Health Professions: Polysomnography
Frequently Asked Questions
Know the Facts
- Frequently Asked Questions
Polysomnography is defined as a diagnostic test during which
a number of physiologic variables are measured and recorded during
sleep. Specifically, this diagnostic test captures the simultaneous
recording of the electrical activity of the brain (EEG), eye
movements (EOG), skeletal muscle activation (EMG), and heart
rhythm (ECG/EKG). This profession is used to diagnose many types
of sleep disorders including narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome,
REM behavior disorder, parasomnias, and sleep apnea. In summary,
it is a sleep study that involves recording brain waves for assessing
the quality of sleep, and airflow at the nose and mouth. The
registered sleep technologist sets up the equipment on the patient,
monitors, and scores the sleep test results, which is then interpreted
by the physician.
WHAT DOES A REGISTERED SLEEP TECHNOLOGIST DO?
- sets up the
equipment on the patient,
- monitors, and scores the sleep test
results, which is then interpreted by the physician.
WHAT CREDENTIAL CAN I RECEIVE
UPON GRADUATION?
Tidewater Community College is a Sleep Technology Approved Resource (STAR) Program through the Board for Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT). Below is listed the different pathways available to be eligible to take the BRPT registry exam for Polysomnography. The BRPT eligibility requirements are as follows:
Pathway #1 Clinical Experience
1. Candidates must complete a minimum of 18 months of paid clinical experience where at least 21 hours include on-the-job polysomnography duties performed as direct patient recording and/or scoring.
2. Complete clinical experience within a three (3)-year period prior to the exam.
3. Complete a STAR-designated Self-Study education program within a three (3)-year period prior to the exam.
4. Provide proof of completion of the required STAR education.
5. Submit documentation of secondary education.
Pathway #2 Healthcare Credential
1. Have a minimum of six (6) months of paid clinical work experience where at least 21 hours per week include on-the-job polysomnography duties performed as direct patient recording and/or scoring.
2. Complete clinical experience within a three (3) year period prior to the exam.
3. Submit proff of a current and accepted healthcare credential.
- Candidates must hold one of the following credentials:
i. Nursing - (RN, LPN)
ii. Respiratory Care - (RRT, CRT)
iii. Electroneurodiagnostic - (R.EEG T., R.EP T., CNIM)
iv. Physician's Assistant - (PA)
v. PhD. in a health-related field
vi. Medical Doctor - (MD)
vii. Doctor of Osteopathy - (DO)
viii. Doctor of Chiropractic - (DC)
ix. Paramedic - (EMT-P)
x. Doctor of Dental Surgery - (DDS)
xi. Radiology - (RT, RT R, RT (CT), RT (BD), RT (N)
xii. Certified Hyperbaric Technologist - (CHT)
xiii. Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist - (CNMT)
xiv. Certified Cardiographic Technician - (CCT)
- For a complete listing, please see the BRPT.org website.
Pathway #3 CAAHEP/CoARC Graduate
1. Graduate from an education program in polysomnography accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). CAAHEP and CoARC - accredited programs include stand-alone programs for polysomnography, and add-on programs attached to an electroneurodiagnostic or respiratory care program.
2. Complete education program within a three (3)-year period prior to the exam.
3. Submit proof of graduation from the CAAHEP or CoARC program.
Pathway #4 Focused Training
1. Have a minimum of nine (9) months of paid clinical work experience where at least 21 hours per week includes on-the-job polysomnography duties performed as direct patient recording and/or scoring.
2. Complete clinical experience within a three (3) year period prior to the exam.
3. Complete a STAR-designated Focused education program, OR both a STAR-designated Self-Study education program AND a STAR-designated Focused 2 program, within a three (3) year period prior to the exam.
4. Provide proof of completion of the required STAR program(s).
5. Submit documentation of secondary education.
PATHWAY #1, #2, #3, or #4 Candidates must ALL:
Hold certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) or the equivalent (international only) that remains current at the time of testing. These programs must include a hands-on practical training evaluation segment and you must provide documentation that shows demonstration of skills. A copy of the current BCLS card or the equivalent must be included with the application or separately mailed if applying on line. Note: Online CPR courses DO NOT fulfill this requirement.
AND
Follow the BRPT Standards of Conduct and Policies and Procedures.
The BRPT randomly audits candidate eligibility and may request additional documentation or validation of clinical experience. The signatory of the experience verification section on the application is responsible for verifying any experience the candidate may have had with a previous employer.
WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY INTO THE PROGRAM?
The minimum prerequisite educational requirements include: high
school graduation or GED, and English placement. Students
may require developmental studies, which must be completed before
they are considered for admission to the program. It is recommended
that these tests be taken as early as possible in case developmental
course work is required prior to start of program. Students should
call the Counseling Center at (757) 822-7212 for testing dates.
Previous college transcripts must be sent to Tidewater Community College, Central Records/Office of the Registrar,P.O. Box 9000, Norfolk, VA 23509-9000 to be evaluated for
credit. Students must attend an information session/interview
with program faculty.
Applicants
for Polysomnography may come from individuals already credentialed
in a health care profession such as
- respiratory
therapy,
- licensed practical nurse,
- registered nurse,
- registered
EEG technologist,
- EMT-P, or
- physician
- other
ARE THERE JOBS AVAILABLE?
The field of sleep continues to expand. Salaries are comparable
with other health care professions such as respiratory therapy
and nursing. Salaries vary from a technician to a Registered
Polysomnographer. Employment opportunities include freestanding
sleep labs, physician offices, and Polysomnography labs within
hospitals. Most Polysomnography jobs are night shift positions.
Occupational outlook - Department of Labor
More information on the profession of Polysomnography may be found at www.aastweb.org.
ARE ALL CLASSES OFFERED ONLY DURING THE DAY?
The student can expect to have a mixture of days and nights
for classroom learning and clinical. Cclinical
sites will be located at various labs across the Tidewater area.
All non-Polysomnography classes may
be taken at any campus where the class is offered. For example:
BIO 141 may be taken at any of the TCC campuses or may be transferred from another institution.
MUST COURSES BE TAKEN IN THE
ORDER THEY APPEAR IN THE CURRICULUM?
Yes, you must take all Polysomnography courses
in the order in which they appear in the curriculum.
Each course prepares
you for the next course, and each is offered
only once a year. You may take any non-Polysomnography course
during
the semester
it appears in the curriculum or before that semester.
In order to remain in the Polysomnography program you must
pass
all classes
with a “C” or better.
HOW MANY HOURS A WEEK WILL I BE IN CLASS?
You will attend class an average of 11 hours a week during the
program.Clinical will be an additional 21 hours per week. Of course, if you have already completed any required
course work you will attend class fewer hours.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO
COMPLETE THE POLYSOMNOGRAPHY PROGRAM?
The program is structured to be three semesters in length.
The first semester is non-Polysomnography courses that prepare
the
student for the Polysomnography classes and entry
into the health professions field. For those students who
currently are licensed
as a RRT, CRT, RN, R- EEG technician, EMT-Paramedic
or M.D. may not be required to take the non-Polysomnography
classes.
WHERE ARE THE CLINICAL ASSIGNMENTS IN THE PROGRAM?
Clinicals are scheduled at
many of the sleep labs in the Tidewater area. The student
will be responsible for commuting to the scheduled
clinical site.
ARE THERE ANY COSTS INVOLVED IN THE POLYSOMNOGRAPHY PROGRAM?
In addition to tuition, textbook(s), clinical uniform and membership
in The Association of Polysomnographic Technologists (APT) professional
organization costs, the total cost
exceeding tuition is approximately $300.00. Students are also
responsible for transportation and parking fees involved in commuting
to clinical sites.
ARE THERE SCHOLARSHIPS AND LOANS AVAILABLE TO SELECTED APPLICANTS?
Information on grants, loans and scholarships is available from
the Financial Aid Office and can be reached by calling (757)
822-7292. The Veterans Affairs Office will assist you with your
application if you are eligible for educational benefits and
can be reached by calling (757) 822-7235.
Contact: jferguson@tcc.edu
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