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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Important Resources

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On the next two pages, you’ll review the specific requirements for each pathway option toward earning your credentials. Some pathways require you to complete clinical training hours as part of the eligibility criteria to sit for your board exam with the BRPT.

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To help you locate a local sleep center and begin earning clinical hours (if needed), here are some useful resources:

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• AASM Sleep Center Directory: Enter your address, city, or zip/postal code to view an interactive map of sleep centers in your area. You’ll be able to click on centers, get directions, call them, and visit their websites. Click here to visit the Sleep Center Directory
• Facebook Groups: These groups are a great way to connect with other sleep professionals, including some who may be in or near your area. You can ask questions, make connections, and even find facilities looking for new sleep techs who may be open to interviewing you. Here is a recommended group to get you started

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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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