Online Polysomnography Training Programs and Courses
Polysomnography is the study of sleep theory and clinical evaluation of sleep disorders. Learn about online courses and certificate programs that could help you enter this field.
What You Need to Know
It's possible to become a polysomnographer in less than a year by taking the majority of your classes via distance learning. These courses are usually part of a polysomnography or polysomnographic technology certificate or AAS program.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Courses</b></td><td> Basic ECG recognition and testing, pathology of sleep disorders, the physiology of sleep, pediatric/neonatal polysomnography, medical terminology, clinical polysomnographic technology</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Training Programs</b></td><td> Polysomnography/polysomnographic certificate, Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in polysomnographic technology</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Options</b></td><td> Web classes, sleep lab prep; clinical training</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: brpt.org, aasmnet.org</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatKindsOfTrainingProgramsAreAvailable">What Kinds of Training Programs Are Available?</h3><p>In order to become a polysomnographic technologist, you may enroll in a polysomnographic technology certificate program or earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in polysomnographic technology. Web classes provide you with the basic methods and theories behind sleep disorder studies. You'll learn how and why to conduct clinical tests and prepare for work in a sleep lab. During your clinical training, you'll practice monitoring patients' blood pressure, breathing patterns and eye movements while they sleep.
</p><p>You may also complete a self-directed online training program available on the American Academy of Sleep Medicine website. This is an accredited sleep technology education program that fulfills some of the requirements for Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) certification.
</p><p>Most programs require completion of a clinical component; this might include supervised practicums in a hospital or sleep lab setting. Sleep labs are specialized facilities where a patient's vital signs, muscle movements and brain waves are monitored and recorded by sleep technicians. Hands-on training with real patients fulfills the experience requirement for the BRPT certification exam.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatDoOnlineCoursesCover">What Do Online Courses Cover?</h3><p>As part of your study, you might cover topics such as the following:
</p><ul><li>Sleep disorders in women
</li><li>The physiology of sleep
</li><li>The fundamentals of PSG and patient care
</li><li>Clinical sleep educator
</li><li>Human anatomy and physiology
</li><li>Neonatal and pediatric polysomnography
</li><li>Medical terminology
</li><li>Clinical polysomnographic technology
</li></ul><h3 id="section---DoINeedToBeCertified">Do I Need to Be Certified?</h3><p>Once you complete an accredited certificate program, obtain cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification and have at least three months of professional experience, you're eligible to sit for the exam to become a BRPT Certified Polysomnographic Technologist (CPSGT).
</p><p>The BRPT also awards the title of Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) after successful completion of an exam and at least six months of paid clinical experience as a polysomnographer. While certification and registration are voluntary, these credentials demonstrate a high level of education and skill to employers and patients alike.</p>