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Registered Polysomnographic Technologist Training Programs
Registered Polysomnographic Technologist Training Programs
A polysomnographic technologist works in clinics that study sleep, and there are several types of degree programs and graduate certificate programs that provide training in this field. Get information on what courses you'll take, and see what is required to become a registered polysomnographic technologist (RPSGT).
What RPSGT Training Programs Are Available?
There are three types of programs recognized by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT), including respiratory therapy certificate programs with a concentration in polysomnography (PSG), PSG technology programs and electroneurodiagnostic technology (END) programs with a concentration in PSG. PSG and END programs often take two years to complete and can result in an Associate of Applied Science. PSG technology and respiratory therapy certificate programs take about a year to complete. Due to the amount of hands-on clinical work involved, you won't be able to find any online programs.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Program Fields</b></td><td> Respiratory therapy, polysomnography technology, electroneurodiagnostic technology</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Medical terminology, sleep stages, nerve conduction studies, neuroanatomy</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Certification</b></td><td> Program graduates can pursue certification by exam through the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2021)</b></td><td> $56,812 (<i>for polysomnographic technologist</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 19% growth (<i>for all respiratory therapists</i>)**</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: *PayScale.com, **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesCanIExpectToTake">What Courses Can I Expect to Take?</h3><p>Your courses will vary depending on the level of your program. For example, in a PSG-focused respiratory therapist graduate certificate program that concentrates on sleep disorders, you can expect to take courses in instrumentation, sleep stages, therapeutic intervention and diagnostics.
</p><p>In a PSG associate's degree program, you may take courses in medical terminology, PSG fundamentals, PSG testing, PSG for various patient ages, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), laws and ethics. You can also expect to take general education courses, such as English, mathematics and biology. The curriculum in a certificate program is similar, but you do not have to complete general education courses.
</p><p>In an END program, you may take some PSG-dedicated courses. You may also complete additional courses in evoked potential, nerve conduction studies, long term monitoring, neuroscience and neuroanatomy.
</p><h3 id="section---HowDoIEarnRPSGTDesignation">How Do I Earn RPSGT designation?</h3><p>If you have completed a year and half of supervised PSG training, a PSG program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) or a related BRPT-approved program, you are qualified for examination. If you're a healthcare professional with at least six months of PSG training, you're also qualified.
</p><p>After completing educational requirements, the BRPT requires you to take an exam featuring multiple-choice questions. Your exam may cover five categories of information, including pre-testing procedures, what to do during testing, intervention, after-testing procedures and results analysis. You can also expect the exam to feature questions about stages of sleep, equipment maintenance and sensor placement. In order to maintain certification, you need to renew every five years by either retaking the exam or completing continuing education courses.</p>
