As sleep medicine has become a recognized medical subspecialty, sleep centers have turned down the sheets and welcomed people with suspected sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy and a myriad of other sleep disorders. To meet the growing demand for sleep studies (polysomnograms), JCCC offers an associate of applied science degree in polysomnography/sleep technology.

According to Dr. Clarissa Craig, dean, health care professions and wellness, sleep medicine has come to the forefront for two reasons: one, evidence that sleep disorders correlate to medical conditions like heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity; and two, private health insurance providers that now offer reimbursement for sleep technology services.

Historically, other health care workers (nurses or respiratory therapists) or people who have had on-the-job training have taken on the role of sleep lab technicians.

"But this is a profession that requires its own set of skills, knowledge and expertise," Craig said.

People who experience excessive daytime sleepiness or who have restless and non-restorative sleep are likely to have a sleep disorder. They may have extremely fragmented sleep due to pauses in breathing, limb twitches or even poor sleep habits.

Working under a physician's supervision, PSG technologists evaluate the patient's sleep using noninvasive monitoring equipment to watch for irregularities in brain waves, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, breathing variables, heart rate and rhythm, and limb movements; interpret sleep stages to ensure adequate sleep architecture; and titrate appropriate therapies like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

"Even in the first semester, students will complete observational experiences in sleep labs so they understand the hours and the work," Craig said.

Graduates of the program will enter the field as polysomnographic technicians and will be prepared to sit for the national exam administered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) to gain the Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) credential.

"There are only a handful of associate degree programs in polysomnography at community colleges and university medical centers in the United States," Craig said. "There are none in the metropolitan area; the nearest is in Iowa. Students who graduate from our program will have a good formal education and be a hot commodity in the job market."

For more information, contact Chad Sanner, 913-469-7655, csanner@jccc.edu.