Polysomnography Technology--FAQs

What exactly is a polysomnographic technologist?
A polysomnographic technologist, or sleep tech, 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 their homes or sleep disorders centers. Sleep technologists attach several recording devices to the patient. Technologists then record the data on a computer overnight while the patient sleeps. Sleep technologists often provide therapeutic intervention in cases of severe sleep apnea. They also are responsible for explaining CPAP and other treatments for patients with sleep apnea and providing general education on good sleep hygiene.

Can I work full-time while going to school?
In a word, no. This is a very time-intensive program that will disrupt your sleep-wake schedule. Courses are offered in the evening and overnight hours, and the program should be considered full-time in terms of the total number of hours of classroom, lab and clinical time. Students are required to attend two 12 hour overnight clinical rotations per week in the spring semester, in addition to classes on campus. Working a full- time job while in clinical will create a level of sleep deprivation that is dangerous for the student and the public. Working full-time, particularly in the spring semester, is strongly discouraged. Please visit and review these links for information on the  effects of sleep deprivation, and the hazards of drowsy driving.

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 Cashier's Office. For information on criminal background application procedures, 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 students need to be willing and able to travel to any of the clinical sites, as it is not possible to accommodate all requests.

Will I be able to find a job in this field?
Some 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 increase 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 www.brpt.org. Once you have successfully completed the program, you are eligible to take the examination.

What are the program requirements once I'm accepted?
Students must:

• Meet the Polysomnography Technical Standards
• Earn grade of "C" (2.0) or better in each required career course
• Be responsible for transportation to and from the clinical affiliates
• Complete a physical exam and provide immunization records
• Successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening
• Have health insurance
• Have a current American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR card. Moraine Valley offers CPR for Healthcare Provider training through the Workforce Development and Community Services Department. The course number is AH8-039. Students are financially responsible for the CPR training required. For more information on CPR for Healthcare Providers, contact Aurora Zwick, Workforce Development, at (708) 974-5735.