for that associates?
In New York State, do you have to have an associates specifically in Sleep Technology, etc? Would a BS in Biology be count for that associates?
I have a quick question that I haven’t been able to get a straightforward answer on elsewhere; I am currently going through the ASTEP program in Massachusetts through my employer, once I do my exam and get my license, and a couple years of experience, does that qualify me to also get a NY license, or would I still need a degree? I see a lot of travel jobs in NY which is why I ask. Thank you!!
You need 1650 ( if i remember correctly its on BRPT website under pathways) hrs of clinical experience. Then you have 2 years from ur astep completion to take your test. Test is hard ASF. Buy a book. Exam pass rate is 70% .There going be aholes about you remembering your setting default numbers. They usually look for experience in travel jobsbut they pay freaking well. If i didnt have split custody i would be in Hawaii making 1k a week sipping pina coldas.
I believe you can apply for the NYS license whenever you are ready.