University Offers Undergraduate Degree in Sleep Disorders
With the proliferation of sleep centers and the emphasis of health executives on curbing sleep disorders, the need for sleep specialists is evident. In answer to this pressing need, UNC Charlotte is now offering a bachelor degree in neurodiagnostics and sleep science (NDSS). This degree is the very first one in the world today. The course can also be done online which one can get from the College of Health and Human Service’s Kinesiology Department. This is also in alliance with the UNC Chapel Hills Department of Allied Health Services. The college will start accepting students for the 2012 fall semester.
Dennis McElhoe, director of credit programs in the Office of Extended Academic Programs, said that offering of the degree is in partnership of two academically elite universities. These universities continue their development professionally as well as learning new proficiencies in relation to an important and fast moving niche of health. The college hopes to assist students in this new course.
It has been shown in studies that 1 in every 4 people suffer from sleep disorder conditions. This leads to sleep deprivation affecting life quality and is a safety risk. Health complications also arise from having sleep disorders – diabetes, health ailments, obesity and strokes. Because of known effects of such disorders, the study of sleep technology and neurodiagnostics has increased dramatically.
There are also not enough sleep technicians and qualified people to do diagnostics. There is a crucial demand for advanced levels of NDSS in order to have people who can do problem solving, sound decisions and analysis. The college course aims to provide society with professionals along this field.
Once a student completes the degree in NDSS, there are many job opportunities that are available. Graduates can get employed in the educational, clinical or research sections of hospitals, sleep centers, private clinics of sleep disorders doctors, epilepsy labs, research labs or groups, educational facilities and even with manufacturing companies who need expert advice on sleep related subjects. The course will develop skills for critical analysis and thinking to identify wrong diagnosis and fraud by health care agencies. It is also seen that the graduates will help to develop and retain cost efficient practices.
The program on Neurodiagnostics and Sleep Science requires an enrolee to have an associate degree. This is a 38 hour course that includes internship and practicum hours. A graduate can teach in a community college as well. This course is an entry level for advanced degrees tackling sleep disorders or related subject.
Yvette Huet, a member of the Department of Kinesiology, says that the NDSS program is very unique and is the first one being offered globally. The partnership with UNC-Chapel Hill allows the opening of such degree to a whole lot of students who want to delve more into the study of sleep disorders especially on diagnosis and treatment options. She emphasized that more collaborative efforts by other institutions is needed in order to make the degree available to more people in the future.
