Sleep Studies Polysomnographic Technology

olysomnographic technology is an exciting area of healthcare that has emerged as a unique profession for performing the technical evaluation of a Pbroad range of sleep disorders. The field of polysomnography (PSG) involves the complex evaluation of many physiological parameters during sleep to produce a quantitative sleep study. PSG evaluations are necessary to document sleep disorders and to assist physicians in identifying sleep issues and the appropriate treatment.

Texas State University-San Marcos offers the first post-baccalaureate PSG studies in the nation. The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

The nine-month program, offered each fall and spring, prepares an individual to become credentialed as a registered polysomnographic technologist (RPSGT) or a sleep disorder specialist (SDS). Upon completion of the program, graduates are qualified take the national board exams, administered through the Board for Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) or the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) without further internship requirements.

A member of The Texas State University System A PSG bridge curriculum has been developed to provide a pathway for non-respiratory care credentialed healthcare professionals seeking to transition into polysomnography. Qualified non-RC applicants meeting the above criteria will be assessed for academic and professional course completion of the basic sciences and specific professional content areas. Transcripts will be used to verify course completion.

Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) Upon completion of post-baccalaureate polysomnographic technology studies at Texas State, students may elect to complete the MSIS degree. This degree plan allows the graduate student to choose other areas that complement the polysomnography studies. Graduate courses in business, education, clinical psychology, healthcare administration, health services research and other areas of interest may be chosen to prepare the graduate for all aspects of sleep lab management and research. The MSIS degree is offered through the Occupational Education Program Course Work and may be completed following completion of the post- The following courses are available each fall semester: baccalaureate studies in polysomnographic technology. • RC 5310 Fundamentals of Polysomnography • RC 5211 Polysomnography Instrumentation I • RC 5412 Clinical Polysom-Sleep Staging I Financial Assistance For more information about scholarships, financial aid and The following courses are available each spring semester: application deadlines, visit the Graduate College Web site at • RC 5313 Polysom Therapeutic Intervention www.gradcollege.txstate.edu and click on Financing your • RC 5214 Polysomnography Instrumentation II Graduate Education. • RC 5415 Clinical Polysom-Sleep Staging II Contact Admission Policy Department of Respiratory Care Applicants must possess a credential as certified respiratory College of Health Professions therapist (CRT) or registered respiratory therapist (RRT) and a Texas State University-San Marcos bachelor’s degree, or possess a bachelor’s degree and a credential 601 University Drive (state or national) in a healthcare profession with a patient-care San Marcos, TX 78666-4616 focus (RN, LVN, LPN, EMT-P, etc.). Applicants must have a 2.5 512.245.8243 GPA in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate work. If a E-mail: [email protected] student has completed a master’s or doctoral degree, a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA is required. Applicants must submit the following to the Graduate College at Sleep studies, or polysomnography, Texas State: • a Graduate College application for admission is a rapidly growing area of • a $10 non-refundable application fee (check or money order health professions and the need payable to Texas State in U.S. currency) • one official transcript from each senior-level, post-secondary for registered polysomnographic institution attended. These transcripts must be mailed technologists is profound. According directly from the institution to the Graduate College. to the National Sleep Foundation, Applicants must also submit a post-baccalaureate application for more than 82 million Americans admission to the Department of Respiratory Care. suffer from sleeping disorders. Acceptance by both the Graduate College and the Department of Respiratory Care is required to enroll in the PSG post- baccalaureate studies.