Career Studies Certificate Programssomnography

Polysomnographic Technology

Length: Two Semester, 26 Credit Program

Purpose: To prepare selected students to qualify as contributing members of the health care team who will care for patients under the supervision of a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist. The goals of the polysomnographic team are the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of sleep and daytime alertness. The range of sleep disorders is varied, but includes disorders such as narcolepsy, insomnias, sleep apnea, and many others. These technologists operate a variety of sophisticated monitoring devices that: 1) monitor brain activity; 2) muscle and eye movement, 3) respiration and ventilation, 4) blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, as well as other physiologic events related to body function.

Occupational Objectives: Employment opportunities include positions in Sleep Disorders Centers usually located in hospitals or office/clinic settings.

Admission Requirements: In addition to the general admission requirements for admission to the College, entry into this program requires completion of the educational requirements of an accredited respiratory care program and be NBRC Entry-Level Practitioner (CRTT or CRT) certified and at a minimum, Advanced Practitioner (RRT) eligible and/or be employed within a sleep laboratory under medical supervision for a minimum of one year. For those employed in a sleep laboratory and hold no other professional credentials, documentation verifying employment will be required.

Other admission options include any learners accepted into respiratory care will meet all requirements of this certificate, except for the polysomnography courses that can be taken in the final semester of the respiratory care program with Program Director approval.

Others seeking entry into this curriculum shall have completed at the high school level or college equivalent: Algebra I; Algebra II, or Geometry, or Computer Science. Chemistry and Biology are required as well, or can be taken as co-requisites.

Students who have been accepted are required to submit a health certificate
signed by a licensed physician. The physical examination must be completed after receiving notification of acceptance to the program and prior to beginning classes.

Program Requirements: Physical Requirements: This program requires extensive walking, stooping, bending, pushing, pulling, climbing stairs, and lifting. Lifting requirements: up to 50 pounds (22.7 Kg); pushing requirements: up to 25 pounds (11.4 Kg); pulling requirements: up to 250 pounds (113.6 Kg). Further, extensive use of sight, hearing, and speaking is required.

Academic Requirements: Any student receiving a grade less than “C” in any of
the program courses will be placed on Program Probation. That course shall be remediated once with a written contract drafted containing the requirements of the remediation. Dismissal from the program shall result if: 1) the student does not meet the requirements of the probationary contract; 2) the student receives a final grade less that “C” in any program course either during or after the period of Program Probation. A final grade of “F” in any coursework will result in dismissal from the program. Remediated courses must be completed with a final grade of “C” or better.

Clinical and Behavioral Requirements: Selected and supervised learning
experience is required by this program and will be accomplished at selected health care facilities. The student is responsible for transportation to these facilities, as well as any scheduled field trips. Program faculty will observe and evaluate the student’s suitability for the profession. If in the judgment of the Program Faculty the student does not exhibit those behaviors required of the Polysomnographic Technologist, the student may be asked to withdraw from the program.

Other Requirements: The purchase of items such as uniforms, liability insurance and accessories is the financial responsibility of the individual students. Students who elect to take support courses recommended by the Program Director and/or Director of Clinical Education prior to formal acceptance into the program will find this activity to the student’s advantage in subsequent course scheduling.

Criminal Background Checks/Drug Testing:
Background checks for criminal history and sex offender crimes against minors are required for entrance into some clinical agencies. Students with convictions may be prohibited from clinical practice and may not complete the program. Clinical agencies may require drug testing prior to placement of students for clinical rotations. Students with positive drug test results may be prohibited from clinical practice and may not complete the program. Cost for criminal background checks and drug testing will be the responsibility of the student.

Course
Number		 Course Title Lecture
Hours		 Lab
Hours		 Course
Credits
First Semester
NAS 161 Health Science I 3 3 4
RTH 131 Respiratory Care Theory & Procedures I 3 3 4
RTH 145 Pharmacology for Respiratory Care 1 0 1
RTH 245 Pharmacology for Respiratory Care II 2 0 2
TOTAL 9 6 11
Second Semester
NAS 200 Introduction to Neuroanatomy and Physiology 3 0 3
PSG 101 Polysomnography 2 3 4
PSG 103 Polysomnography Record Evaluation 3 0 3
PSG 198 Seminar and Project in Polysomnography 1 0 1
PSG 164 Polysomnography Clinical Procedures 0 16 4
TOTAL 10 19 15

Total Minimum Credits for the Career Studies Certificate in Polysomnography  26