Polysomnography is the scientific study of sleep behavior and the physiological factors that affect sleep cycles. Polysomnographic technologists perform various diagnostic, research and treatment tasks, such as monitoring patient vitals and charting brain waves, in both clinical and research settings. There are currently three schools in Alabama that offer training in polysomnographic technology. These programs prepare students to sit the national examination administered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT), which is required to practice in the field.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
The Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences at The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers a certificate in polysomnography. This program is designed for practicing respiratory therapists who hold diploma or degree qualifications. Candidates must have achieved a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 in order to be considered for admission. This two-semester program consists of both didactic lectures and laboratory coursework followed by a clinical training course. Students may take this certificate as part of the university's Bachelor of Science degree program in respiratory therapy.
University of Alabama at Birmingham 1530 3rd Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35294 205-934-4011 uab.edu
Wallace State Community College
Wallace State Community College offers a certificate program in polysomnography technology. This two-semester program is delivered through a combination of classroom, clinical and laboratory instruction, including supervised training at a professional sleep research or treatment center. Course topics include the anatomy and physiology of sleep, sleep monitoring procedures using non-invasive equipment, abnormal sleep behaviors and sleep-related respiratory conditions. Graduates may choose to continue their education by applying their credits toward an associate degree in applied science in electroneurodiagnostic technology.
Wallace State Community College 801 Main Street NW P.O. Box 2000 Hanceville, AL 35077 256-352-8000 wallacestate.edu
Alabama School of Sleep Medicine and Technology
The Alabama School of Sleep Medicine and Technology offers five short but intensive training programs in polysomnographic technology, including a 10-day training course for beginners, a three-day bilevel titration therapy course, a three-day exam review course, a three-day refresher scoring course and a three-day exam review course designed for physicians who wish to prepare for the medical sleep board exam. A wide range of web-based distance education courses is also available. Coursework topics include ECG rhythms, breathing problems, heart disorders, digital polysomnography, post-traumatic stress, adolescent and neonatal sleep, respiratory anatomy, circadian rhythm disorders, dyssomnias and parasomnias.
Alabama School of Sleep Medicine and Technology 3000 Riverchase Galleria, Suite 1155 Birmingham, AL 35244 205-985-0494 alsleep.com
