Polysomnography Technology

American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC)
Continuing Respiratory Care Education Credits (CRCE) available.

The Respiratory Care Program at Stony Brook University offers a variety of courses for those individuals who wish to learn more about Polysomnography Technology.

What is Polysomnography?

Polysomnography Technology is a health care field that utilizes a diagnostic test known as a sleep study (polysomnography) to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. A sleep study is used to gather extensive data concerning an individual’s physiologic activity while sleeping. Some of the parameters measured include breathing efforts, blood oxygen levels, electrical activity of the brain (EEG), electrocardiogram (ECG), eye movement (ROC and LOC), and muscle activity (EMG). Sleep Technologists are the health care practitioners who perform and help interpret these studies. They provide data and make recommendations to physicians specifically trained in Sleep Medicine so that patients can receive appropriate therapy to treat discovered sleep disorders.

Learn more at the following links:

• American Academy of Sleep Medicine (http://www.aasmnet.org)
• American Association of Sleep Technologists (http://www.aastweb.org)

For current Stony Brook University Respiratory Care Program students

An optional Polysomnography Certificate program accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) offers students the ability to learn about sleep medicine while completing their senior year in the Respiratory Care Program. Students in good academic standing can apply for the optional certificate program in polysomnography technology and will take two additional classes and two additional clinicals specializing in sleep. Scholarships are available for interested students.

For Respiratory Therapists who wish to work in Polysomnography Technology

There are a variety of continuing education options for respiratory therapists who wish to work in Polysomnography Therapy. Introduction to Polysomnography and Introduction to Polysomnography Scoring provide a basic foundation for respiratory therapists who will be studying Polysomnography Technology utilizing a comprehensive weekend schedule. The One Week Polysomnography Course also can be utilized to obtain a beginning knowledge base during a convenient week-long program.

Advanced courses for therapists wishing to specialize in Polysomnography Technology include Advanced Polysomnography, Advanced Polysomnography Scoring, Introduction to Pediatric Polysomnography, and Sleep Center and Laboratory Management. These courses along with the all-inclusive Two Week Polysomnography Course provide the additional knowledge and skills necessary to sit for the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) exam.

These courses are continuing education certificate courses that are not for college credit and do not lead to a degree. Continuing Respiratory Care Education (CRCE) credits by the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) are offered for these courses.

For other individuals considering a career in Polysomnography Technology

Our introductory and one-week courses are designed for individuals considering an entry-level position in Polysomnography Technology. These courses include Introduction to Polysomnography and Introduction to Polysomnography Scoring offered in a comprehensive weekend schedule. The One Week Polysomnography Course also can be utilized to obtain a beginning knowledge base during a convenient week-long program.

Candidates must be 18 years of age or older; have an Associates degree, equivalent or higher; or a minimum of 2 years work experience in a related health field (RN, LPN, Nursing Assistant, or EEG, EKG, X-Ray, or Operating Room technician). The course administrator must approve all candidates for registration prior to application processing. Please see our registration policies.

These courses are continuing education certificate courses that are not for college credit and do not lead to a degree. They do provide an essential foundation for entry-level positions.

For individuals currently working in Polysomnography Technology

Advanced courses for individuals currently working in Polysomnography Technology include Advanced Polysomnography, Advanced Polysomnography Scoring, Introduction to Pediatric Polysomnography, and Sleep Center and Laboratory Management. These courses along with the all-inclusive Two Week Polysomnography Course provide the additional knowledge and skills necessary to sit for the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) exam. The continuing education courses may also be used to meet the new BRPT requirements for continuing education credits for those individuals who have achieved the registered polysomnographic technologist (RPSGT) credential.

These courses are continuing education certificate courses that are not for college credit and do not lead to a degree.