Open House at GCC November 11 - Learn About Polysomnographic Sleep Technology

Polysomnographic Sleep Technologists are in Demand and GCC is the Only Program in the State That Has This Program 

Come to an Open House at GCC in Batavia on Friday, November 11 at 9am and Learn About a Hot Career Opportunity in The Study of Sleep Disorders - CALL 1-888-CALL-GCC

From sleep apnea to narcolepsy and insomnia—there are 84 different classifications of sleep disorders, and more than 70 million Americans suffer from some aspect of them. In fact, sleep disorders have become one of the fastest growing health concerns today, particularly with its connection to obesity, which is another significant health problem facing our nation.

The American Board of Sleep Medicine wants people to know there is an increased need for trained sleep technologists. To meet the demand, Genesee Community College (GCC) developed a Polysomnographic Technology curriculum for the evaluation and diagnosis of sleep disorders. It is the only such program in the state, and with more than 60 registered sleep clinics in New York alone, polysomnographic technology is becoming an attractive career.

Polysomnographic technologists work closely with physicians to assist in the diagnosis of sleep-related problems and provide support services to patients. Typically, they work in sleep laboratories or clinics where patients can be observed closely. Technologists monitor patients’ breathing, blood oxygen levels, brain waves, and other clinical variables using a variety of specialized equipment to assist in diagnosis. They also counsel patients in the use of respiratory and sleep devices that aid in sleep hygiene.

To become a credentialed polysomnographic technologist, students must complete a 66-credit program in four semesters. Courses include Anatomy and Physiology, Sleep Medicine, Sleep Study Instrumentation, Sleep Disorders, Psychology, and more. Two clinical practice courses allow students to apply newly learned skills in a local sleep clinic. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the national Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) examination.

Marshann Thomas, Director of the GCC program confirms the shortage of technologists, and confides, “Last semester we lost half our class before they could complete the program because prospective employers hired them prior to graduation.” She says, “Employers tell us GCC students with just one year of training make better employees than those who haven’t had any training at all.” But Thomas predicts that will change in January 2012 when New York State is expected to require licensing of all polysomnographic technologists.

Thomas encourages prospective students to enter this exciting field, and responds to some of their concerns, particularly with respect to pursuing a career working evenings. Thomas says this is changing because many sleep labs conduct studies during the day for shift workers or those who have neurological conditions such as narcolepsy or epilepsy. She adds that many in the career can work extended evening hours in order to have several days off in a row. “Like anything else,” she says, “it’s important to realize there is a career ladder, and those starting out need to gain experience in a lab during evening hours to gain credentials before advancing to the day shift.”

Marshann Thomas, EdM, RPSGT, RRT is the Director of the first and only Polysomnographic Technology Program in New York State. She has extensive teaching and clinical experience in sleep technology and respiratory therapy. Contact her at 585-343-0055 x6188 or at mythomas@genesee.edu and visit www.genesee.edu. Additional information about polysomnographic technologists is available at www.aastweb.org.