In January 2009, SCC’s Respiratory Care program added a Polysomnographic Technology 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 Technology program is available for respiratory therapists and registered nurses who have an interest in pursuing a career in sleep medicine.
Location Offered: Lincoln, Online
Overview
The Polysomnographic Technology program was 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 are 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 generally are very flexible. Students are required to attend a two-day workshop at SCC’s Lincoln Campus. Travel and lodging is the responsibility of the student. The Polysomnographic Technology 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 disorders centers that are located within or affiliated with a hospital, or as “freestanding” (in a physician’s office or professional building). Typically, the graduate would start as an entry level technician, where they would work three to four 10- to 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 AMA-approved Respiratory Care program or graduate of an accredited Registered Nurse program with proof of current license. The Polysomnographic Technology program is accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs on recommendation of the:
CoAPSG
6 Pine Knoll Dr.
Beverly, MA 01915-1425
(774) 855-4100
Mission
The mission of the Polysomnographic Technology program is to graduate competent registry-eligible polysomnographic technologists.
Job Outlook
Currently there are more than 7,000 registered polysomnographic technologists internationally. Sign-on bonuses are offered in approximately 14 percent of Polysomnography positions. 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. Recent graduates report an average salary of $24.50 per hour, with a high salary of $29.75 per hour.