Polysomnography
Polysomnography program graduates perform sleep diagnostics to provide comprehensive clinical evaluations that are required for the diagnosis of sleep disorders.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Polysomnography program is currently teaching out all enrolled students. Program closure is planned for May 31, 2023. This includes Polysomnography Associates Degree, Diploma, and Polysomnography Bridge Program.
The Polysomnography (PSG) program at Catawba Valley Community College is offered in collaboration with Central Piedmont Community College. The program offers students the opportunity to take general education courses at Catawba Valley Community College online or in-person then transfer to Central Piedmont to complete the PSG program. The PSG program will offer synchronous lectures and on campus labs periodically throughout the semester. The program's clinical component offers opportunities to complete those hours at our local community health partners.
Polysomnography Technologists perform sleep diagnostics working in conjunction with physicians to provide comprehensive clinical evaluations that are required for the diagnosis of sleep disorders. By applying non-invasive monitoring equipment, the technologist simultaneously monitors EEG (electroencephalography), EOG (electrooculography), EMG (electromyography), ECG (electrocardiography), multiple breathing variables, and blood oxygen levels during sleep. Interpretive knowledge is required to provide sufficient monitoring diligence to recording parameters and the clinical events observed during sleep. Technologists provide supportive services related to the ongoing treatment of sleep related problems. The professional realm of this support includes guidance on the use of devices for the treatment of breathing problems during sleep and helping individuals develop sleeping habits that promote good sleep hygiene.
There are two different curriculum options in Polysomnography. The first is an AAS that begins in the fall semester. Admission to the program is based upon completion of all minimum requirements as listed in the application packet through student services. The second is a certificate option where applicants must have a minimum associate degree in an allied health field from an accredited college or university; successfully completed coursework in human anatomy and physiology; and current Basic Life Support (BLS).
Do Polysomnography Technologists have to take a national board exam in order to become credentialed?
Yes. The exam is called the Comprehensive Registry Examination for Polysomnography Technologists and is administered by the Board of Registered Polysomnography Technologists. Upon successful completion, the R-PSGT credential is awarded.
Career Opportunities
Employment opportunities for technologists are abundant and expected to continue to grow in the coming years. This growth is due to the increasing awareness of the ability to diagnose and treat sleep disorders and the risks posed by a sleep disorder that is undiagnosed and untreated. Sleep centers may be located in hospitals or independent, free-standing sleep testing facilities directed by board certified sleep physicians.
Program Information
Program Options
Program Options
- Polysomnography, AAS
- Polysomnography Associate Degree Bridge Program, AAS
- Polysomnography Certificate
Please see the catalog for more information about the degree option in this curriculum.
Related Programs
Related Programs
Information
Information
Admissions Information
» 2015 PSG Yearly Outcomes — 100% Placement
» Student Medical Forms (Please do not submit these to CVCC.)
Bridge Program Information
Are you a registered Polysomnography Technologists in good standing with the Board looking for an affordable, convenient way to earn your associate degree? CVCC now offers a Bridge Program for practicing technologists. Earn college credit based on work experience through advance placement testing.
All courses will be offered in an online format and can be started throughout the year.
Bridge Program Admissions Information
» How to Request Official Transcripts for CVCC
Course Schedule
The courses for the Polysomnography curriculum are designed so that each semester’s requirements must be met before proceeding into the next semester. Instruction is performed in classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings and via distance education. The class and lab portions of each course will be completed prior to the clinical portion. The clinical portion will include day and night rotations and will generally be 8 to 12 hours in length.
Clinical Practice
The purpose of clinical practice is to provide students an opportunity to gain experience in performing polysomnography while supervised by a clinical instructor.
| Facility | Location |
|---|---|
| Catawba Valley Medical Center | Hickory, NC |
| Frye Regional Medical Center | Hickory, NC |
| Caldwell Memorial Hospital | Lenoir, NC |
| Neurology Associates | Hickory, NC |
| WFUBMC | Winston Salem, NC |
| High Point Regional | High Point, NC |
| Mission St. Joseph’s | Asheville, NC |
| Wesley Long Hospital | Greensboro, NC |
| Cleveland Regional | Shelby, NC |
| Carolina Sleep Services | Shelby, NC |
Special Note
Contracts between CVCC and the clinical facilities specify the conditions upon which students may be allowed to participate in clinical practice. As a result, students may be required to complete a criminal background check and/or drug test prior to or during participation in clinical practice. Pending the outcome of the criminal background check and/or drug test, students may not be able to be assigned to the clinical facilities which will result in the student’s inability to complete the program.
ValleySim Hospital
CVCC uses state-of the are facility and equipment. Many of our training services are located and facilitated by the CVCC ValleySim Hospital.
Technical Standards
Technical Standards
The following activities are examples of the kind of activities which a student in the Polysomnography (PSG) program will be required to perform in order to successfully complete the program.
| Issue | Standard | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | The PSG student should possess critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment. | Student must be able to identify cause-effect relationships in clinical situations. |
| Interpersonal Skills | The PSG student shall possess interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, groups, etc. from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds. | Student shall establish rapport with clients/patients and health care team members. |
| Communication Skills | The PSG student shall possess communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form. | Explain procedures, document, and interpret technical actions and patient/client responses. |
| Mobility | The PSG student shall possess physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces, stand and walk for extensive periods of time. | Moves around in patients' rooms, work spaces and treatment areas, and administer cardiopulmonary procedures. |
| Motor Skills | The PSG student shall possess gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective care. | Calibrate and use equipment and position patients/clients. |
| Hearing | The PSG student shall possess auditory ability, sufficient to monitor and assess health needs. | Hear monitor alarms, emergency signals, cries for help. |
| Visual | The PSG student shall possess visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in care. | Observe patient/client responses, see calibration of equipment, and assess patient. |
| Tactile | The PSG student shall possess tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment. | Perform palpation, application of electrodes. |
| Weight-Bearing | The PSG student shall possess ability to lift and manipulate/move 45-50 pounds, weekly and sometimes daily. | Position patients/clients, move equipment. |
| Cognitive Abilities | The PSG student shall possess ability to be oriented to time, place and person and organize responsibilities, make decisions. | Student shall assess client/patient complaints and implement appropriate plans. |
| Occupational Exposures | The allied health/PSG student may be exposed to communicable diseases and/or body fluids, toxic substances, medical preparations, and latex. Students shall use appropriate precautions at all times. | Student may be assigned a client/patient with a communicable disease and shall provide total care using universal precautions. |
Please note: Examples are not all inclusive.
If you have a disability and need accommodations, please contact the Counselor/Students with Disabilities Program at least 72 hours in advance at (828) 327-7000, ext. 4222 or accommodations@cvcc.edu
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Polysomnographic technologists prepare patients for procedures, obtain medical histories, and perform diagnostic sleep studies. They develop a good rapport with their patients and comfort them and treat problems encountered during the recording procedure, which can last 8 hours for an overnight sleep study. They act as eyes and ears for specially trained doctors who later review and interpret the data. Considerable individual initiative, reasoning skill, and sound judgment are expected of the polysomnographic technologist.
What Employment Opportunities are available?
Polysomnographic technologists may work in hospitals, sleep labs, home settings, or physicians’ offices.
What is the class schedule/length for the Polysomnography Program?
The program may take 4-5 semesters, depending on a student’s coursework. Polysomnography classes are held during the day and students are expected to participate in classroom, laboratory and clinical rotations. Clinical rotations occur during evening hours. Polysomnography is offered in a hybrid (online and seated) format. A total of 288 clinical hours are required in the program. Upon completion of the Polysomnography program, graduates are eligible to apply to take the registry exam offered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT).
Please note
Carefully read the information below regarding background checks, drug testing, and the result of a negative background check. Applicants may only use CastleBranch, a background screening and compliance management company, for background checks/drug screenings.
- Clinical facilities will require students to undergo criminal background checks and drug testing.
- The student will be required to pay fees associated with these screenings.
- Clinical facilities may refuse access to clinical experiences based on the criminal background checks and/or drug testing.
- If any clinical facility refuses to allow a student access to a clinical experience, the student will be unable to continue in the program.
Admission
The Polysomnography program begins in the Fall Semester. Admission to the program is based upon receipt of the CVCC application for admission in student services. Completion of all minimum requirements, as listed on the attached “Minimum Requirements” sheet, the number of vacancies in the program, and the competitive selection process. To begin the admissions process, complete the CVCC Application for Admissions and return it to the College.
Costs
College tuition is set by the North Carolina State Legislature and is subject to change. The current tuition, activity fees, insurance, and books for the program will be approximately $7,000. This figure is an approximate cost. Students will also have additional expenses for the program, which are shown on the enclosed cost sheet.
» Polysomnography Program Additional Cost
Financial Aid
All applicants are encouraged to apply for financial aid. To determine eligibility, an applicant must first complete the “Free Application for Federal Student Aid”. For information on financial aid and scholarships, contact the Financial Aid Office at (828) 327-7000, ext. 4214 or 4450.
Who is eligible to apply for the program?
There are two different curriculum options in Polysomnography. The first option is an AAS program. Admission to the program is based upon completion of all minimum requirements as listed in the application packet through student services. The second is a certificate option where applicants must have a minimum associate degree in an allied health field from an accredited college or university, successfully completed coursework in human anatomy and physiology, and current Basic Life Support (BLS).
When should I apply for the program?
Applications are currently being accepted for the program. Complete the Apply Now process and meet with a counselor in Student Services. To see all admission criteria, see the Polysomnography Admission Packet.
How are students selected for admission into the program?
Admission to the program is based upon completion of all Minimum Admission Requirements (MAR) by the deadline, the number of vacancies in the program, and the competitive selection process.
How hard are the courses?
Standards for the program are high and the coursework is varied and demanding, which may be challenging for even “A” students. Although it is not necessary, a background in respiratory care or electroneurodiagnostics can be beneficial.
Are graduates of the CVCC program eligible to take the national board exam?
After successful completion of the program, graduates will have met the educational requirements necessary to take the Comprehensive Registry Examination for Polysomnographic Technologists administered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists.
Can I work while I am enrolled in the program?
The intensity of the courses should not make it difficult for students to work while enrolled in the program.
Can a Polysomnography student receive financial assistance?
Qualified students may receive financial assistance to help cover expenses of attending college. To learn more about these financial assistance opportunities, contact the program faculty.
Career Outlook
Polysomnography: Career Outlook
CONTACT INFORMATION
For questions regarding admissions requirements, contact:
Admissions
healthcare@cvcc.edu
(828) 327-7000, ext. 4216