Polysomnography
The Polysomnography program prepares individuals with the knowledge and skills to critically assess, plan, implement and evaluate clinical care and management of sleep disorders and daytime alertness.
Students in this program learn to use sleep technology as part of a team, under the general supervision of a licensed physician, by applying a unique body of knowledge and methodological skills involved in the education, evaluation, treatment, and follow-up of sleep disorders in patients of all ages. The curriculum includes instruction in performing tests such as the Polysomnogram, PAP Titration Studies, Multiple Sleep Latency Test, Maintenance of Wakefulness Test, Actigraphy, Home Sleep Testing, and others used by a physician to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. These tests include the recording, monitoring and analysis of electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), electrooculography (EOG), electrocardiography (ECG), respiration, blood oxygen levels, and other physiological parameters. Testing procedures may involve the application and adjustment of therapeutic modalities such as supplemental oxygen or positive airway pressure and include application of techniques, equipment, and procedures that are safe, aseptic, preventative, and restorative. Interpretive knowledge is required to recognize and respond to respiratory, cardiac, or behavioral events that may occur during testing procedures. Students also learn to provide support services related to the ongoing treatment of sleep-related problems. The professional realm of this support includes patient instruction on the use of devices for the treatment of breathing problems during sleep and helping individuals develop sleeping habits that promote good sleep hygiene.
Polysomnographic Technologists may be employed in facility-based or private sleep diagnostic and treatment centers, durable medical equipment companies, medical specialty sales, research, and more.
For specific information about potential positions and wages in polysomnography employment, visit the Central Piedmont Career Coach website.
Polysomnography (A45670)
Degree Awarded
The Associate in Applied Science Degree – Polysomnography is awarded by the college upon completion of this program.
Admissions
- Complete an admissions application to Central Piedmont.
- Submit high school transcripts, as well as any college transcripts, to Admissions, Records & Registration.
- Take the required placement tests.
- Complete any required Developmental classes with a “C” or better.
- Complete and submit a Polysomnography admissions packet.
- Applications must present evidence of good physical and mental health appropriate for students to meet the clinical standards of the profession. A physical examination documenting the applicant’s ability to complete all program requirements is required.
- Students must be selected to enter the Polysomnography program. Upon acceptance and enrollment in the program, students must take all courses as scheduled and sequenced.
- Continued progression in the program requires a grade of “C” or better in each PSG prefix course in each semester.
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Many courses have prerequisites or co-requisites; check the Courses section for details.
Please refer to enrollment instruction for a degree or transfer student under the Admissions Enroll Now tab.
In any Associate Degree Health Sciences program for which there are more applicants who have completed pre-admission requirements than there are positions, admission points are assigned according to the applicant’s documented record. Criteria for selection include scores on the past academic performance, and experience in the field of interest.
Additional Expenses and Requirements
In addition to tuition and textbooks, costs of this program include uniforms, and professional shoes, a physical examination including immunizations and drug screening.
A student must provide documentation of both health-related and accident insurance.
In order to participate in clinical education experiences at health care facilities, students may be required to submit results of a North Carolina state or national criminal background check at their own expense. As a condition of program admission, students may be required to verify that they are United States citizens or are otherwise legally authorized residents of the United States.
All students are required to be certified in Health Care provider B.L.S. CPR.
Contact Information
The Polysomnography program is in the Therapy and Acute Care Division. For more information, visit the Polysomnography website. For further assistance, contact the program chair at 704-330-2722, ext. 3245.
Polysomnography (A45670)
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| ENG 112 | Writing and Research in the Disciplines | 3.0 |
| or ENG 114 | Professional Research & Reporting | |
| or ENG 113 | Literature-Based Research | |
| MAT 143 | Quantitative Literacy | 3.0 |
| PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| Take 3.0 credits from the following courses: | 3.0 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Art History Survey I | ||
| Art History Survey II | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| Cultural Studies | ||
| Myth in Human Culture | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Introduction to Jazz | ||
| Philosophical Issues | ||
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| World Religions | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| PSG 110 | Intro to Polysomnography | 4.0 |
| PSG 111 | Neuro/Cardiopulmonary A&P | 4.0 |
| PSG 113 | Polysomnography Instrumentation | 3.0 |
| PSG 210 | Polysomnography I | 7.0 |
| PSG 211 | Polysomnography II | 7.0 |
| PSG 112 | Polysomnography Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| PSG 114 | Polysomnography Clinical Education I | 3.0 |
| PSG 212 | Infant/Pediatric Polysomnography | 4.0 |
| PSG 213 | Case Study/Exam Review | 1.0 |
| PSG 214 | PSG Clinical Applications I | 1.0 |
| PSG 215 | PSG Clinical Applications II | 1.0 |
| MED 118 | Medical Law and Ethics | 2.0 |
| MED 120 | Survey of Medical Terminology | 2.0 |
| or MED 121 | Medical Terminology I | |
| BIO 163 | Basic Anatomy & Physiology | 5.0 |
| CIS 110 | Introduction to Computers | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 66 | |
The following is the suggested sequence for when to take each course to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree, based on the program requirements of the 2022-2023 catalog. This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order if you need to. This sequence is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with an advisor about the sequence and any questions. This program does not offer diplomas or certificates at this time; visit the catalog or contact the program for details.
Courses
PSG 110. Intro to Polysomnography. 4.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces the polysomnography profession. Topics include the history of the profession and role of the polysomnographic technologist, communication, time management, infection control, basic patient assessment, and medical gas therapy. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in concepts through written and laboratory evaluations.
PSG 111. Neuro/Cardiopulmonary A&P. 4.0 Credits. Class-4.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides a concentrated study of anatomy and physiology essential to the practice of polysomnography. Emphasis is placed on the physiology of the nervous, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems and basic pharmacological principles. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in concepts through written evaluation.
PSG 112. Polysomnography Fundamentals. 3.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides the knowledge and skills necessary to manage/function in a polysomnographic laboratory. Topics include recordkeeping, scheduling techniques, creation/implementation of departmental policies, reimbursement, the technologist's role as sleep advocate, and case management/patient education. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in concepts through written evaluation.
PSG 113. Polysomnography Instrumentation. 3.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of sleep technology electrical equipment and recording of bio-electric potentials. Topics include Ohm's Law; common mode rejection; components related to recording bio-electric potentials; function and application of sleep technology equipment; and construct/verify montages. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in polysomnography equipment, instrumentation, recording of bioelectric potential concepts, and ancillary electrical signals through written and laboratory evaluations.
PSG 114. Polysomnography Clinical Education I. 3.0 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-9.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides orientation to the polysomnography clinical environment. Emphasis is placed on work flows, reviewing patient charts and orders, patient preparation and hook-ups, and proper time management. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate successful completion of polysomnography clinical learning outcomes.
PSG 210. Polysomnography I. 7.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-9.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course provides entry-level didactic, laboratory, and clinical training in polysomnography. Emphasis is placed on medical terminology, instrumentation setup and calibration, recording and monitoring techniques, and patient-technologist interactions. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in concepts and procedures through written, laboratory and clinical evaluations.
PSG 211. Polysomnography II. 7.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-9.0. Lab-6.0. Work-0.0
This course provides advanced-level didactic, laboratory, and clinical training in polysomnography. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain and evaluate high quality sleep recordings. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in concepts and procedures through written, laboratory and clinical evaluations.
PSG 212. Infant/Pediatric Polysomnography. 4.0 Credits. Class-3.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course provides the knowledge and skills to perform and score polysomnographic procedures on infants and pediatric patients. Emphasis is placed on infant/pediatric assessment, monitoring, and sleep disorders. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in concepts through written and laboratory evaluations.
PSG 213. Case Study/Exam Review. 1.0 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-3.0. Work-0.0
This course provides an opportunity to review clinical cases and prepare for the polysomnography credentialing exam. Emphasis is placed on case management and review for the Registered Polysomnographic Technologist Exam. Upon completion, students should be able to successfully complete practice exams.
PSG 214. PSG Clinical Applications I. 1.0 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course provides practical application of theories covered in previous PSG courses. Emphasis is placed on polysomnography testing and procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence through laboratory evaluation.
PSG 215. PSG Clinical Applications II. 1.0 Credit. Class-0.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course provides practical application of theories covered in previous PSG courses. Emphasis is placed on polysomnography testing and procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence through laboratory evaluation.