Academic Catalogs

Polysomnographic Technology, Associate in Science Degree

Banner Code: 1_AS_PSG

Control Number: 08658

Financial Aid Eligible


Polysomnographic (PSG) Technology is an allied health specialty for the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of sleep and daytime alertness. The range of sleep disorders is varied but includes common disorders such as narcolepsy, sleep apnea, insomnias, and many others. PSG technologists operate a variety of sophisticated electronic monitoring devices which record brain activity (EEG), muscle and eye movement, respiration, blood oxygen and other physiological events. Technologists are also involved in evaluation of various treatment methods. PSG technologists are employed in Sleep Disorders Centers which can be located in medical centers, hospitals, or clinic/office settings. The PSG program offers instruction which includes lecture, laboratory experience on campus, clinical experience at accredited sleep centers and physician lectures. As a CAAHEP-accredited PSG Program, this course of instruction meets the eligibility requirements to take the PSG exam of the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) and The Medical Board of California Licensure as a “Registered Polysomnographic Technologist”.

Students can complete the AS degree in Polysomnographic Technology within two years. This program will accept new students to begin each fall semester.

Program Outcome

Polysomnographic technologists use sleep technology as part of a team, under the general supervision of a licensed physician, by applying a unique body of knowledge and methodological skills involving the education, evaluation, treatment, and follow-up of sleep disorders in patients of all ages. The polysomnographic technologist performs polysomnography and tests such as the Multiple Sleep latency Test, Maintenance of Wakefulness Test, Actigraphy and others used by a physician to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. 

Review Graduation Requirements and General Education

Program Prerequisites

Course Title Units
ALH A010Health Occupations0.5
ALH A111Medical Terminology3
BIOL A221Anatomy-Physiology 14
Total Units7.5

Required Courses 

Course Title Units
ALH A115Patient Care2
ALH A120Human Diseases2
ALH A130Applied Pharmacology3
PSG A140Introduction to Polysomnography4
PSG A150Intermediate Polysomnography3
PSG A155Cardiac Rhythm Analysis0.5
PSG A160Polysomnography Testing2
PSG A165Polysomnography Clinical 11
PSG A170Polysomnographic Practice0.5
PSG A175Polysomnography Clinical 23
PSG A190Introduction to Polysomnography Anatomy and Physiology3
PSG A250Polysomnography Record Review3
PSG A260Advanced Polysomnography3
PSG A265Polysomnography Clinical 33
PSG A280Pediatric Sleep Medicine2
PSG A285Polysomnography Internship2.5
PSYC A130Life Span Developmental Psychology3
RSPC A185Respiratory Anatomy and Physiology3
RSPC A265Pulmonary Pathology3
Total Units46.5
1

BIOL A221 Anatomy-Physiology and PSYC A130 Life Span Developmental Psychology in program double count towards General Education Breadth.

Requirement Units
Program Major Units 54
AS General Education Option 1, 2, or 3 Varies
Total Minimum Degree Units 66

Polysomnographic Technology Suggested Electives

CMST A100 Interpersonal Communication
PHIL A120 Ethics
PSYC A255 Abnormal Psychology
PSYC A160 Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
ALH A010 Health Occupations 0.5
BIOL A221 Anatomy-Physiology 4
OCC AS GE AREA A1 - CHOOSE ONE 3
OCC AS GE AREA C1 - CHOOSE ONE 3
OCC AS GE AREA D - CHOOSE ONE 3
 Units13.5
Semester 2
ALH A111 Medical Terminology 3
OCC AS GE AREA C2 - CHOOSE ONE 3
Select one of the following or satisfy Math competency (completion of High School Algebra 2 with a "C" or better): 0-4
Intermediate Algebra 1
or Combined Elementary and Intermediate Algebra
 
OCC AS GE AREA A2 - CHOOSE ONE 2
 
 Units6-10
Year 2
Semester 1
Acceptance into the OCC Polysomnographic Technology Program Required (Cohort Restriction)  
ALH A115 Patient Care 2
ALH A130 Applied Pharmacology 3
RSPC A185 Respiratory Anatomy and Physiology 3
PSG A140 Introduction to Polysomnography 4
 Units12
Semester 2
ALH A120 Human Diseases 2
PSG A150 Intermediate Polysomnography 3
PSG A155 Cardiac Rhythm Analysis 0.5
PSG A160 Polysomnography Testing 2
PSG A165 Polysomnography Clinical 1 1
PSG A170 Polysomnographic Practice 0.5
PSG A190 Introduction to Polysomnography Anatomy and Physiology 3
 Units12
Year 3
Semester 1
PSYC A130 Life Span Developmental Psychology 3
PSG A175 Polysomnography Clinical 2 3
PSG A250 Polysomnography Record Review 3
RSPC A265 Pulmonary Pathology 3
 Units12
Semester 2
PSG A260 Advanced Polysomnography 3
PSG A265 Polysomnography Clinical 3 3
PSG A280 Pediatric Sleep Medicine 2
PSG A285 Polysomnography Internship 2.5
 Units10.5
 Total Units66-70
1

Highly recommended for Allied Health programs, some state licenses will require Algebra 2 or higher-level math to be completed at the college level. If MATH 100+ level or above (any math, except MATH A220) is taken, then it also meets OCC AS GE AREA A2.

2

OCC AS GE AREA A2 - If MATH 100+ level or above (any math, except MATH A220) was taken to meet Math competency, then no additional units are required.