FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Sleep Technologist do?
Sleep technologists, also called polysomnographic technologists, help sleep specialists study, document and analyze sleep study patterns and results. They work under the direct supervision of sleep specialists and often oversee other staff, such as sleep students or trainees. Sleep technologists are responsible for the care, safety, and comfort of patients as they undergo a sleep study or therapy. Technologists frequently interact with patients to assess levels of comfort and monitor for issues. Sleep technologists are familiar with various medical equipment to diagnose and treat sleep disorders.
Sleep technologists usually work overnight, since that's when sleep studies typically take place. Sleep technologists who work during the day may be responsible for greeting patients as they wake up and analyzing and scoring data from overnight. They may also provide assistance with daytime sleep studies, such as multiple sleep latency testing (MSLT). Sleep technologists monitor machines and assist sleep specialists with patient assessments and physiological monitoring during studies. They also help with the diagnosis, management, and prevention of sleep disorders. In a typical shift, a sleep technologist:
- Prepares patients for the study, which includes applying sensors and electrodes
- Uses various diagnostic and therapeutic tools
- Provides current and continuing care to patients of all ages
- Implements physician orders
- Administers supplemental low-flow oxygen during polysomnogram
- Monitors patients for movement or behavior during sleep
- Monitors the effects of oral appliances, such as those used to treat sleep apnea
- Analyzes and scores data
- Assists in patient evaluation, data study, and follow-up care
- Provides durable medical equipment to patients
- Provides education for patients and caregivers
- Promotes health and wellness
Sleep technologists typically work in private sleep labs or hospital-based sleep labs.
How long is the program?
The Polysomnography program is a full-time 4-semester program. Classes are held during the day Monday-Friday typically 9 am-5 pm at LSC-Kingwood. Clinical rotations begin in your 2nd semester of the program and will predominantly be 1-2 12-hour night shifts per week, with a day clinical rotation in your final semester.
When does the program begin, and what are the deadlines for completing the application?
The Polysomnography program accepts new students every Fall semester. The application period is as follows:
- Application Opens: March 1st at 8am
- Application Closes: June 20th at 4pm
The required HSRT (Health Science Reasoning Test) will only be open during the designated application period.
What are the prerequisites?
Complete the following prerequisite courses with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 or higher:
- BIOL 2404-Intro to Anatomy and Physiology
- ENGL 1301-Composition and Rhetoric I
- Core- Social/ Behavioral Science [80]
Recommended:
* PSYC 2301-General Psychology
* SOCI 1301- Principles of Sociology
* SOCI 1306- Social Problems
What is the approximate cost of the program?
The estimated cost for the Polysomnography program is approximately $8,000 to $13,000. This includes books, tuition, lab fees, and other supplies.
*The range in cost depends on whether the student is an in-district or out-of-district resident.
How do I apply?
If you are not currently a Lone Star College Student, you must first apply to the college and submit all of your transcripts so that they are on file already and evaluated. Please take a look at the explanation and admissions process. http://www.lonestar.edu/transfer-into-lsc.htm.
The applicant must complete the Health Science Reasoning Test (HSRT) before the application will be considered. Please make note of the HSRT available dates. The test may be taken at the following location: Kingwood. Please note that you must be there 2 hours before closing for any computer test. Click here to pay for the HSRT exam. Applications must be submitted by the application period deadline.
Do I need to complete immunizations or CPR to apply?
No. Applicants who are accepted into the program will be notified when the immunizations and CPR courses need to be taken. Please see the Additional Polysomnography Program Requirements link on our webpage for more information.
Background Checks
**Area facilities now require all healthcare students to have a background check and possibly a drug screen before clinical rotations. Students cannot begin to continue their studies until the background check process is satisfactorily cleared. The student is responsible for working with the background check company to clear up any reporting discrepancies before enrolling in the program.
If you have further questions, please don't hesitate to contact the Polysomnography Department at 281.312.1708 or email KC-Polysomnography@lonestar.edu.