The Polysomnography Program will seek accreditation from the Committee on Accreditation for Polysomnographic Technologists (CoA-PSG). The Polysomnography Program provides the educational coursework and clinical experience necessary to prepare the student as a polysomnographic technologist and qualify the graduate for the credentialing exams offered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT). Students desiring admission into the Polysomnography Program must first meet the basic entrance requirements for Temple College. They then must file for admission to the Polysomnography Program.

Program Admission Criteria

I.   A completed portfolio should be submitted to the Polysomnography department by the third Wednesday of June. The portfolio should contain the following:

       A.  Texas Success Initiative (TSI) scores - all candidates should have passed all three parts of an assessment test by this time in order to be considered for enrollment.

       B.  Complete a structured tour at Scott & White Hospital and submit the appropriate report form.

       C.  Copies of all relevant transcripts: (1) High School, (2) College/University, (3) Military Service schools, (4) other (proprietary schools, etc.).

       D.  Two letters of reference.

       E.  Complete a series of mandated immunizations, including Hepatitis B (the first two inoculations in the series must be completed by the end of June of the year the student seeks admission into the program). There is also a two-shot series thirty days apart that is available. All CDC recommended vaccines for health care workers.

       F.  Complete a physical exam and receive medical clearance to participate in the program.

       G.  Special consideration will be given to those prospective students desiring admission who are transferring from military programs, possess the Certified Polysomnographic Technologist (CPSGT) credential, and/or those programs accredited by the Commission of  Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

II. Complete the three prerequisite courses. Before starting the Polysomnography program, they must be completed with a minimum grade of  “C” or better AND before starting the Polysomnography program. (All Biology courses must be within ten (10) years of application.)

             BIOL 2401  Anatomy  and Physiology I     4 credit hours

             BIOL 2402   Anatomy and Physiology II    4 credit hours

             HPRS 1304   Basic Health Profession Skills   3 credit hours

III.  Notification letters should be mailed by the close of business on Friday following the selection process.

 

Clinical affiliated healthcare institutions require criminal background checks, and it is the responsibility of the student to pay for and undergo such a background check performed no more than 30 days before beginning of the first clinical course. Clinical courses are attended until the program’s second semester. Drug screenings are also required and may be done for cause at any time by Temple College or any health care facility associated with Temple College. The student must permit the criminal background check. Failure to give permission will result in the student being ineligible for admission to the program.

 

Promotion

Students must maintain a “C” or better course grade in all sleep technology courses to stay on schedule. In all other supporting classes, the student must maintain at least an overall “C” (2.0) average. Failure to maintain academic requirements may temporarily or permanently discontinue the student’s progress in the program. Re-admission to the Program is not guaranteed but depends on available training slots and resolving issues related to the non-passing grade when the student desires re-entry. Re-admission is also contingent upon the review and evaluation of the student’s grades, performance, and remediation while previously enrolled in the program and completed work. In these circumstances, the Department Chair and faculty will meet to approve the student’s re-admission into the program and determine needed course requirements. A grade of “D” in any Polysomnography course will result in the student having to “Stop Out,” (i.e., dropping from the program) until the following year, when the course will be offered again. A particular course may only be repeated one time. If a student is unsuccessful the second time, they will be dropped from the program permanently. A student may not make more than two “D” grades in the entire program without being dropped. A grade of “F” in any Polysomnography course will result in the student being released and dropped from the program without recourse to reapply.

The program will assess several fees. The first is incurred in the first semester as part of the PSGT 1400 and is $100 to $150 for a sleep technician kit containing a basic load of electrodes, conductive paste, and a “toolbox” for all items, including replenishable supplies. Liability insurance for clinical practice is approximately $28 and is purchased through the College. This fee is assessed as part of the cost for the first clinical course (PSGT 1360) and will cover the student for the rest of the program.

Students must take a comprehensive RPSGT-like exit exam as a significant curriculum component to fully satisfy the requirements for the last clinical course (PSGT 2662). Students will have an additional opportunity to pass the exit examination if they are unsuccessful on the first administration. The award of an Associate of Applied Science Degree will occur once all curriculum requirements are satisfied. The student then becomes a polysomnographic technology graduate. Graduates are then eligible  to begin testing with the National Board for Polysomnography. The credentialing process starts with the RPSGT exam given by the BRPT. Upon passing at a minimum level, a graduate becomes a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist. Students are encouraged to become student members of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Association of Sleep Technologists. Each of these organizations will aid the student in becoming more familiar with the field of Polysomnography.