Sanford-Brown College has started a new sleep medicine and technology program for students at its Fenton, Missouri campus. The Polysomnography associates degree program is designed to prepare students to perform sleep diagnostics, work with a physician to provide comprehensive clinical evaluations and help identify sleep disorders.
Every year, millions of people suffer from sleep disorders like insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea and snoring. Sleep disorders are very common in both men and women. Sleep loss and sleep disorders represent an under-recognized health problem. If left untreated sleep issues can contribute to other health problems including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression, heart attack and stroke.
More information regarding sleep disorders can be found by accessing the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists.
The Sanford-Brown sleep technology program was created by Michael McLeland. He created the first accredited sleep technologist education program in Missouri at Washington University. McLeland now serves as the program director for Sanford-Brown College.
“Sleep is something that affects everyone every day,” said Mr. McLeland. “There is very much a science to sleep. If we don’t get enough sleep it often can contribute to a wide range of health problems and can impact productivity and safety at work. Our sleep program will teach students how to assist with diagnosing, analyzing and treating these issues with some of the latest advances in the field of sleep technology.”
Sanford-Brown College will also offer courses in polysomnographic research, ethics, pediatric polysomnography and clinical review at the Fenton campus.
“Sanford-Brown is proud to be one of the first schools in the Midwest to offer this associate degree program,” said Melissa Mangold, president of Sanford-Brown College–Fenton. “We have made a significant investment in the sleep technology program that will give our students an edge as they search for job opportunities in the sleep technology field.”
Additionally, in late 2010 to coincide with the clinical work for students, Sanford-Brown College–Fenton expects to open a sleep diagnostic lab on campus. Many insurance companies now require a sleep clinic study in order to pay certain claims. This clinic will have beds to help diagnose and treat sleep disorders among St. Louis area residents.
The clinic will be run by the students in the sleep technology program with close supervision by doctors, faculty and the medical director. In addition, students from Sanford-Brown College–Fenton’s medical billing and coding program will assist with the day-to-day operations of the clinic.
SBC–Fenton is part of the Career Education Corporation network of schools. For more information, visit www.sbcfenton.com.
Maryland Heights Scholarship Luncheon
The Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce will award four students with scholarships during its Annual Scholarship Luncheon 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 12 at Spazio’s, 12031 Lackland Road, in Maryland Heights.
The luncheon, sponsored by SSM DePaul Health Center, will include a networking session from 11:30 a.m. to noon. The scholarship award program will take place from noon to 1 p.m.
Donations to the scholarship fund were made on behalf of Fred Weber Inc., and Ranken Jordan Pediatric Hospital. In the last 10 years, the chamber has raised $55,000 to help send high school seniors to college.
Pricing for the luncheon is $20 for chamber members and $25 for non-members. Prior registration is required no later than the Friday prior to the event. Walk-ins will not be guaranteed a seat. Cancellations must be received prior to the luncheon or subject to a meal charge.
For more information on benefits and services, visit www.mhcc.com or call 314-576-6603.
