Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about our company.
If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us.
How do I access my certificate of completion at the end of the course?

There are 3 ways you can download your certificates.

Method 1

The first method is to click "Get Your Certificate" immediately after finishing a course. Then click "Download PDF".

Method 2

The second method is to open the completed course and click "Get Your Certificate" on the left sidebar. Then click "Download PDF".

Method 3

The third method is to go to login to your dashboard, click your name in the top right corner, then click "My Account". Navigate to the Certificates tab, then click "View" next to the certificate you want to view. Then click "Download PDF".

There are 3 ways you can download your certificates. The method we recommend is to:

  1. Login to your dashboard, and click your name in the top right corner.
  2. Then click "My Account".
  3. Navigate to the Certificates tab, then click "View" next to the certificate you want to view.
  4. Then click "Download PDF". If it asks you to allow downloads, click "Allow".

We like to suggest this method because it makes viewing and downloading multiple certificates at once quick and easy. If you run into any trouble, contact us, and we'll help you out.

How will I access my course materials?

After you purchase and enroll into a course, you'll be given access to your own student dashboard. There you'll find all the courses you're enrolled in. You'll also be able to manage your user profile,  view/download certificates, view order histories, and monitor course completion progress.

How long are the video lessons?

On average, our video lessons are about 5 minutes long. Some of our more complex topics may reach up to 15 minutes long, while others can be as short as 1 minute long.

What happens after a video lesson?

Upon completing each video lesson, you'll have the option to rewatch it as many times as you wish or proceed to the quiz. You'll also have the ability to come back to watch or reference the video lesson as needed between quiz attempts.

How do I progress to the next lesson?

To advance, you need to earn a passing grade of 80% on the quiz. You can rewatch the video lesson between quiz attempts if needed.

What can I expect from the quizzes?

After each lesson, you'll be prompted to take a brief quiz comprising of about 5 questions, depending on how long the video was. These quizzes are not timed, and you'll have multiple attempts to achieve a passing grade.

How is the course material presented?

Our courses follow a microlearning approach, breaking down each lesson into two parts:

  1. A concise on-screen video presentation.
  2. A brief quiz that covers the specific topics discussed in the previous video.
Why do you take the microlearning approach?

We intentionally structure our courses this way because we've found that presenting information in short, focused bursts significantly enhances retention rates and improves understanding.

Are CSTEs and Continuing Education Credits the Same Thing?

Kind of. CSTEs is a specific brand of Continuing Education Credits. They will obvious be designed for sleep technology, covering areas like sleep studies and patient care. These differ from broader general term for CECs/CEUs, which are non-specific brands of continuing education. Think of it like this... Continuing Education is like saying "automobile" whereas CSTE is like saying "Ford," a specific brand of automobile.

Discover our online courses designed for earning CSTE credits in our course library.

For a detailed discussion on the differences between CSTEs and Continuing Education Credits, and their importance in the sleep technology field, read our full blog post here.

How do I know if the BRPT will accept my CSTE credits and how do I submit them?

Every year we make sure to update the CSTE license on our courses that offer CSTE's with the BRPT. Becasue of this, you can be confident that the BRPT will accept the CSTE credits from our approved courses. The eligibility dates for the approved CSTE program will be listed on your certificate. Here’s how to submit them:

  1. Earn your credits by completing our courses, listed in our course library.
  2. Obtain your completion certificate, then log in to the BRPT's submission portal to enter your course details and upload the certificate.
  3. Submit your credits for approval.

For a step-by-step guide and further assistance, refer to our detailed blog post on this topic and explore our course library for more courses that offer CSTE credits. This ensures your professional development efforts in sleep technology are recognized and rewarded.

Is First Sleep School Accredited?

Absolutely, we are!

We have two accreditations:

  1. We are an approved college and career school (S4200) by the Texas Workforce Commission, which means that the State of Texas reviewed and approved our program curriculum.
  2. We are an approved “Focused 2” STAR Provider (F2006) and “Self Study” STAR Provider (SS008) by the BRPT, which means students can meet both CPSGT & RPSGT exam eligibility with just our programs.
What is a Sleep Tech?

A Polysomnographic Technologist, commonly referred to as a Sleep Tech, is a trained medical professional who performs a sleep study to help determine if someone has one of the many diagnosable sleep disorders, such as snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, or even narcolepsy. The sleep study is typically a 6 to 8-hour digital recording that is usually done in a sleep center and may be located in a hospital, office building, or even a hotel. Ultimately, Sleep Techs are members of a health care team that work together to help diagnose and treat sleep disorders.

Is there a guarantee with the 10-20 Tool?

Yes, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee for full refunds if not completely satisfied.

How do I become a Sleep Tech?

Sleep Techs often have experience in performing medical procedures or providing medical care. Many have worked previously as EEG or Neurodiagnostic Technologists, Respiratory Therapists, Cardiac technicians or EMTs. There are, however, some that obtain an entry-level position with no previous experience since the field is relatively new and rapidly growing. Those individuals often receive their training as “on-the-job training” combined with some level of a formal training program. Training programs may be obtained online through self study modules or course instruction that can last days, weeks or even years. The amount, type of previous experience, and/or formal training required for exam eligibility will vary depending on the credentialing body and the pathway chosen.

There are generally four levels of sleep techs:

1. Polysomnographic Trainee

Trainee's usually require direct supervision by a trained Sleep Technologist while learning. Trainees usually are working toward a national credential, such as CPSGT.

2. Polysomnographic Technician

Technicians may work nights independently to record the sleep study and perform titrations. Technicians are usually working toward a national credential, such as CPSGT or RPSGT.

3. Certified Polysomnographic Technologist (CPSGT)

CPSGT's have demonstrated a strong entry level knowledge to pass the national exam. CPSGT mostly work nights and are generally working toward the RPSGT or RST credential within three years of obtaining their CPSGT.

4. Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) or Registered Sleep Technologist (RST)

RPSGT's and RST's have the required experience and knowledge to pass the difficult national exam. RPSGTs and RSTs workdays and/or nights and may have scoring and supervisory duties.

What material is the 10-20 Tool made from, and is it safe?

The tools are made from itwFormex, a skin-friendly polycarbonate plastic. More info at itwformex.com.

What are the pros and cons of being a Sleep Tech?
Introduction:

Sleep techs are healthcare professionals who specialize in sleep disorders and help diagnose and treat patients who suffer from them. If you're interested in pursuing a career as a sleep tech, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of the profession. In this guide, we'll explore the advantages and disadvantages of being a sleep tech to help you make an informed decision about your career path.

Pros:
  1. High Demand: As more people become aware of sleep disorders, the demand for sleep techs is increasing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of sleep techs is projected to grow 13 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
  2. Flexibility: Sleep techs can work in a variety of settings, including sleep clinics, hospitals, and research facilities. They may also work different shifts, including overnight and weekend shifts, which can provide flexibility in their work schedule.
  3. Personal Satisfaction: Sleep techs have the opportunity to help people who are suffering from sleep disorders, which can greatly improve their quality of life. Seeing the positive impact of their work can be very rewarding.
  4. Career Advancement: Sleep techs can advance their careers by pursuing additional education and certification. This can lead to higher salaries and more job opportunities.
Cons:
  1. Physical Demands: Sleep techs often have to move heavy equipment and position patients in uncomfortable positions. This can cause strain on their bodies and may result in back pain or other injuries.
  2. Irregular Schedule: As mentioned, sleep techs may work overnight or weekend shifts, which can make it difficult to maintain a regular sleep schedule. This can lead to sleep deprivation and other health issues.
  3. Emotional Challenges: Working with patients who have sleep disorders can be emotionally challenging, especially when patients are not responding to treatment. Sleep techs may also have to deal with patient anxiety or frustration, which can be difficult to manage.
  4. Low Salaries: While the demand for sleep techs is increasing, the salaries for the profession are still relatively low compared to other healthcare professions.
Conclusion:

Becoming a sleep tech can be a rewarding career choice for those interested in helping people with sleep disorders. However, it's important to consider the pros and cons before making a decision. By weighing these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether a career as a sleep tech is right for you.

My 10-20 Tool has changed shape slightly. Is this expected?

Yes, the tool's shape can adjust over time due to its manufacturing process. If changes affect usage, we offer exchanges.

What does the career path look like for a Sleep Tech?

Here's a breakdown of what the typical career path looks like for a sleep tech:

Education and Certification

To become a sleep tech, you'll need a high school diploma or GED. From there, you can pursue an associate's or bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field, such as respiratory therapy, nursing, or polysomnography.

While a degree isn't always required, it can be beneficial for career advancement and higher pay. Additionally, you'll need to become certified through the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) or the American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM) to practice as a sleep tech.

On-the-Job Training

Once you've completed your education and certification, you'll need to gain hands-on experience as a sleep tech. This typically involves completing a certain number of supervised sleep studies and demonstrating your proficiency in setting up and using sleep monitoring equipment.

Career Advancement

As you gain more experience as a sleep tech, you can pursue additional certifications or specializations, such as becoming a Registered Sleep Technologist (RST) or a Certified Clinical Sleep Educator (CCSE). You can also advance to leadership roles, such as a supervisory or management position.

Job Outlook and Salary

The job outlook for sleep techs is positive, with the field projected to grow by 13% from 2019 to 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average annual salary for a sleep tech is around $53,000, although this can vary depending on your level of education, certification, and experience.

In summary, becoming a sleep tech requires a combination of education, certification, on-the-job training, and experience. With a positive job outlook and opportunities for career advancement, it can be a rewarding career path for those interested in healthcare, technology, and helping patients with sleep disorders.

Below we have attached a great PDF Resource provided by the AAST for your reference.

Why does my 10-20 Tool sometimes appear frosty?

The material can develop a frost-like powder, which is normal and can be wiped off.

What is microlearning and why is it so helpful?

Microlearning is a comprehensive approach to skill-based learning that deals with relatively small learning units. It involves short-term-focused strategies specially designed for skill-based education, like our courses.

We noticed that many of our competitors provided their students with video lessons that lasted for hours, and then asked them to answer over 30 questions per quiz over all that content.

We decided to break the mold, put in the extra work, and create lots of short, to-the-point videos followed by just a couple of questions to increase memory retention.

What kind of money can a Sleep Tech expect to make?

The salary of a Sleep Tech can vary depending on various factors such as location, experience, and certification. On average, a Sleep Tech can expect to make around $50,000 to $60,000 per year, with some experienced Sleep Techs earning up to $80,000 or more. However, it's important to note that the salary can vary significantly based on the employer and the region in which the Sleep Tech is working.

How should I clean the 10-20 Tools?

Use Control III or a similar germicide as recommended, avoiding harsh scrubbing to maintain the tool.

What are some good reference materials for Sleep Techs?

American Academy of Sleep Medicine (2012). The AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events, Rules, Terminology and Technical Specifications, Version 2.

Link: https://aasm.org/clinical-resources/scoring-manual/

American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Practice Parameters and Clinical Guidelines.

Link: https://aasm.org/clinical-resources/practice-parameters/

American Academy of Sleep Medicine. International Classification of Sleep Disorders - 2 (ICSD-2).

Link: https://aasm.org/clinical-resources/international-classification-of-sleep-disorders/

Krieger, Roth, Dement. Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine, 5th Edition.

Link: https://www.elsevier.com/books/principles-and-practice-of-sleep-medicine/kryger/978-1-4160-6645-3

American Sleep Academy, LLC. Principles of Polysomnography, A Complete Training Program for Sleep Technicians, Second Edition.

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Principles-Polysomnography-Complete-Training-Technicians/dp/0972591859

William H. Spriggs, BS, RPSGT. Essentials of Polysomnography. A Training Guide and Reference for Sleep Technicians.

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Essentials-Polysomnography-Sleep-Technologists-Spriggs/dp/0979949107

R. Berry. Fundamentals of Sleep Medicine.

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Fundamentals-Sleep-Medicine-Ronald-Kryger/dp/1437703267

T. Lee-Chiong. Fundamentals of Sleep Technology, 3rd Edition.

Link: https://www.elsevier.com/books/fundamentals-of-sleep-technology/lee-chiong/978-1-4160-6698-9

S. Chokroverty. Sleep Disorders Medicine, 3rd Edition.

Link: https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9780387299775

What's the recommended storage method for the 10-20 Tools?

Store them on the provided stand at room temperature, away from extreme heat.

Why are the 10-20 Tool sizes set 2 cm apart?

This accounts for natural variances in anatomical point location and is considered an acceptable precision level.

What is the work schedule like for a Sleep Tech?
The Work Schedule

Most sleep studies are performed during the patient’s usual sleep hours, which require sleep techs to work during the evening and night hours. The shift is usually 10-12 hours long and the work week is sometimes limited to three nights. Depending on the size of the sleep center, several techs may work together or may work alone for the entire night caring for one, two or even three patients each.

These work conditions require the ability to remain awake, alert and maintain good interpersonal skills throughout the night. Sleep Techs must also have the ability to get proper sleep during the day as to avoid developing their own circadian rhythm sleep disorder.

The scoring analysis is usually performed during the day along with some other types of sleep studies called Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) or Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT). Daytime positions are usually obtained after spending some time as a performing technologist at night. A daytime position may involve arriving early in the morning, staying late in the evening or may involve normal business hours.

Are there any Professional Associations I should be aware of as a Sleep Tech?
The Professional Associations

Although it is not usually required, many sleep technicians/technologists are members of a national organization, like the American Association of Sleep Technologists (AAST). The AAST performs national surveys of technician/technologists, provides annual awards, educational courses, and maintains committees to ensure that standards of care and practice in the profession are developed and maintained.The website for the organization is http://www.aastweb.org/.

The AAST monitors both federal and state legislative and regulatory activity that might affect job classifications as well as the health and safety of the nation or reimbursement of sleep-related medical procedures.

Additionally, there may be state and regional organizations that also sleep technicians/technologists can participate in and support the field of sleep medicine.

You can read more about the AAST on our blog post, here.

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