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Volunteer State Community College

Sleep Diagnostics Technology Program

This technical certificate program is a three-semester (twelve month) program and is composed of didactic and clinical instruction. The online format is designed to better accommodate students with more difficult schedules. The program format includes 6 lecture courses offered online and clinical training during the summer and fall terms. All didactic instruction is delivered online from the Volunteer State main campus in Gallatin, TN. The clinical training will be performed at various hospitals and clinics in Middle and West Tennessee and surrounding areas. The program is designed to prepare the student for employment in a Sleep Disorder Center, as well as lessen the training period required to sit for the national BRPT credentialing examination. After completing and successfully passing the BRPT examination, the sleep lab technologist will receive the R.PSG.T credentialing (Registered Polysomnographic Technologist).

The program must be completed in succession beginning with the spring semester. Therefore, the student is required to have taken the preceding semester’s courses in advance of latter courses. For those students entering the program with prior Sleep, Respiratory or Nursing backgrounds, the advisor may allow the transfer of college credit or credit by examination.

For those wishing to pursue an associate degree, this technical certificate may be applied towards the A.A.S. Health Services.

Enrollment Requirements

Students desiring entrance into the Sleep Diagnostic Technology program must have the following on file:

  1. Meet admission requirements for the College based on the admission or readmission status the applicant is seeking
  2. Pre Allied Health Interest Form
  3. VSCC Medical History and Physical Examination Report
  4. Statement of Health and Hospitalization Insurance Coverage
  5. Interview or screening documentation

Student Background Check

Effective September 1, 2005, students seeking enrollment in designated Allied Health programs requiring participation in clinical training in area hospitals and related clinics/agencies must provide evidence of a passing score on a background check prior to official acceptance/enrollment into the respective program. Either the failure to provide the required background check results by the due date established or the receipt of anything other than a passing score on the background check will make a student ineligible for enrollment in the respective program. Background checks are performed at the student’s expense. Find more detailed information about Student Background Checks.

The Application to Allied Health Careers deadline is October 1 for the class beginning in January. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early. Any questions about the program or the admissions procedure should be directed to the Program Director, Mel Matthews.

Courses and Curriculum

Our course and curriculum information is available in the online Catalog.

Accreditation

The Sleep Diagnostics Program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in cooperation with the Committee on Accreditation for Polysomnographic Technology (CoA-PSG).

What to Do Next

Sleep Diagnostic Technology Gainful Employment Information

What job(s) might I get with this degree?

How long will it take me to complete this program?

Normal Time to Completion Percent of 2010-2011 Graduates Completing in Normal Time
3 Semesters 19%
Normal time is defined as the number of semesters that a student would be enrolled in a program if they attended on a full-time basis and enrolled in at least 15 hours per semester. The percentage of students completing on time does not take into consideration that some students take fewer than 15 hours during a semester.

What are the chances of getting a job when I graduate?

Number of 2010-2011 Graduates Percent 2010-2011 Graduates Employed in Field
16 50%

Note: Placement data is gathered six months after graduation. Graduates are exempted from the placement rates in accordance with the standards of the Higher Education Authorization Act due to the following reasons: enrollment in further education, military service, a medical condition that prevents the graduate from working in his/her field of study, family or home responsibilities that prevent the graduate from working in his/her field of study.

How much will this program cost?

 

 In-State Out-of-State
Tuition and Fees $3,679.50 $14,184.50
Books and Supplies $880 $880
On-Campus Room and Board Not offered Not offered

How much do students borrow to pay for the program?

Source of Funds Median Amount for 2009-2010 Graduates
Median Debt for 2009-2010 Graduates $3,931
Median Debt from Title IV Loans $3,931
Median Debt from Other Sources $0

Note: Median loan amounts reflect the total borrowed from entry at the institution to completion of this program.