Polysomnography Technology

Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP) and the Committee on Accreditation of Polysomnographic Technologist Education (CoAPSG). For more information, please visit www.caahep.org.

Polysomnography Technical Standards
Polysomnographic Technologists are required to work overnight shifts, and as students of the polysomnography program, you will be required to attend clinical rotations during the overnight hours one day per week. Careful consideration of your ability and willingness to work the night shift is recommended before beginning this program. For more information about shift work, visit:
http://www.sleepfoundation.org/site/apps/nlnet/content.aspx?c=huIXKjM0IxF&b=2457455&ct=3501381

In addition to attending ten to twelve hour overnight shifts, polysomnographic technology students must meet the following technical standards in order to successfully complete the program and function in the capacity of a technologist.

Use digital fine motor skills with both hands continually throughout the shift. Tasks include writing, measuring, connecting small pieces of equipment, assessing pulse and blood pressure, attaching equipment to patients.

Help patients in and out of beds and chairs.

Stand and walk to and from patient care areas throughout the shift.

Push and pull heavy objects such as recliners, beds, wheelchairs and computers.

See clearly enough to read hand-written and computer generated communication. Able to view small objects clearly on a computer screen continuously for extended time periods, i.e. six hours. See clearly enough to connect small pieces of equipment.

Hear patient voices, equipment alarms, intercom sounds, and telephone rings and voices clearly enough to understand them.

Interact appropriately, and communicate clearly with patients, physicians, peers, and supervisors.

Function safely and effectively in stressful situations and seek assistance when needed.

Apply safety and infection control standards required to maintain a safe and clean environment for patients, staff, and self.

Maintain proper dress code and personal hygiene required for close contact with patients and others.

Program Mission
The mission of the Polysomnography Technology program at Moraine Valley Community College is to provide an outstanding educational opportunity for students to become competent, ethical, professional polysomnographic technologists.

Program Goals
The Polysomnography program will:

1. Prepare competent entry-level polysomnographic technologists in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains.
2. Meet or exceed all Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Polysomnographic Technology as defined by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
3. Provide a positive, stimulating intellectual, social, and ethical environment in which students can learn.
4. Promote the desire for lifelong learning and professional growth and excellence.
5. Promote the principles of respect for diversity among members of the community.
6. Provide the community with individuals qualified to perform polysomnographic procedures and advocate for improved quality of sleep and wakefulness in a professional and compassionate way.

The program graduate will:

1. Demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills and behaviors of Polysomnography as described in the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists comprehensive RPSGT examination detailed content outline.
2. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct essential of health care workers and as established by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists.
3. Actively participate in professional organizations and advance the field of Polysomnography through leadership and advocacy.
4. Anticipate and respond to the needs of a diverse patient population in a competent, caring manner.