have sponsored a committee to begin accrediting college track programs in PSG
technology.
They are also developing standardized OJT (on the job training) program for
technologists as well. Such a program will include accredited didactic training,
ongoing programmed training modules and competency testing.
AASM presents A-STEP, the Accredited Sleep Technologist Education Program, as an initiative to promote the field-
wide standardization of local sleep technologist training programs.
A-STEP is a two-step training program for sleep technologists that includes an 80-hour didactic course and an 18-
month on-the-job training and e-learning program. Sleep technologists who participate in A-STEP emerge highly
prepared for their professional positions as sleep technicians and qualified candidates for the Board of Registered
Technologists (BRPT) certification exam. A registry of technicians’ program completion credentials is maintained
electronically by AASM.
In a Local Sleep Center or Classroom…
Any sleep center or academic institution can become an accredited A-STEP Provider, given that the center’s training
program meets the standardized educational and training requirements set forth by AASM. Sleep centers and schools
that have not previously offered training programs are encouraged to apply.
A-STEP Providers are responsible for implementing STEP 1 (the 80-hour didactic course) for all its A-STEP
Participants. STEP 2, which includes on-the-job training supplemented by 12 e-learning modules, is fulfilled through the
joint efforts of each participant’s employer and AASM, respectively.
Computer-based examination to credential polysomnographic technologists during four testing periods each year at hundreds of US and
international sites. The four testing periods for 2006 will be:
March 27 - April 8
June 26 - July 8
September 18 - 29
December 4 - 19
2006 Candidate Handbook, which includes application forms and details about eligibility and procedures, is available at www.brpt.org
starting on January 3.
Eligibility:
- professionals with 18 months of paid clinical experience in polysomnography;
- credentialed professionals with 6 months of paid clinical experience in polysomnography from a BRPT-accepted health-related field,
such as nursing, respiratory care, and electroneurodiagnostics; - graduates of programs with special recognition in polysomnography, as accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied
Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
The Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists has instituted a policy that requires RPSGTs to recertify every 5 years. The
Table below is a brief outline of the requirements for RPSGTs based on the time of certification passing. More information, including
the entire New Recertification Guidelines and Continuing Education Policy Table, is available at,
www.brpt.org/RPSGT/Recert_policies.htm
| Current RPSGT Status |
RPSGts - certified after January 1, 2006 |
RPSGTs - certified before January 2006 - and who voluntarily switched from grandfathered status or 10-year status to 5-year recertification |
RPSGTs - certified before January 2006 - and who have not already voluntarily switched |
| When does the 5 year recertification period begin? |
Must recertify every 5 years (5-year period begins on the date of the score report for the testing window in which the exam was taken). |
Must recertify every 5 years (5-year period begins on the date a written request to switch was made to the BRPT). |
Must recertify every five years (5-year period begins January 1,2007) |
| Recertification Requirements |
50 Continuing Education Hours (such as CEUs, CECs, CMEs) during the 5-year recertification period with a minimum requirement of 5 hours of continuing education annually. BRPT recommends that 10 hours be earned each year for 5 years to encourage ongoing education on a continuing basis.
pass) the RPSGT exam within 90 days of the end of your 5-year recertification period |
50 hours of continuing education during the 5-year recertification period with a minimum requirement of 5 hours of continuing education annually. BRPT recommends that 10 credits be earned each year for 5 years to encourage ongoing education on a continuing basis.
the RPSGT exam within 90 days of the end of your 5-year recertification period |
50 hours of continuing education during the 5-year recertification period with a minimum requirement of 5 hours of continuing education annually. BRPT recommends that 10 credits be earned each year for 5 years to encourage ongoing education on a continuing basis.
the RPSGT exam within 90 days of the end of your 5-year recertification period |