Associate of Science in Polysomnographic [Sleep] Technology (Online)

Our Program   How and When to Apply     Background Preparation    Clinical Experience    Faculty   1st Year Certification   Job Outlook   Gainful Employment

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

Our Program

Our six-semester associates degree program includes online 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.

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

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How and When to Apply

We accept ten students into the PSGT program each fall semester, however, if the first semester coursework has been met, admission into the program will be considered beginning with the spring semester curriculum. 

Your admission into this program is on a competitive basis, so early application is encouraged. Following general College admission, students may enroll in Liberal Arts and Science (LAS) courses in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences prior to admission into the PSGT program.

Background Preparation

You need to successfully complete one year high school (or college equivalent) biology, English, and one year of algebra coursework before admission. Students are encouraged to take LAS courses at Mercy College to meet any unmet program requirements above. 

Clinical Experience

If you live in central Iowa, you will experience direct patient contact during your clinical experience (called practicums) at the Mercy Sleep Center.

You may also complete your practicums at any Sleep Center nationwide that is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), click here for a list of these to identify the location that best fits your geographic needs.

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.

First Year Candidate Certification Pass Rates

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. According to the Board of Registered Polysomonographic Technologists, the field of sleep medicine and the demand for credentialed RPSGTs are rapidly expanding. Greater public understanding of the importance of sleep and the relationship between sleep apnea and other diseases has raised the profile of sleep medicine and often generated aggressive competition for patients. You can get more details about specific roles and job opportunities from the Board of Registered Polysomonographic Technologists website. 

Gainful Employment

(Refers to Certificate Program)
Program Length: 

Polysomnographic Technology Certificate (CIP Code 51.0917):  Three-Semester (12 months)

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

Related Occupations:

• Sleep Technologist (SC Code 29-2099.00)

Program Costs:  (Costs based on 2013-2014 Academic Year)

• Tuition and fees:  $22,950
• Room and Board:  Not Applicable
• Estimated Books and Supplies:  $2,100

Debt at Program Completion (2011-2012):

• Median Title IV loan debt:  * See below
• Median private loan debt:  * See below
• Median institutional financing plan debt:  * See below

On-time Completion Rate (2011-2012):

• Students completing program:  * See below 
• Students completing program in normal time:  * See below
• On-time completion rate:  * See below

Job Placement Rate (2011-2012): 

Students completing the program:  * See below

* Due to federal privacy concerns, certain data is not reported when fewer than 10 students complete the program.