Polysomnographic Technology
Don’t Sleep on This Career Option
Enter the fascinating world of sleep science and its importance to our overall health with our Polysomnographic Technology program. You'll learn how to monitor and analyze sleep patterns, diagnose sleep disorders and help patients achieve better rest. Using specialized equipment, you'll gather vital data while patients sleep to aid physicians in treatment decisions. Our program prepares you for a rewarding healthcare career in sleep clinics, hospitals and research facilities.
PROGRAM GOALS
Professional Readiness
You will prepare comprehensively for the board certification exam offered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) to earn the RPSGT credential, positioning yourself for career advancement in the growing field of sleep medicine.
Sleep Study Expertise
You will master all aspects of performing polysomnograms including patient setup, monitoring and data collection while ensuring patient comfort and accurate results.
Technical Proficiency
You will become skilled at interfacing with, operating and troubleshooting specialized sleep monitoring equipment. Develop problem-solving abilities to address technical issues that may arise during overnight studies while maintaining data integrity.
Polysomnographic Technology
Certificate
Locations: Online
Polysomnographic technology is the field focused on monitoring and analyzing sleep patterns to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. Our program teaches you to gather and interpret sleep data adapt and use specialized equipment and educate patients on healthy sleep habits. Sleep technologists prepare data which physicians use to make accurate diagnoses for patients with sleep complaints.
ESTIMATED TUITION
$2,284
CREDIT HOURS
13
PROGRAM LENGTH
3 Terms
SCHEDULE
Part-Time
STARTING TERM
Fall
WHY SCC?
What career opportunities exist in polysomnographic technology?
Our graduates work in sleep centers, hospitals and research facilities. In addition, we prepare you for the RPSGT credential exam, which is the national credential for sleep technologists.
How is SCC's program structured?
Our program is delivered online on a part-time basis, with students taking 6 credit hours in both the fall and spring terms, and 1 credit hour during the summer. It includes 135 hours of hands-on clinical rotations at approved sleep centers. Recognized as one of the most affordable programs in the country, it offers exceptional value and flexibility.
What skills do I need to succeed in this field?
You'll excel if you're detail-oriented, a strong communicator and comfortable working night shifts independently or with small teams. Many students pair this degree with another healthcare degree like Respiratory Care for increased marketability.
What technologies will I learn?
In our interactive, outcomes-focused program, you’ll learn how to identify and manage a wide range of sleep disorders, using the latest tools and techniques in the field. You'll develop the ability to collect and analyze sleep data with precision—and stand out by mastering the Interscorer Reliability (ISR) system from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the global gold standard for sleep professionals.
CAREER OUTCOMES
Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT)
Work in sleep laboratories with advanced certification, supervising sleep studies and analyzing complex cases. After gaining practical work experience, technologists can become registered with the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT).
Sleep Technologist/Polysomnographic Technologist
Monitor and analyze patients' sleep patterns to diagnose disorders under physician supervision. Set up specialized equipment, attach sensors and record data throughout sleep studies.
Sleep Lab Technician/Trainee
Gain experience while working toward full certification in this entry-level position. Responsibilities include scoring sleep studies and working under the supervision of registered technologists.
Next Steps
Program Chair
Additional Resources
- Accreditation
- Getting Started Checklist (PDF)
- Health Statement (PDF)
- Immunization Waiver Form (PDF)
- Essential Functions (PDF)
- CPR Training
- 24-25 Info Sheet (PDF)
- Professional Awareness (PDF)
State Licensure or Certification Requirements
This program’s curriculum is acceptable in all states. Some states do not require licensing for Sleep Technologists, but may have exemptions for Sleep Technologists to practice under the Respiratory Care act for their state. Those states which do have licensing requirements for Sleep Technologists primarily require the RPSGT credential, or a combination of the RPSGT credential, proof of graduating from a CAAHEP program, and having an Associate’s degree or higher. SCC’s program is a CAAHEP program. Please see the chart regarding each state’s acceptance of this program’s curriculum and licensure requirements.
The Polysomnographic Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Polysomnographic Technologist Education (CoAPSG): Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP); 9355 - 113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775; 727-210-2350; www.caahep.org
2018-2023 Positive Placement Average
| 48 | 43 | 70% | 87% | 92.33% |
| Total Graduates |
Total Positive Placement |
Threshold | Percentage Positive Placement |
3-Year Average |
| Graduation Year | 2023 |
2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| Total Graduates | 8 | 8 | 9 | 4 | 0 | 19 |
| # Employed | 7 | 8 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 15 |
| # Continuing Education or Active Military, but NOT Employed | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Postitive Placement | 7 | 8 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 16 |
| Placement Percentage | 88% | 100% | 88.89% | 75% | 0% | 84.21% |
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Institution
Southeast Community College is a State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Institution (NC-SARA) institution. As such, SCC is unable to offer online or distance courses to students in the following areas at this time: American Samoa, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.