Polysomnographic Technology – Credit Certificate

Program Handbook

Overview

Polysomnographic Technology is a healthcare field that uses diagnostic tests known as sleep studies (polysomnography) to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. Sleep studies are used to gather extensive data concerning an individual’s physiologic activity while sleeping. A Sleep Technologist is the healthcare practitioner who performs and helps interpret these studies. Technologists provide data and make recommendations to physicians specifically trained in Sleep Medicine so that patients can receive appropriate therapy to treat discovered sleep disorders. The program is designed to prepare polysomnographic technologists to work as part of a healthcare team under the general supervision of a licensed physician to assist in the education, evaluation, treatment, and follow up of sleep disorders in patients of all ages. Upon successful completion of the program, completers will be eligible for a national examination offered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) to become credentialed as Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (RPSGT).

Philosophy

Course goals and objectives are determined for each student based on CoA-PSG and CAAHEP standards and required knowledge clusters and learning domains. The goal is to prepare competent practitioners who can function in a rapidly changing healthcare environment as well as pass the RPSGT and/or RST exam.

Education is a continual process whereby learners develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes resulting in cognitive, affective, and psychomotor changes. The faculty facilitates the teaching/learning process through the sequential presentation of concepts, theories, and experimental activities within an environment that promotes mutual trust, critical thinking, and self-development.

Program Learning Outcomes

At the end of the certificate program students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate entry-level cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) competencies required in polysomnography.
2. Display responsible, ethical, and professional patient care.
3. Use effective communication skills.
4. Demonstrate the ability to solve problems and think critically.

Admission Requirements

See College Admission Requirements.

Progression

Once enrolled in the program students are required to:

1. Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
2. Maintain a “C” grade, or higher, in all Polysomnographic Technology coursework.

Any grade lower than a “C” is considered a failure. Students who fail or withdraw from a Polysomnographic Technology course may repeat the course only one time. However, if students fail two PSG courses, the Program Lead reserves the right to dismiss the students from the PSG program.

Requirements for Clinicals

Criminal background checks, drug screens, health records, and titers/immunizations are required prior to the start of the clinical program. Program requirements and instructions are maintained on the College website at https://mercycollege.edu/background. The Policy can be found at https://mercycollege.edu/about/compliance-consumer-information.