College of DuPage Offers Polysomnography Certificate

College of DuPage is offering a new Polysomnography certificate program this fall that prepares students to work in the rapidly growing field of sleep studies.

Recently approved by the Illinois Community College Board, the 24-credit hour program will help students gain the skills to become a polysomnographic technician in sleep laboratories. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Board for

Registered Polysomnographic Technician's exam.

“Polysomnography is a booming industry right now,” said Charles Vanderwarf, Associate Professor of Respiratory Care. “Although sleep labs have been around for a long time, a growing number of people are experiencing sleeping disorders, which has resulted in a greater need for accredited facilities with trained technicians.”

Polysomnography is used to diagnose or rule out sleep disorders, including narcolepsy, hypersomnia and sleep apnea. The program at College of DuPage features six new courses: “Introduction to Polysomnography,” “Polysomnography Anatomy and Physiology,” “Advanced Polysomnography,” “Sleep Study Analysis” and two clinicals. The program, which also requires two additional courses, can be completed in two semesters.

Vanderwarf said patients who suffer from a sleep disorder and need special equipment may be unable to obtain it until they undergo a sleep study conducted by an accredited laboratory.

“Polysomnographic technicians work at night, when most sleep studies are performed,” he said. “Salaries are competitive, and it's an exciting time to start a career in this field.”

For more information about the Polysomnography certificate program, call (630) 942-2105, (630) 942-2994 or email prolac@cod.edu.