An experiential learning course for cardiovascular and sleep technology

Area of Science:

• Physiology Education
• Allied Health Training
• Experiential Learning

Background:

• Undergraduate allied health programs often focus on preparation for professional schools.
• Students also seek employment options after completing a bachelor's degree.
• There is a need for clinically relevant training in undergraduate health science programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate an experiential learning course in cardiovascular and sleep technology.
• To equip undergraduate students with hands-on clinical skills for professional programs or employment.
• To enhance students' understanding of clinical exercise, autonomic, and sleep physiology.

Main Methods:

• The course integrated experiential learning across three modules: clinical exercise physiology, autonomic physiology, and sleep physiology.
• Students completed scientific reports and essay-based exams.
• Hands-on experience with physiological equipment and a student-led nap study were incorporated.

Main Results:

• The course provided practical skills in areas like cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, cardiovascular technology, and sleep technology.
• Students developed critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills.
• The sleep physiology module, including electroencephalography (EEG) and a nap study, effectively introduced students to sleep medicine.

Conclusions:

• Experiential learning in cardiovascular and sleep technology is an impactful method for training undergraduate biomedical students.
• This hands-on approach prepares students for diverse healthcare careers, health professions graduate programs, or research.
• The course offers clinically relevant training that complements or serves as an alternative to traditional research.