Let's start with the basics

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A sleep technologist, often called a sleep tech, is a healthcare professional who specializes in studying and analyzing sleep to help diagnose and treat sleep disorders. Here’s what they do:

1. Monitor and Diagnose Sleep Disorders:
   Sleep technologists work with patients overnight to monitor their sleep patterns using specialized equipment, helping diagnose conditions like sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome.
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2. Operate Advanced Equipment:
   They set up and use medical devices, such as polysomnography machines, to record brain activity, breathing, heart rate, and other vital signs during sleep.
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3. Support Patient Care:
   Sleep techs ensure patients are comfortable during sleep studies, troubleshoot issues with equipment, and assist healthcare providers by preparing accurate reports for treatment planning.

Polysomnography

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• The official name for a sleep tech is a Polysomnographic Technologist.
• Polysomnography is the scientific term for a sleep study.
• This process involves recording various physiological data during sleep, such as brain waves and breathing patterns.
• It's important to note that polysomnography is abbreviated as PSG. Knowing this will come in handy on the next slide.

Credential Options

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• To work as a sleep tech, you must pass a board exam and earn a healthcare credential.
• There are two credential options:
  1. Certified Polysomnographic Technician (CPSGT) – Entry-level certification
  2. Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) – Advanced certification

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BRPT and Pathway Options

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• The board exams are managed by the BRPT (Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists).
• There are different "Pathway Options" available for each credential to help candidates from various backgrounds qualify for the exams.
  • CPSGT: 3 pathway options to choose from
  • RPSGT: 5 pathway options to choose from
    

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Onboarding Process

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Before you can take a board exam, you must first work to become "eligible" for the exam.

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Here is the onboarding process for new sleep techs:

• Step 1: Choose your desired credential (CPSGT or RPSGT).
• ‍Step 2: Identify the Pathway Option that best suits your needs (see next slide).
• ‍Step 3: Complete the requirements outlined in your chosen pathway.
  
• ‍Step 4: Create a free account on the BRPT website and upload the necessary documentation.
• ‍Step 5: Once approved, schedule your exam with BRPT and pay the fee ($550).
• ‍Step 6: Pass the exam to officially become a certified or registered sleep tech!

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Pathway Options for CPSGT

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There are 3 Pathway Options offered by the BRPT for the CPSGT credential. They are listed below:

• Pathway 1: "The Clinical Experience Pathway"
  • Complete a STAR-designated Self-Study education program within the three-year period prior to the exam.
  • Accumulate a minimum of three months of clinical experience in polysomnography, totaling at least 416 hours, including direct patient scoring and/or recording, within the three-year period prior to the exam.
  • Provide proof of secondary education (e.g., high school or college transcript or diploma).
  • Hold current CPR/BLS certification for healthcare workers that follows the most recent AHA Guidelines or international equivalent.
  • Submit verification of experience from an immediate supervisor, human resources, or medical director.

• ‍Pathway 2: "The CAAHEP or CoARC Pathway"
  • Be within two months of graduating from, or have already graduated from, a polysomnography education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
  • Provide proof of graduation through an official transcript, a letter from the college signed by the Program Director and Dean, or a copy of the diploma.
  • Hold current CPR/BLS certification for healthcare workers that follows the most recent AHA Guidelines or international equivalent.
  • Obtain verification of program completion from the Program Director or Chair.

• Pathway 3: "The 'Focused' Pathway"
  • Complete either:
    • A STAR-designated 'Focused' program, or
    • A combination of a Self-Study program and a 'Focused 2' program.
  • Provide proof of completion of the required STAR program(s).
  • Provide proof of secondary education (e.g., high school or college transcript or diploma).
  • Hold current CPR/BLS certification for healthcare workers that follows the most recent AHA Guidelines or international equivalent.

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Pathway Options for RPSGT

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There are 5 Pathway Options offered by the BRPT for the RPSGT credential. They are listed below:

• Pathway 1: "The Clinical Experience Pathway"‍
  • Complete a STAR-designated Self-Study education program within three years prior to the exam.
  • Accumulate at least 960 hours of clinical experience in sleep technology, including direct patient interaction.
  • Provide proof of secondary education (e.g., high school or college transcript or diploma).
  • Hold current CPR/BLS certification for healthcare workers that follows the most recent AHA Guidelines or international equivalent.
  • Submit verification of clinical experience from an immediate supervisor, human resources, or medical director.

• ‍Pathway 2: "The Healthcare Credential Pathway"‍
  • Hold a current and accepted healthcare credential or license (e.g., RN, RRT, CRT, LPN).
    • Refer to the BRPT's list of accepted credentials.
  • Accumulate at least 960 hours of clinical experience in sleep technology, including direct patient interaction.
  • Provide proof of secondary education (e.g., high school or college transcript or diploma).
  • Hold current CPR/BLS certification for healthcare workers that follows the most recent AHA Guidelines or international equivalent.
  • Submit verification of clinical experience from an immediate supervisor, human resources, or medical director.

• Pathway 3: "The CAAHEP or CoARC Pathway"‍
  • Graduate from, or be within two months of graduating from, a polysomnography education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
  • Provide proof of graduation through an official transcript, a letter from the college signed by the Program Director and Dean, or a copy of the diploma.
  • Hold current CPR/BLS certification for healthcare workers that follows the most recent AHA Guidelines or international equivalent.
  • Obtain verification of program completion from the Program Director or Chair.

• ‍Pathway 4: "The Focused Training Pathway"
  • ‍Complete either:
    • A STAR-designated 'Focused' program, or‍
    • A combination of a Self-Study program and a 'Focused 2' program.
  • Accumulate at least 960 hours of clinical experience in sleep technology, including direct patient interaction.
  • Provide proof of secondary education (e.g., high school or college transcript or diploma).
  • Hold current CPR/BLS certification for healthcare workers that follows the most recent AHA Guidelines or international equivalent.
  • Submit verification of clinical experience from an immediate supervisor, human resources, or medical director.

• ‍Pathway 5: "The International Pathway"‍
  • Reside outside the United States.
  • Hold an international tertiary/post-secondary qualification in science/medical science or a related discipline with a major focus on human anatomy and physiology.
  • Accumulate at least 960 hours of clinical experience in sleep technology, including direct patient interaction.
  • Provide proof of tertiary/post-secondary education.
  • Hold current CPR/BLS certification for healthcare workers that follows the most recent AHA Guidelines or international equivalent.
  • Submit verification of clinical experience from an immediate supervisor, human resources, or medical director.

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Next Steps

• Need to learn more about or enroll in our Self-Study for Sleep Technology course? Click here.
• Need to learn more about or enroll in our 80-Hour Training Course? Click here.
• Want to research more about the BRPT and their credentials? Click here.
• Have questions or need help? Visit our Support page.

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