Program Description
Polysomnographic (PSG) Technology is an allied health specialty for the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of sleep and daytime alertness. The range of sleep disorders is varied but includes narcolepsy, sleep apnea, insomnia, and many others. PSG technologists operate a variety of electronic monitoring devices that record brain activity (EEG), muscle and eye movement, respiration, and blood oxygen levels. Technologists also help evaluate treatment methods.
ACC offers the only accredited associate degree in polysomnography technology and accredited advanced technical certificate in the Houston area. It is one of only three such programs in the entire state of Texas. The associate degree program prepares students to take the national examination given by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT).
The programs are approved through the Committee on Accreditation for Polysomnographic Technologist Educations (CoA-PSG) 6 Knoll Pine Drive, Beverly, MA 01915-1425. Phone: (774) 855-4100 Web: http://www.coapsg.org/
To learn more about the Polysomnography/Sleep Medicine Program, please attend one of our information sessions. Information Session Schedule
Program Requirements
Associate Degree
- To be considered for admission to the Polysomnography program, the applicant must:
a. Make application to Alvin Community College and fulfill the admission requirements.
b. Make application to the Polysomnography program by November 15th.
c. Submit official transcripts from other colleges attended with application.
d. Score a composite of 19 or higher on the ACT, or combined math/verbal of 900 or higher on the SAT (test must be within 5 years of time of application) and complete the following pre-requisites: ENGL 1301, BIOL 2401, MATH 1314 or MATH 1333, HITT 1305, HPRS 1304.
e. Complete physical examination and immunization upon acceptance.
f. Not currently be on suspension or academic probation.
g. Current CPR certification – AHA Health Care Provider (will be taught in HPRS 1304).
h. Background checks and drug screens are conducted as a condition of full acceptance into the Polysomnography Program.
Advanced Technical Certificate
- To be considered for admission to the Polysomnography program, the applicant must:
a. Make application to Alvin Community College and fulfill the admission requirements.
b. Make application to the Polysomnography program.
c.Have an Associate Degree in an Allied Health field.
d. Submit official transcripts from college where above degree was granted.
e. Submit appropriate state licensure and/or credentials from one of the disciplines in (c) above.
f. Complete physical examination and immunization upon acceptance
g. Not currently be on suspension or academic probation.
h. Current CPR certification – AHA Health Care Provider
i. Background checks are conducted as a condition of full acceptance into the Polysomnography Program.
Career Opportunities
One of the newest and most exciting careers in health care is the study of sleep disorders – known formally as Polysomnography. Alvin Community College is the first and only college in the Houston metro area to offer an associate degree in Polysomnography.
There is a tremendous shortage of qualified people in this field. And with new sleep labs opening every year, that shortage will continue. Sleep labs prefer to hire trained and registered technicians rather than inexperienced applicants that must be trained on the job.
Let Alvin Community College give you an advantage with the skills and experience you need to take the national exam and start your career as a registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT).
Current salaries for a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist are in the range of $46,000 and up. No prior healthcare experience is needed to apply for the ACC Polysomnography program.
Additional Resources:
- Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT): www.brpt.org
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM): www.aasmnet.org
- American Association of Sleep Technologists (AAST): www.aastweb.org
For more information call:
Georgette Goodwill RPSGT,R.EEG.T, RDCS, RVT
Program Director Polysomnography, Alvin Community College
Room S249
Tel. 281-756-5655
Fax. 281-756-5606
ggoodwill@alvincollege.edu
Alvin Community College
3110 Mustang Road • Alvin, TX 77511
281.756.3500
For accommodations: 281.756.3531
TDD: 281.756.3845
