Admission Requirements for the Polysomnography program

Admission Requirements for the Polysomnography Certificate Program
TRI-C Application: Completion of TRI-C application for admission/readmission form.
Official Transcripts: Transcripts are required from all colleges, other than TRI-C. It is
recommended that you request these transcripts at least eight weeks prior to submission of your
complete application packet. Transcripts from colleges/universities other than TRI-C should be
mailed to:
Cuyahoga Community College
Office of the Registrar
PO Box 5966
Cleveland, OH 44101
Completion of the following core courses (or transfer of comparable courses from another
college or university). The following Biology courses must be completed with a “C” grade or
better, PRIOR TO APPLICATION, and may only be repeated once to improve a grade.
Overall GPA 2.0 or higher in all other courses required for the program. "C" grades or higher in
the following core courses:
a. BIO-1100 Intro to Biological Chemistry or CHEM 1010 and CHEM 1020,
or other equivalent/higher level Chemistry will be accepted.
b. BIO-2331 Anatomy and Physiology-I
Sleep Disorders Center Observation: Contact TWO *Sleep Disorder Centers; one from
Group “A” Private/Stand Alone Centers and One from Group “B” Hospital-based Centers
and arrange for a technologist to introduce you to overall responsibilities in the sleep center and
observe patient preparation for sleep. These observations must be performed in the evening
when patients are being prepared for the sleep montage recording. A minimum of 3 hrs is
required for observation.
Any falsification of information provided in the application will automatically disqualify the
applicant for admission to the program. Accepted applicants are required to attend a group
information session prior to summer semester.
A criminal background check will be performed, prior to program admission. Please contact the
Program Manager for more information.
*listed on Page “E, F and G” are some selected, area centers and appropriate technologists to
call to arrange a visit. You may choose centers which may not be listed.
Please send all completed application materials in one envelope to:
Health Careers Enrollment Center, Cuyahoga Community College
2900 Community College Ave - MHCS 126B
Cleveland, OH 44115
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Polysomnography Certificate Curriculum
Course No. Course Title Semester Hours
Summer Semester
MATH-1141 Applied Algebra/Mathematical Reasoning 03
*BIO-1100 Introduction to Biological Chemistry 03
ENG-1010 College Composition I 03
*BIO-2331 Anatomy and Physiology-I 04
END-1310 Cardiopulmonary Physiology 03
END-1410 Beginning Polysomnography 02
18
Fall Semester
BIO-2341 Anatomy and Physiology - II 04
END-1421 Intermediate Polysomnography-I 02
END-142L Intermediate Polysomnography-I Lab 01
END-1934 Directed Practice-I 03
10
Spring Semester
END-1440 Neurophysiology of Sleep 02
END-1430 Intermediate Polysomnography-II 03
END-2934 Directed Practice-II 03
08
PROGRAM TOTAL 36
*= core courses must be successfully completed prior to application
-2-

*ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS for the Polysomnography Program
To be considered to the program, the following requirements must be completed:
1. TRI-C APPLICATION: Completion of Tri-C Application for Admission/Readmission Form
2. HEALTH CAREERS APPLICATION: Completion of Health Careers Application Form
3. OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS: OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS ARE REQUIRED FROM ALL COLLEGES,
AND UNIVERSITIES ATTENDED OTHER THAN TRI-C.. It is recommended that you request
these transcripts at least 8 weeks prior to submission of your complete application packet.
Individuals should request that educational institutions send one copy of each transcript
directly to each of the following locations:
A. One copy to the Office of Admissions and Records at the Tri-C campus you have designated
as your "campus of record". Your application will not be considered complete until all
external transcripts have been evaluated by the college Admissions and Records
Department. This process takes 8 weeks.
B. One copy to you at your home address. DO NOT OPEN THE SEALED ENVELOPE. The
transcript in the unopened envelope should be sent in as part of your completed
application packet.
C. The completed application packet containing the HEALTH CAREERS APPLICATION, the
OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT(S) and the completed SLEEP CENTERS OBSERVATION FORMS
must be submitted to the Health Careers Enrollment Center at the following address:
Health Careers Enrollment Center, Cuyahoga Community College
2900 Community College Ave - MHCS 126B
Cleveland, OH 44115
4. Completion of the following courses (or transfer of comparable courses from another
college or university) (all science and math courses may only be repeated once to
improve a grade):
CORE COURSES: Candidates must achieve a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative grade point
average (based on a 4.0 scale) for the basic and additional core courses listed below. In
addition, core courses may be repeated only once to improve a grade below “C”.
a. BIO-1100 Introduction to Biological Chemistry or CHEM-1010 and CHEM-1020, or
other equivalent/higher level Chemistry is accepted
b. BIO-2331 Anatomy and Physiology I
c. Overall GPA must be maintained at 2.0 or better in all other courses required for graduation.
d. Sleep Centers Observation: Contact 2 Sleep Centers listed in this packet.. Completed
Observation Forms are required. All applicants are to be dressed appropriately/professionally or the
observation will be cancelled.
e. Accepted candidates will be required to attend a group information session prior
to Summer Semester.
f. Accepted applicants must submit to a background check prior to entering the program in
summer. (see page 8)
-3-

APPLICATIONS WHICH ARE INCOMPLETE OR DO NOT MEET THE ADMISSION
REQUIREMENTS WILL BE DISQUALIFIED. THE APPLICANT WILL BE NOTIFIED
AND MAY RE-APPLY BUT THEIR SUBSEQUENT RE-APPLICATION WILL BE
ASSIGNED A NEW DATE AND REVIEWED IN THE ORDER IT IS SUBMITTED.
Space Limitation
The number of students accepted into the program is determined by the
availability of space in the program's hospital/clinical affiliates. Each year,
approximately 15 students for the Western campus accepted into the
Polysomnography Program.
Delayed Entry List
Applicants placed on a waiting list are those who have completed all
program admission requirements but were not the first 15 completed
applicants to apply. This next group of 15 who successfully completed the
admission requirements will be admitted the following summer term, etc.
TUITION COSTS: Instructional fees per semester hour of credit***(as of Spring, 2014)
Cuyahoga County Residents Other Ohio Residents Out-of-State Residents
$101.21 $128.44 $245.59
***Laboratory Fees $20 - $40/Lab.
Clinical Fees $10 - $20/Clinical
Students enrolled in the Polysomnography Program may be eligible for veterans' benefits
under the G.I. Bill.
***fees subject to change
*Many scholarships are offered by the CCC Foundation
*Financial Aid, State and/or Federal including loans (see Financial Aid for details)
CLINICAL COURSES
Clinical courses begin in the Fall term and will be at night. Spring term clinicals will be during the
day. Sleep Center clinical assignments are made by the Director of Clinical Education.
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TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR POLYSOMNOGRAPHY
Candidates considered for the Polysomnography profession must possess abilities and skills related to critical thinking,
physical, visual, auditory, oral communication, coordination, and appropriate affect. The profession expects a
technologist to perform complex physiologic measurements in a reasonably independent manner. Technologists must
be able to:
Demonstrate critical thinking skills required:
to analyze, synthesize, and accurately interpret data, facts, and figures
to measure, calculate, and reason
to make sound decisions under emergency situations
These skills allow the Polysomnographic Technologist to make proper assessments, sound judgments, and prioritize
assignments based on need.
Possess the physical skills, manual dexterity, and energy required to:
stand for an hour at a time, as required for the placement of electrodes
walk quickly or run to emergency events at any given time
move patients in or out of bed or chairs; should be able to lift a maximum of 50 pounds
perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
o adults
o pediatrics
o neonates
perform manual chest compression and airway management with a resuscitation mask and bag
accurately keyboard for computer technology
initiate or maintain a patent airway
These skills allow the Polysomnographic Technologist to have substantial physical skills required to assist patients’
breathing, movement or resuscitation efforts.
Maintain visual acuity (with or without corrected sight) to be able to:
read technical manuals, computer screens, and small print on labels to assure proper set-up of equipment,
collection of data, and interpret medicine labels
to interpret waveforms representing physiological measurements
physically assess patients in relation to:
o color of skin and/or mucus membranes for assessment of perfusion
o head form, skin type, and skin condition for the placement of electrodes
These skills allow the Polysomnographic Technologist to make proper assessments, effectively use equipment, read
patient charts ,identify problems with PSG data collection, and safely identify medications.
Possess adequate auditory characteristics (corrected or uncorrected) that will enable the Polysomnographic
Technologist to:
distinguish speech from other sounds
determine the differences in sound volume related to snoring sounds and movements
hear a hospital pager
accurately take blood pressure measurements
These skills allow the Polysomnographic Technologist to obtain an oral, medical history, and properly assess patients.
Hand-eye coordination, that will enable the Polysomnographic Technologist to:
safely apply electrodes, medical monitoring equipment, and pressure treatments
calibrate and assemble necessary equipment
These skills allow the Polysomnographic Technologist to properly set-up and adjust medical equipment necessary for
monitoring data necessary to treat and/or assess physiologic patient parameters.
-5-

Demonstrate oral, written, and digital communication skills in the English language for the purpose of:
effective communication to all health care personnel
communicating/educating/instructing patients and/or family members in PSG procedures
rapid and accurate dissemination of information in emergency settings
clear and effective documentation (written or digital formats)
validating basic computer literacy
These skills allow the Polysomnographic Technologist to communicate in English, both orally and written formats with
instructional staff, patients, families, and members of the health care team.
Demonstrate affective skills related to:
punctuality and attendance as policy dictates
empathy for patients and their families
the protection of patient confidentiality
trauma and grief experiences
independent work
self motivation
ethical and professional treatment of patients, patients’ families, and health care personnel
These skills allow the Polysomnographic Technologist to display attitudes and actions which are consistent with the
ethical standards of the profession.
Demonstrate safety skills, protecting patients, technologists and practitioners from:
Prolonged exposure to chemical vapors such as acetone, ether or glutaraldehyde
Infection and cross-contamination
Blood borne pathogens and body fluids using Universal Precautions
These skills allow the Polysomnographic Technologist to consistently perform in a safe environment.
A Student with a physical or mental impairment that has been determined by the College’s Access Office to have a
disability under applicable law, may be granted a reasonable accommodation to assist that student in meeting the
technical standards for the Program as described above.
References:
1. American Association of Sleep Technologists (AAST); Job Descriptions.
Web site: http://www.aastweb.org/JobDescriptions.aspx May, 2013.
2. Cuyahoga Community College’s Polysomnography Advisory Committee input, March 2005.
3. Crozer-Keystone Health System. Web site: http://www.crozer.org/ March, 2005
4. Communication with Charles Patti, Director Access, Cuyahoga Community College,
March 9, 2004
5. Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, March 2005
-6-

Please review the following check off list to ensure your application
is complete:
Completely and accurately filled out the Polysomnography Application? (page A)
Successfully completed the program's prerequisite core courses?
(BIO-1100 or CHEM-1010 and CHEM-1020, and BIO-2331)
Enclosed a copy of your college/university transcripts, other than TRI-C?
Enclose your TWO (2) completed Observation forms: One from each group?
(pages B+C)
Please send all completed application materials in one envelope ,
Health Careers Enrollment Center, Cuyahoga Community College
2900 Community College Avenue, MHCS 126B
Cleveland, OH 44115
Remember, your application is not complete until the
*core courses have been successfully completed!
*BIO-1100 Introduction to Biological Chemistry 03
*BIO-2331 (or 2330) Anatomy and Physiology-I 04
-7-

Background Check Information (BCI)
A BCI is a search and report of criminal records, also known as a background check. The
BCIs are conducted by Verified Credentials and completed by the Bureau of Criminal
Identification and Investigation. The BCIs include fingerprinting, a social security number
trace, county record search, state search and a check of Federal Bureau of Investigation
records.
All health career programs at Tri-C are considered selective admission programs. These
programs have a limited number of openings each year and have specific admission
requirements that must be met prior to admission. The completion of a criminal background
check (BCI) is one of the admission requirements to a Health Career program. The background
checks are required in order to (i) ascertain the ability of students to eventually become
licensed, registered and/or certified in their health career profession and (ii) the ability of the
students to attend mandatory clinical, practicum and/or internship rotations at internal and
external facilities in accordance with the requirements of the applicable program of study.
Where do I go to get the BCI?
The BCI registration process is first started online through Verified Credentials,
HTTP://scholar.verifiedcredentials.com/cuyahoga
Once the registration process is complete, the fingerprinting portion is done at an
Integrity Verification site (a partner of Verified Credentials). Integrity Verification has a
facility at the following locations:
7155 Pearl Road • Cleveland, OH 44130 • Tel: 440 886-0900 • Fax: 440 886-0907
735 North Court Street • Medina, OH 44256 • Tel: 330 725-3866 • Fax: 330 725-7981
25200 Miles Road • Bedford Heights, OH 44146 • Tel: 216 645-5576 • Fax: 216 360-9218
Currently, this is the only vendor in which student fingerprinting can be obtain from. In
addition to going directly to the Integrity Verification facilities, each semester onsite
fingerprinting will be offered at each campus, starting Spring Semester, 2014. Please
contact the Contract & Compliancy Coordinator or see below for more details.
*NOTE: BCI’s must be performed within 6 months of starting the program.
Therefore, you must complete this process between January 1 st and no later
than April 30 th .
For Frequently Asked Questions regarding the BCI process, log onto:
http://www.tri-c.edu/programs/healthcareers/Pages/bcifaq.aspx
-8-

Fast Facts Regarding the Polysomnography Program
Questions Most Commonly Asked About the Polysomnography Program
Q: What exactly is a Polysomnography Technologist?
A: The word polysomnography means many (poly), sleep (somno), and tests (graphy). As a polysomnography
technologist, you will perform tests to record electroencephalography (EEG), the study of the electrical activity of the
brain, electro-oculography (EOG), the study of the electrical activity of the eye and electromyography (EMG), the study of
the electrical activity of muscles and the study of electrical activity of the heart, as well as the effects of sleep has on the
respiratory system. Polysomnography is the gold standard for definition and consolidating sleep into a manageable
construct.
Q: Where are Polysomnography Technologists employed?
A: Polysomnography Technologists are currently utilized both in research and in clinical application. Most technologists
are employed in hospitals. More and more technologists are being employed in accredited independent sleep labs, in
physician’s offices, and a few are employed in homecare companies.
Q: How long is the program; can I complete the program on a part-time basis?
A: The program is 3 semesters. Part-time basis is determined by the amount of courses completed prior to formal,
program acceptance. Clinical rotations are 9 hours/night, twice/week in the Fall and 9 hours/day, twice/week in the
Spring. Clinical experiences start in the evening and finish in the early morning hours in Fall and during the day in Spring.
Q: Is the program offered in the evenings or weekends; can I work while attending the program?
A: Most of the courses are scheduled in the evening and nights, yet some courses are during the day. Most people find
part-time work manageable. Increased, outside employment may be detrimental to successful, academic progress!
Q: I already have credits, can I complete the program in less than 3 semesters?
A: No, unfortunately the courses are only offered sequentially, on a yearly basis.
Q: What is a typical salary for a technologist?
A: The Cleveland region experiences a starting salary of $39,190 for non-registered technicians. The average rate for
registered technologists (RPSGT) is $50,583, with a maximum salary of $61,922. (see www.salary.com) ~May 2013
Q: How many applicants are received each year; How many are accepted?
A: We can accept 15 students to start in the first semester at the Western campus in Parma. Accepted applicants are
required to attend a general counseling session, prior to the first semester. There is a waiting list for this program when
applications exceed 15.
Q: Is financial aid available?
A: Generally yes. Students may qualify for the usual Federal or State programs. For more information on college
financial aid and/or scholarships, contact the Western Campus' Financial Aid Office at 987-5100.
Q: Can I transfer credits from another college or university?
A: Generally yes. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a counselor after transcripts have been
forwarded.
-9-

Cuyahoga Community College
Polysomnography Application
FULL LEGAL NAME
PLEASE PRINT
LAST FIRST MIDDLE Former if applicable
Address Telephone ( )
City State Zipcode County
Student Number
S
Are you now or have you ever been enrolled at Cuyahoga Community College ? Yes No
If Yes, state the campus and term last attended:
Campus Term Year Campus of record
Separate official transcripts for each college and university attended must be submitted to the
Admissions Office, campus of record by the applicant at least 8 weeks prior to the submission of
this application packet. A second copy of transcripts must be included in this packet.
Complete the following table if you have ever attended any other college or university or other posthigh
school programs. (List in order of attendance, most recent first)
Name of
College/University
City and State
From
Month Year
To
Month Year
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? ______Yes
______ No
Completion of this form and minimum program requirements does not constitute admission to the
program. Applicants will be notified by letter when they are accepted into the program.
Cuyahoga Community College is committed to continuing affirmative action and equal opportunities
of access to employment and education and thus does not discriminate against current or potential
employees or students on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry, age,
disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran.
"I certify that the information provided on this application is complete and accurate in every respect.
I understand that falsifying any aspect of this application may result in cancellation of admission."
Signature of Applicant (Do Not Print)
Date
-A-

Sleep Disorders Center Observation Form GROUP “A”
Private/Stand Alone Center
Polysomnography Program Cuyahoga Community College
(Please dress professionally during your observation)
Applicant's Name (please print)
S
Student Number
To whom it may concern:
The bearer of this letter is an applicant to the Polysomnography program. All applicants to this
program are required to observe activities performed by a Registered Polysomnographic
Technologist (RPSGT) for a minimum of three (3) hours, in order to gain some familiarity with
the tasks and responsibilities required of this profession. We would appreciate your verification
of the following information:
I. The applicant has observed activities commonly related to patient set-up for the
following tests:
[ ] Electroencephalography (EEG)
[ ] Electro-oculography (EOG)
[ ] Electromyography (EMG)
[ ] Electrocardiology (ECG)
[ ] Respiratory Monitors (upper airway and effort)
II.
III.
[ ] The applicant has observed a sample tracing of a sleep montage.
[ ] The applicant has been given a basic overview of a typical "day" in the life of a
Polysomnography technologist.
Signature of Polysomnography representative
Date of Observation
Sleep Center
Phone Number
Note: It is the applicant's responsibility to return the original form, along with other application
materials. A copy of this may be retained at the sleep center.
We extend our sincere appreciation for your cooperation in helping us to select qualified persons for
the Polysomnography program.
-B-

Sleep Disorders Center Observation Form GROUP “B”
Hospital-Based Center
Polysomnography Program Cuyahoga Community College
(Please dress professionally during your observation)
Applicant's Name (please print)
S
Student Number
To whom it may concern:
The bearer of this letter is an applicant to the Polysomnography program. All applicants to this
program are required to observe activities performed by a Registered Polysomnographic
Technologist (RPSGT) for a minimum of three (3) hours, in order to gain some familiarity with
the tasks and responsibilities required of this profession. We would appreciate your verification
of the following information:
III.
The applicant has observed activities commonly related to patient set-up for the
following tests:
[ ] Electroencephalography (EEG)
[ ] Electro-oculography (EOG)
[ ] Electromyography (EMG)
[ ] Electrocardiology (ECG)
[ ] Respiratory Monitors (upper airway and effort)
IV.
III.
[ ] The applicant has observed a sample tracing of a sleep montage.
[ ] The applicant has been given a basic overview of a typical "day" in the life of a
Polysomnography technologist.
Signature of Polysomnography representative
Date of Observation
Sleep Center
Phone Number
Note: It is the applicant's responsibility to return the original form, along with other application
materials. A copy of this may be retained at the sleep center.
We extend our sincere appreciation for your cooperation in helping us to select qualified persons for
the Polysomnography program.
-C-

Choose ONE from GROUP A You may choose centers which may not be listed. Page E
Phone
STAND ALONE (private) Site
Address
Number Supervisor/Contact Person
1 Remedy Sleep Disorders 32730 Walker Road D1 440.933.7775 Ron Stevens, President
Centers Avon Lake, Ohio 44012
2 7507 Pearl Road
Cleveland, Ohio 44130-6429
3 25761 Lorain Road
North Olmsted, Ohio 44070
4 West Region Sleep 15805 West Puritas Avenue 216.267.5933 Siarhei Ramaniuk, RPSGT
Center Cleveland, Ohio 44135
5 The Sleep Clinic 805 Columbia Road, #101B 216.267.5933 Siarhei Ramaniuk, RPSGT
(West Region) Westlake, OH 44145
6 Preferred Diagnostics
7575 Northcliff Ave. Suite 401
Brooklyn, OH 44144 216.749.8283 Dana Hanes, RPSGT, R.EEG.T
Choose ONE from GROUP B
You may choose centers which may not be listed.
Phone
HOSPITAL Clinical Site
Address
Number Supervisor/Contact Person
1 Akron General Medical Center 400 Wabash Avenue Akron, Ohio 44307 330.344.6751 Lori Gentner, Manager
2 Akron General Wellness Center 4125 Medina Road Akron, Ohio 44333 330.665.8211 Ken Mason, RRT, RPSGT
3
Cleveland Clinic
Sleep Disorders Center (CCF) 11203 Stokes Blvd. Cleveland, Ohio 44106 216-445-7427 Subra Chakrabarti RPSGT

HOSPITAL Clinical Site (con’t)
Address
Phone
Supervisor/Contact Person
4 Elyria Memorial Hospital
630 East River Road Elyria, Ohio 44035
440.326.5464 Jennifer Butcher, BS, RRT, RPSGT
5 Hillcrest Hospital (CCF) 6780 Mayfield Road Mayfield Heights, OH 44124 216-445-7427 Subra Chakrabarti RPSGT
6 Marymount Sleep Disorders Center (CCF) 5051 West Creek Rd. Independence, OH 44131 216-445-7427 Subra Chakrabarti RPSGT
7 MetroHealth Medical Center 2500 MetroHealth Drive Cleveland, Ohio 44109 216.778.3242 Felicia Johnson, BA, RPSGT
8 Robinson Memorial Hospital 6847 North Chestnut Street Ravenna, OH 44266 330.297.8080 Earl Rogers, RPSGT
9 Sleep Center at Southwest General Hosp. 18697 Bagley Road Middleburg Hts, Ohio 44130 440.816.6030 Babu Eapen, MD
__________________________________ _________________________________________ ___________ _________________
10 Sleep Disorders Center at Medina (CCF) 3122 Eastpoint Drive, Medina, OH 44256 (Motel 6) 216-445-7427 Subra Chakrabarti RPSGT
11 Summa - Green
1700 Boettler Road, suite 215, Uniontown, OH
44685 330.835.3991 Barbara Pisanelli, BS, CT (ASCP)
12 Summa - Western Reserve Hospital 1900 23rd Street Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44223 330.996.8881 Michael Perry, RPSGT, R EEG T,
13 Summa - White Pond 701 White Pond Drive, Akron, OH 44320 330-835-3991 Barbara Pisanelli, BS, CT (ASCP)
14 University Hospital 11000 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44106 216.844.8752 Lauri Dull, RPSGT (Manager)
15 VA Medical Center 10701 East Boulevard Cleveland, Ohio 44106 216.791.3800 Jacqulyne Davis, Lead RPSGT
x 4776

Not formally accepted in the Polysomnography program,
yet wish to take one of the courses?
Yes you can!
ANYONE may register for the Fall web-based internet course in Polysomnography
END-1440 Neurophysiology of Sleep
Make sure the FALL course you register for states WEB BASED COURSE