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Sleep Technologist Certificate

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NECC’s Sleep Technologist Certificate Program is a “Sleeper” Hit!

Several Sleep Technologist certificate students in a classroom looking at brain waves from a Polysomnography record on their computers, or actively engaged in conversation with the professor.
Sleep medicine is becoming big business as people increasingly struggle to get the restorative sleep they need. NECC can prepare you for a career as a sleep technologist working to diagnose sleep disorders in a sleep lab.

Why Choose NECC?

NECC offers a schedule-friendly hybrid program where you will complete most coursework online, and attend class one Saturday a month in our state-of-the-art sleep lab on campus for clinical instruction. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and will prepare you to sit for the Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) credentialing exam. Because of the nature of the work, most sleep technologists work at night. In this program you will:

  • Learn about human biology, sleep disorders, and respiratory and therapeutic procedures
  • Master polysomnography, the sleep study technology used to diagnose sleep disorders
  • Work and learn in the state-of-the-art sleep laboratory on NECC’s Lawrence Campus
  • Benefit from supervised clinical experiences in sleep medicine settings
  • Gain the skills and knowledge to begin a career in just one year

Because of NECC

You will be well prepared to take a national certification exam and begin a career working in a variety of healthcare settings requiring sleep technologists. Upon completion of the program you can:

  • Take the Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) credentialing exam
  • Work for hospitals, or private sleep labs.
  • Help people get the rest they need.

 

Quote:

It feels so good to help someone with a sleep issue like sleep apnea. You really feel like you’ve accomplished something.”

Courses and Requirements

Show Courses and Requirements
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Program Pathway

A pathway is the most efficient sequence of courses semester-to-semester recommended for students to complete their degree. View the suggested pathway for the Sleep Technologist Certificate.

Career Paths & Job Market

Job Opportunities

Job Opportunities

Job prospects for Sleep Technologists are good as sleep study is an evolving field in health care.

Program Outcome

Program Outcomes

Specific job related skills-based outcome of the program

  • Eligibility to take the RPSGT exam
  • Training necessary to work in area sleep labs
Placement Rate

Placement Rate

The job placement rate within 1 year for students who completed this program in:
Year – Positive placement outcome – Status within 12 months of graduation
2019 – 100% – 16 of 17 graduates were employed in the field.
1 of 17 graduates continued their education.

2020 – 92% – 10 of 12 graduates were employed in the field.
1 of 12 graduates continued their education.

2021 – 80% – 7 of 10 graduates were employed in the field.
1 of 10 graduates continued their education.
2 of 10 not seeking employment.

2022 – 80% – 8 of 10 graduates were employed in the field.
1 of 10 graduates continued their education.
1 of 10 unknown regarding employment.

3 Year average placement rate 88%

Positive placement, as defined by the Committee on Accreditation for Polysomnographic Technologist Education (CoA PSG), means that the graduate is employed full or part-time in a related field; and/or continuing his/her education; and/or serving in the military.

Transferring to a 4 year College or University

Transferring to a 4 year College or University

Please contact the Academic Advising Department for further information. Students may also refer to the Transfer Programs and Events pages. Transfer information specific to the program.

Contact

Program and Clinical Coordinator

Program and Clinical Coordinator

Lyn Blythe

Office: LC-313
Phone: 978-655-5892
Please call to schedule an appointment
Email: lblythe@necc.mass.edu

Additional Information

Additional Program Costs

Additional Program Costs

View the Additional Program Costs for the Sleep Technologist Certificate Program.

Student Learning Outcomes - Sleep Technologist Certificate

Student Learning Outcomes – Sleep Technologist Certificate

  • Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of basic sleep anatomy and physiology.
  • Compare relevant anatomy and physiology including neurological components applicable to normal sleep breathing and versus various sleep disordered breathing.
  • Describe and recognize signs, symptoms, etiology, characteristics, pathophysiology, and therapy of important sleep disorders.
  • Complete documentation of patient’s history, technical notes, and outcomes during a sleep study.
  • Describe the indications, contraindications, and hazards for various diagnostic and treatment modalities
  • Recognize and understand various physiological data used to score and analyze a sleep study.
  • Select proper equipment inventory and montage in order to optimize data collection.
  • Complete proper patient preparation and electrode application with correct placement sites to ensure consistent quality sleep data.
  • Calibrate equipment to ensure proper functioning during sleep studies.
  • Implement and monitor various therapeutic modalities such as CPAP and oxygen.
  • Develop rapport and appropriate interactions with patients that will facilitate the gathering of assessment information concerning issues of legal rights, ethics, confidentiality, and diversity (e.g. gender, age, and ethnicity). in accordance with professional standards
  • Effectively communicate orally and in writing as necessary with patients, other sleep technologists, and physicians regarding documentation, testing procedures, possible interventions and results.
  • Assess the patient’s medical and sleep history and evaluate indications and needs for modification of testing procedures.
  • Recognize the need for intervention with therapeutics during sleep study.
  • Recognize, troubleshoot and apply critical thinking skills to analyze and diagnose problems with setup, testing and equipment.

Required Documents

Criteria Packets
Technical Standards
CORI/CHRI/SORI

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