Sleep Medicine Technology Graduate Certificate Program
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Interested in a career in sleep medicine technology? |
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What is sleep medicine technology?
A lack of sleep can impair work performance and put you at increased risk for accidents, injuries, and health problems. Fatigue has been linked to many of the most notorious incidents of our time, including the Exxon Valdez, Chernobyl, and Three Mile Island, not to mention up to 25 percent of all highway accidents. Sleep Medicine Technologists identify sleep disorders and aid in their treatment using state-of-the-art software and computer technology.
What does a Sleep Medicine Technologist do?
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Sleep Medicine Technologists perform and evaluate overnight sleep studies to aid physicians in the diagnosis of sleep disorders. They also apply and titrate |
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Why become a Sleep Medicine Technologist?
- Variety. Sleep Medicine Technologists interact with patients and work with sophisticated computerized medical equipment.
- Reduced Stress. The field of sleep medicine is not as fast paced or urgent as many acute and critical care positions.
Career Opportunities
The demand for Sleep Medicine Technologists is growing due to an increase in the number of Canadians diagnosed with disorders such as sleep apnea. Sleep Medicine Technologists are currently employed in hospitals, private laboratories, clinical and research settings and the growing home care field.
How long does it take?
This intensive three-week program is held at Michener. It combines three-hour (morning) lectures with four-hour (afternoon) practical sessions for the first two weeks, plus one week of scoring. Clinical placement at one of Michener's Sleep Medicine Clinical sites must be completed within one year. Most of the clinical hours consist of 12 hour night shifts. Graduates receive The Michener Institute Graduate Certificate in Sleep Medicine Technology.
Start DateMay 3 , 2010 |
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Admission Requirements
1. Bachelor of Science degree (Life Sciences) with one year of patient care experience; OR
2. Practising health care professional
Individuals with current sleep lab experience may be eligible for prior learning credit toward components of the program, and may qualify for a reduced tuition fee. Applicants for whom English is a second language must provide proof of an english language assessment.
Students interested in a theory-only version of the sleep medicine technology program (no practical or clinical sessions) may register for Theory of Sleep Medicine through Michener's Centre for Continuing Professional Education. This course has no admission requirements and students receive a certificate of attendance upon completion.
Tuition
$4,200 total*
*Tuition fees are based on the 2009/10 academic year
How do I apply?
To apply please submit the following documents to The Michener Institute:
- Completed Michener Application form
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or Equivalence High School Diploma
- Official academic transcripts and official copies of certification documents. Official Notarized copies will also be accepted.
- A work-related letter of reference from your employer
- A current resume
- Applicants for whom English is a second language must provide proof of an english language assessment.
- $30 non-refundable application fee
Your application should be sent to:
Office of the Registrar |
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For more information on the application process please visit Michener's Admissions page
Application Deadline:
February 26, 2010
What will I learn?
This full-time theoretical and practical course provides intensive practice in the skills required for performance and scoring of sleep studies. Lecture material and laboratory exercises are tightly integrated, and emphasis is placed on preparing students to perform sleep studies during the clinical phase of their education. Students work with polygraphs, computerized sleep recording systems, and other devices that are commonly used in sleep laboratories.
- Calibrate, set-up and troubleshoot sleep equipment
- Perform patient setup for sleep study
- Perform and monitor overnight sleep study
- Score sleep records
- Perform CPAP setup and titration
Evaluation is based upon the performance of skills demonstrated during a simulated sleep study. In addition, there is a comprehensive written examination at the end of the course that will test knowledge of physiology, sleep disorders, equipment, and scoring sleep records. After passing both the written and practical exams, students will be eligible to proceed to the clinical phase.
 One out of four people is a habitual snorer. Snoring can sometimes be a symptom of more serious disorders like obstructive sleep apnea. |
Clinical Sites
The clinical education phase is approximately 44 hours in total with most of the clinical hours consisting of three night shifts. Clinical placement is scheduled taking into consideration students' independent learning needs and the availability of clinical sites. Dates will be arranged on an individual basis. You will work under the supervision of a registered Polysomnographic Technologist and perform increasingly complex procedures. Clinical placements give you hands-on practice and the opportunity to network with potential employers. Clinical must be completed prior to May 3, 2011.
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Current clinical sites include:
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Testimonials
What did you like Most about the course?
This course was very interesting and lots of fun. I especially appreciated all the hands on lab time!
The labs, computer scoring, and learning different sleep pathology.
The friendliness, camaraderie and willingness to help atmosphere created by the instructors. If they are representative of the people in this field, then it will be a real pleasure to be a part of their team!
I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. I cannot remember a time where I had so much fun learning!
Comments from the Class of 2007
Interesting Links
Article: The Science of Sleep
Canadian Sleep Society
Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT)
American Association of Sleep Technologists
American Academy of Sleep Medicine
American Board of Sleep Medicine
