Polysomnographic Technician
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WELCOME:
In January 2009, Southeast Community College’s Respiratory Care program added a Polysomnographic Technician option to the curriculum, in response to the growing need for qualified personnel to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. Sleep centers across the nation are searching for qualified sleep technologists, which is designated by the RPSGT credential. Upon completion of the program, a certificate in Polysomnographic Technology is awarded, and the graduate is eligible to take the Registered Polysomnographic Technologist exam. The Polysomnographic Technician program is available for Respiratory Therapists and Registered Nurses who have an interest in pursuing a career in Sleep Medicine.
MISSION:
The primary mission of SCC’s Polysomnographic Technician program is to graduate competent Registry Eligible Polysomnographic Technologists.OVERVIEW:
The Polysomnographic Technician program is designed with the working adult in mind. It is an online program, where lecture material, assignments and exams are completed via the Internet. Clinical and laboratory coursework is completed at a sleep center that is chosen by the student and approved by SCC faculty.
The program is part-time (9 credit hours per quarter) and two quarters (or 6 months) in length. Clinical and laboratory hours are scheduled by the student and participating sleep center and are generally very flexible. Students are required to attend a two-day workshop at SCC’s Lincoln Campus. Students are responsible for travel and lodging. Upon completion of the program, the graduate earns a certificate in Polysomnographic Technology and is eligible to sit for the Registered Polysomnographic Technologist exam.
The Polysomnographic Technician program curriculum includes analysis of patient information, sleep study acquisition and therapy, scoring sleep studies, fundamentals of sleep disorders and sleep center management. This will prepare the graduate to work in sleep disorder centers located within, or affiliated with, a hospital, or as "freestanding" (in a physician’s office or professional building). Typically, graduates start as entry level technicians where they work three to four 10-12-hour shifts at night. They would probably be responsible for two patients and ensuring quality data is recorded during their studies. Senior technologists typically work daytime hours and are responsible for scoring sleep studies and performing daytime tests.
Entry to the program requires that the student be a graduate of an American Medical Association-approved Respiratory Care program or be a graduate of an accredited Registered Nursing program. A minimum 75% (C+) must be maintained in all courses in order to progress through the program.
Current students are required to attend a two day conference at Southeast Community College-Lincoln Campus. Students are responsible for travel and lodging for the two days.
Requirements:
Individuals making application to SCC’s Polysomnographic Technician program must be a graduate of an accredited Respiratory Care program and/or accredited Registered Nursing program. Special Program Requirements:
1. Proof of a current state license.
2. Criminal background check.
3. Completed health statement.
4. Current BLS (Healthcare Provider).
5. Complete SCC’s online orientation.
6 Health Statement
7 Physicians Lab
8 Immunization Information
CLINICAL EDUCATION:
Students are required to complete 150 contact hours of clinical education. Clinical and laboratory work will be completed in an approved local sleep center. Sleep center approval and contracts will be completed on an individual basis.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Complete all online assignments, discussions and quiz/exams by the specified date.
2. Submit original work. Cheating will not be tolerated.
3. Follow proper netiquette (etiquette governing communication on the Internet) procedures.
4. Attend the two-day seminar in order to graduate.
5. Abide by HIPPA regulations.
6. Maintain professional standards according to your licensing body.
7. Play an active role in their learning process.
JOB OUTLOOK:
Currently there are more than 7,000 Registered Polysomnographic Technologists internationally. The average salary is between $16.25 per hour and $26.25 per hour, with benefits such as medical insurance, life insurance, dental insurance, and vacation days offered in 99 percent of Polysomnography positions. Sign-on bonuses are offered to approximately 14 percent of Polysomnography positions. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the number of jobs in this field is expected to grow rapidly through 2016, due to an increase in interest in sleep disorders and the detrimental affects they can cause. Also, there is an increase in available treatment options, diagnostic tools and areas of research. Pediatric sleep medicine also is growing and is an area in which a polysomnographer can specialize.