sleep disorders

Genesee Community College's new Polysomnographic Technology program -- the study of sleep disorders -- has received final approval by the State University of New York and the State Education Department.

With the recent hiring of the new director of Polysomnographic Technology, Genesee's newest academic program will be ready for enrollment this fall.

The Polysomnographic Program was approved by Genesee's Board of Trustees back in January. Since then, the program has had a rigorous review by SUNY to ensure the program meets its high learning standards and those of the State Education Department.  It is the first associate degree program for Polysomnographic Technology in the state.

The Polysomnographic Technology, or sleep disorder, study program prepares students to become technologists who work closely with physicians to diagnose sleep-related problems and provide support services to patients.

They usually work in "sleep laboratories," where patients with sleep problems spend one or more nights under intensive clinical observation. As modern medicine takes a closer look at the important role sleep plays in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, there is an increasing demand for technologists to monitor patients' breathing, blood oxygen levels, brain waves, eye movements, muscle tone, and other clinical variables to assist in diagnosis. Technologists also counsel patients in the use of respiratory and sleep devices that aid in sleep hygiene.

Full-time students can complete the intensive 66-credit program in four semesters. The college expects to enroll 35 students in the program. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the national Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) examination. New York State is expected to soon require licensing of polysomnographic technologists, and Genesee graduates will be eligible for licensure.

After an extensive search for the new director of Polysomnographic Technology, Marshann Y. Thomas of Rochester has been selected to lead the new program. She is a registered polysomnographic technologist and registered respiratory therapist at Unity Health System in Rochester. She has also served Monroe Community Hospital in Rochester and Gadsden Community Hospital in Florida.

Genesee Community College's Board of Trustees on Monday evening approved a new Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program in Polysomnographic Technology -- the evaluation and diagnosis of more than 100 sleep disorders.

The degree is the first of its kind in any college or university in New York State.

With the Board's approval, the program will now be submitted to the State University of New York for approval, and later, to the New York State Education Department. The college expects the program to begin this fall and anticipates 35 students to be enrolled, according to Eunice Bellinger, Ph.D, executive vice president for Academic Affairs.

Full-time students can complete the intensive 66-credit program in four semesters. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the national Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) examination. New York State is expected to soon require licensing of polysomnographic technologists, and Genesee graduates will be eligible for licensure.

Polysomnographic technology is one of the fastest growing fields in medicine. Its technicians work closely with physicians to diagnose sleep-related problems and provide support services to patients. They usually work in "sleep laboratories," where patients with sleep problems spend one or more nights under intensive clinical observation. Technologists monitor patients' breathing, blood oxygen levels, brain waves, eye movements, muscle tone and other clinical variables. They use a variety of highly specialized clinical equipment, such as electroencephalograph, electrooculograph, electromyograph and electrocardiograph machines to assist in diagnosis. Technologists also counsel patients in the use of respiratory and sleep devices that aid in sleep hygiene.

Courses include Anatomy and Physiology, Physiology of Sleep Medicine, Sleep Study Instrumentation, Sleep Disorders, Environmental Chemistry, General Psychology, as well as four courses in Polysomnography and general education courses. The academic program also includes two clinical practice courses giving students the opportunity practice their skills in a sleep lab.

Sleep disorders are getting increased attention throughout the medical community. Bellinger told trustees that "sleep disorders are often associated with other medical conditions, such as obesity. Medical technology has given us a variety of ways to assess and diagnose neurological, cardiac and muscular problems during sleep and, ultimately, help patients lead healthier lives. We are looking forward to adding this Polysomnographic Technology program to our academic offerings, and making valuable new contributions to the health of people in our local communities."