Polysomnography (Sleep Medicine) - A.A.S. Degree

Become a Sleep Technician and Help People Get the Rest They Need

Insufficient sleep can cause serious health problems and is at epidemic rates among the U.S. population. It is estimated that 50-70 million Americans regularly experience some type of sleep disruption including insomnia, narcolepsy, apnea and others. Polysomnographic (PSG) Technology is a special branch of allied health that diagnoses and treats sleep disorders. 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 was the first college in the state of Texas to offer an associate of applied science degree in Polysomnography technology. Presently, only two colleges in the state offer this degree. As an ACC Polysomnography student, you will be prepared by highly qualified instructors and equipped with the knowledge and skills required to enter the growing field of sleep medicine.

  

Career Opportunities

The career outlook for Sleep (Polysomnographic) Technicians is positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for medical and clinical laboratory technicians (the category representing Sleep Technicians) are expected to increase 18% between 2014 and 2024. According to salary.com, the average annual salary of a Sleep Technician is $56,778.

ACC graduates have found employment at many regional hospitals and sleep labs including: 

• American Sleep Medicine
• Brazosport Hospital
• Clear Lake Sleep Center
• Kaiser Permanente, California
• Kelsey-Seybold Sleep Lab
• Memorial Hermann Health System
• Texas Children’s Hospital
• UTMB Galveston & Lake Jackson 

For more information on career opportunities in Polysomnography, please visit Career Coach where you can explore the local job market, take a career assessment, and build a resumé.

What Will I Study?

The Polysomnography program at ACC allows students to learn about sleep as a component of health, sleep disorders, and the knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed to become a sleep technologist. The curriculum includes courses in basic health profession skills, anatomy and physiology, sleep disorders, sleep medicine, polysomnographic technology and more. Students also learn about current events, skills, knowledge, and/or attitudes and behaviors pertinent to the field of technology or occupation and relevant to the professional development of the student.

This two-year program begins with the spring term and consists of didactic and clinical experience over the course of 4 semesters. The majority of technical course work for the program is completed on-campus. The clinical experiences are 1-2 nights per week at hospitals and Sleep Centers in the greater Houston area. Graduates are prepared for Board Registration by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT).