Sleep Program

Press release:

This spring, the Polysomnographic Technology (PSG) program at Genesee Community College will graduate its fifth class of students. In preparation for the group to take its national board exams, GCC will once again host a seminar reviewing Polysomnographic principles.

The seminar, presented by K & M Medical will be held April 15 and 16 in room T102 on the Batavia campus.

"The review seminar is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the essential principles of Polysomnographic Technology. The series of lectures and practice exams are designed to prepare our PSG students and others in the sleep community to successfully pass the Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (RPSGT) exam," said Marshann Thomas, director of the college's Polysomnographic Technology Program.

Space is limited for the two-day review. Those interested can register here, or visit the K & M Web site for more information at http://www.kmmed.com/seminars.html. The review offers continuing education credits from the American Association of Sleep Technologists (AAST) and the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).

GCC's two-year sleep studies program was the first of its kind in Western New York and the Finger Lakes. It has been endorsed by a peer review and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and was recognized by the New York State Office of Professional Education as a license qualifying PSG Program. As a result, GCC's PSG graduates will be qualified to receive their license upon the successful completion of our PSG program and will be able to practice PSG in New York State.

Students enrolled in the PSG program will take courses in anatomy, psychology, physiology, environmental chemistry, sleep disorders and sleep study implementation. They also complete two clinical practice courses in a local sleep clinic where they can apply what they've learned in a real world setting.

The field of sleep study continues to grow, offering a variety of career options for graduates -- from helping physicians diagnose sleep-related problems, to counseling patients on things they can do to improve resting hours.

"Our goal is to equip these students with the skills they need to provide quality, compassionate care to patients and families," said Thomas, who is a registered Respiratory Care practitioner.

Information is also available by visiting GCC's Web site: http://www.genesee.edu/academics/programs/health/sleep/

For a recent press release about the curriculum changes to GCC's Polysomnographic Technology program go to: http://www.genesee.edu/news/articles/dspArticle/5028/

For more information, contact Polysomnographic Technology Program Director, Marshann Thomas at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6188 or at mythomas@genesee.edu