Polysomnography Technology Certificate

(TP/SS)

Students who plan to get a certificate in polysomnography technology will be assigned the temporary major of POS code 535 until they are officially admitted to the polysomnography technology certificate program.

The polysomnography technology certificate program is designed for practicing polysomnography technicians, as well as individuals who would be filling entry-level positions in the field, who need to complete didactic studies and supervised clinical practice to meet the requirements of the Maryland State Legislature for licensure in the state of Maryland as a polysomnographic technologist. Graduates of the program will be eligible to apply for the Polysomnographic Certification exam administered by Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists and for licensure in the state of Maryland as a polysomnographic technologist.

Program Requirements

All students should consult an advisor.

CMAP 120 - Introduction to Computer Applications 3 semester hours
HINM 115 - Medical Terminology I 2 semester hours
HINM 116 - Medical Terminology II 2 semester hours
PSYC 102 - General Psychology 3 semester hours
POSM 101 - Anatomy and Physiology for Polysomnography 4 semester hours
POSM 102 - Introduction to Polysomnography 3 semester hours
POSM 103 - Sleep Disorders 3 semester hours
POSM 104 - Polysomnography I 3 semester hours
POSM 105 - Clinical Practicum I 3 semester hours
POSM 201 - Polysomnography II 4 semester hours
POSM 202 - Clinical Practicum II 4 semester hours

Total Credit Hours: 34

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:

Explain the realm of polysomnography to the public.
Use culturally appropriate therapeutic and professional communication techniques with patients and the health care team.
Conduct polysomnographic studies in accordance with established legal and ethical guidelines.
Apply knowledge of cardiopulmonary and neuromuscular anatomy and physiology while obtaining and reading polysomnograms.
Explain human anatomy and physiology as it relates to sleep disorders and how sleep disorders affect anatomy and physiology.
Apply knowledge of gas laws and electrical physics while obtaining and reading polysomnograms.
Discuss the major sleep and arousal disorders based on age-specific criteria.
Use knowledge of polysomnographic research to maintain currency in practice.
Operate a variety of polysomnographic and ancillary equipment required for obtaining polysomnograms and providing therapeutic interventions.
Adjust equipment for obtaining a polysomnogram with valid clinical data.
Discriminate between the impact of pharmacological agents used to treat sleep disorders and those in common use that affect the polysomnogram.
Apply standard age-specific criteria for scoring polysomnograms.
Generate an accurate report that integrates abnormal physiological events and sleep stage scoring.
Evaluate the patient’s clinical presentation associated with specific sleep and arousal disorders for determination of appropriate protocols, testing parameters, procedures, and therapeutic interventions.
Adapt polysomnographic procedures based on the patient’s disease process; risk for infection; culture; and special physical, emotional, and cognitive needs.
Prepare patients for all aspects of polysomnographic testing.
Respond to patient needs during polysomnographic testing.
Maintain patient safety at all times.