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Polysomnography
Technology--FAQs
What exactly is a polysomnographic
technologist?
A polysomnographic technologist performs, monitors, and scores sleep studies.
People with complaints of snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, restless legs,
and other sleep-related problems have overnight testing performed in sleep labs.
PSG technicians attach several recording devices to the patient. Technnologists
then record the data on a computer overnight while the patient sleeps.
Sleep technnologists often provide therapeutic intervention in cases of severe
sleep apnea. They are also responsible for explaining CPAP and other treatments
for patients with sleep apnea and providing general evaluation on good sleep
hygiene. Can I work full time while going to
school?
This is a time-intensive program; however, it offers evening classes geared
toward part-time students. The evening classes in the spring will consist of
seven hours per week of classroom and 12 hours per week of overnight clinical
time. Students may be able to complete the program while working full time,
although a part time work schedule is ideal.
Will I need to
complete a criminal background check and drug screening for this program?
Yes, in order
to comply with certain state statutes and/or clinical affiliation agreements,
students will be required to complete a criminal background check and drug
screening. Application
forms for criminal background checks may be obtained through the Career Programs
Subdivision Office, B150, and fees paid to the Bursar’s Office. For
information on criminal background application procedures, please contact the
Career Programs Subdivision Office at (708) 974-5708. Deadline dates for
completion of criminal background checks and drug screens will be announced by Program
Coordinators. Will I be able to choose my clinical
assignment?
Efforts will be made to accommodate clinical requests, but you need to be
willing and able to travel to any of the clinical sites, as it will not be
possible to accommodate all requests.
Will I be able to find a job in this
field?
Local hospitals and sleep disorders centers are currently training technologists
on the job at a considerable expense, and have expressed a desire to hire
formally trained technologists. Shortages of qualified technologists exist
throughout this area. Recent changes to the requirements for qualifications for
credentialing will impact the need for formally educated technologists. Do I need a license or registration to be
a sleep technician?
There is no state or national licensure for PSG techs at this time. There is a
national credentialing examination given by the Board for Registered
Polysomnographic Technologists, the BRPT, which earns you the credential RPSGT.
Our curriculum has been developed to be in line with the examination content.
For more information about the BRPT, visit their Web site at www.brpt.org.
What are the program requirements once I'm
accepted?
- Students must earn grade of "C" (2.0) or
better in each required career course
- Students are responsible for
transportation to and from the clinical affiliates
- Students must complete a physical exam and
provide immunization records
- A criminal background check and drug
screening are required
- Students must have health insurance
- Students must have a current American
Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR card. MVCC offers CPR for
Healthcare Provider training through the Workforce Development Division of
the College. The course number is
AH8-039.
Students are financially responsible for the CPR training required. For more
information on CPR for Healthcare Providers, please contact Enza Piech,
Workforce Development, at (708) 974-5536.
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