Certificate or Associate of Science
in Polysomnographic Technology

Our Program     How and When to Apply     Background Preparation     
Clinical Work Experience    Faculty     Job Outlook

Become a Sleep Technician. A sleep technician (polysomnographic technologist) monitors people in a sleep laboratory. As a sleep technician, you will use information technology and direct observation to obtain and evaluate diagnostic data for the treatment of sleep disorders.

Our Program

Your three-semester PSGT program includes classroom instruction, practice in skills lab and clinical experience in a sleep clinic. We give you the academic and clinical experience to learn the polysomnography profession. You will work in conjunction with physicians to provide comprehensive clinical evaluations that are required for the diagnosis of sleep disorders. Your instruction will include applying non-invasive monitoring equipment during sleep.

The PSGT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

Once you have completed the certificate PSGT program, you may continue on to work toward the two-semester Associate of Science in PSGT Program Completion.

Once you successfully complete these programs, you have the opportunity to advance into the Bachelor of Science in Allied Health or Health Care Administration degree programs at Mercy College.

How and When to Apply

We accept eight students into the PSGT program each fall semester. Because your admission into this program is on a competitive basis, early application is encouraged. Application deadline is July 20.

Background Preparation

You need to complete high school (or college equivalent) biology, English, and one year of algebra coursework before admission. You must also complete a 150-hour nursing assistant course within five years of admission into the PSGT program.

Clinical Work Experience

You will experience direct patient contact during your clinical experience (called practicums) at the Mercy Sleep Center. You will also work at many other leading health care providers in central Iowa to gain hands-on learning throughout your course of study.

Faculty

Our PSGT faculty team includes a full-time program chair as well as many medical professionals in the clinical setting. As a student, you will receive an exceptional level of personalized instruction.

Job Outlook

Once you have completed your PSGT degree, you’ll have the knowledge and clinical experience needed to become qualified for employment in a sleep clinic. Currently the career outlook for the Des Moines area and nationwide is very good.  Due to a shortage of sleep technicians, there is strong demand for qualified, educated individuals in this field.