Program Code: 6315
The Polysomnography curriculum prepares individuals, working in conjunction with a physician, to perform and interpret sleep studies and to provide comprehensive clinical evaluations that are required for the diagnosis of sleep related disorders.
Students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to perform sleep studies, including recording and interpreting events observed during sleep. Treatment of sleep related disorders and patient education focused on healthy sleep habits will also be discussed.
Accreditation
The Polysomnography Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (www.caahep.org) (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for Polysomnographic Technologists Education (CoA PSG). Instruction is consistent with the curriculum frameworks as administered by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE). Additional information about CAAHEP can be found at caahep.org. CAAHEP is located at 9355 113th Street N. #7709, Seminole, FL 33775. Their phone number is 727-210-2350.
The Committee on Accreditation of Polysomnography Technologists Education (CoA PSG) assures all programs meet educational criteria in order to receive accreditation certification.
Licensure and Certification
Successful completion of all certificate requirements may provide you eligibility to take the Registered Polysomnographic Technologist exam offered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists.
If you are a student who resides outside of Florida, or plan to relocate outside of Florida, Santa Fe College has made the determination that this degree program or curriculum only meets educational requirements for professional licensure in the state of Florida. Please contact the Licensure Board in your state to determine whether this program or curriculum will meet any licensure requirements.
Requirements for Admission
The following prerequisite requirements must be met in order to apply to the Polysomnography Program:
- Be a graduate of an accredited Allied Health or Registered Nursing A.S. program or
- Possess an A.A. degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution AND demonstrate successful completion of BSC2085/L and BSC2086/L.
- Possess a minimum of 2.5 overall college GPA.
All transcripts and coursework must be evaluated and accepted by Santa Fe College prior to the application date in order to qualify for application.
To help protect patients and students, upon acceptance to a Health Science Program, all students must undergo state and federal background checks and show proof of certain immunizations and negative drug screenings as required by clinical affiliates. Students will be provided instructions to complete these tasks at the appropriate time. For more information regarding the application process, please visit the “Before You Apply” webpage.
For more information on program specific expectations and to view the Allied Health Student Handbook, please visit the “Prospective and Current Students” webpage.
See Application Dates and Deadlines and closely review other requirements Before You Apply.
Program Length, Format and Curriculum
The Polysomnography Program spans three semesters with courses meeting in a variety of formats to include: on-campus, on-line, and virtually. In addition, students will conduct overnight clinical internships.
The program core courses is a total of 16.0 credit hours.
The Technical courses must be taken as a cohort in the order indicated below. The prerequisite requirements listed in “Requirements for Admission” may be taken in any order based on course offerings.
Term 1 (6 Credit Hours)
- PSG1800 Polysomnography Technology Clinic 1 (2 Credit Hours)
- PSG1000L Polysomnography Technology Lab 1 (1 Credit Hours)
- PSG1000 Polysomnography Technology (3 Credit Hours)
Term 2 (8 Credit Hours)
- PSG1001 Polysomnography Technology 2 (3 Credit Hours)
- PSG1801 Polysomnography Technology Clinic 2 (5 Credit Hours)
Term 3 (2 Credit Hours)
- PSG1802 Polysomnography Technology Clinic 3 (2 Credit Hours)
Performance Standards
Health Sciences program applicants should possess sufficient physical motor, intellectual, emotion and social/communication skills to provide for patient care, safety and utilization of equipment. Performance standards for the program are outlined below.
Critical Thinking
Standard: Critical thinking sufficient for clinical judgment. Possess satisfactory intellectual and emotional functions to exercise independent judgment and discretion in the safe technical performance of medical imaging.
Examples: Handle multiple priorities and apply reasoning and evaluation skills.
Interpersonal
Standard: Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds.
Examples: Display patience, empathy and concern for others. Deal with fear and hostility in a calm manner. Work with others in stressful situations.
Communication
Standard: Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in prompt, coherent and concise manner. Must be able to follow spontaneous verbal and/or written instructions. Must understand and speak the language fluently enough to exchange ideas, follow directions and covey detailed instructions to others accurately, loudly and quickly. Able to accurately document pertinent information.
Examples: Communicate needs in a prompt, clear and concise manner. Accurately document pertinent information.
Mobility
Standard: Physical abilities sufficient to move independently from room to room and through hallways; maneuver in small places. Must be able to bend, crouch, squat, kneel, balance, reach above head, twist at waist. Must be able to sit and/or walk for extended periods of time.
Examples: Respond promptly to the surgeon’s/patient’s needs, manipulate equipment, lift a minimum of 30lbs, exert a sustained force of 20lbs, push/pull mobile equipment weighing up to 300lbs; participate as a team member of four in moving a 150 pound incapacitated patient; ensure patient safety. Sufficient stamina to work varied shifts including evenings and nights.
Tactile and Motor Skills
Standard: Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to safely and effectively perform job tasks and respond to patient needs.
Examples: Ability to grasp, hold, grip, seize, turn or otherwise manipulate equipment with hands.
Hearing
Standard: Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs.
Examples: Detect and evaluate the sounds of advanced monitors and alarms; monitor patients and communication verbally with patients and other health care providers.
Visual
Standard: Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in polysomnography.
Examples: Observe and monitor patients, manipulate equipment and evaluate physiologic recording of brain waves and other metabolic graphic quality recordings in full and dimmed light.