Navigating the Path to Becoming an Accredited Sleep Technologist

The field of sleep technology is experiencing significant growth, creating numerous opportunities for skilled professionals. Accredited Sleep Technologists play a vital role in diagnosing and managing sleep disorders, contributing to improved patient health and well-being. This article outlines the education and training requirements necessary to become an accredited sleep technologist, providing a comprehensive guide for aspiring professionals.

Understanding the Role of a Sleep Technologist

An Accredited Sleep Technologist is a healthcare professional with specialized training in sleep technology and related aspects of sleep medicine. These technologists are integral to the clinical assessment, physiological monitoring, testing, diagnosis, management, and prevention of sleep-related disorders. They utilize various diagnostic and therapeutic tools to assist in patient care. A large part of a polysomnographic technologists and technicians work is completed overnight. Along with sleep studies, work includes much patient interaction and patient education.

Polysomnography includes technologists working directly in sleep labs as well as other health professionals working with sleep patients in dental offices, hospitals, general practice clinics, and various other locations.

Pathways to Accreditation

To become a Sleep Technologist, credentialing by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) is essential after completing training courses. The Polysomnographic Technology program is designed for students preparing to sit for the Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) examination offered through the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT). While completion of our Polysomnographic Technology certificate program is sufficient to sit for the exam, the AAS may provide a pathway to higher education or career advancement.

The A-STEP Program

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) developed the Accredited Sleep Technologist Education Program (A-STEP) to promote the standardization of sleep technologist education and training. A-STEP is required for Pathway B, a two-step training program that includes an 80-hour educational AASM A-STEP Introductory Course, followed by 26 Web-based Self-Study Modules which participants can complete during on-the-job training provided by their employer.

Read also: Career College Accreditation

A-STEP Introductory Course

The A-STEP introductory course involves 80 hours of instruction and training on sleep, sleep disorders, sleep studies, and patient care. Comprehensive Sleep Care Center has earned accreditation as an A-STEP Provider, meaning that their Introductory Sleep Technician Course has met the standards of accreditation designated by the AASM and accepted by the BRPT, the gold standard for sleep technologists. This course may involve a 2-week 80-hour course consisting of classroom and practical education on the role of a sleep technologist, history of sleep medicine, and hands-on experience to properly set up and perform various patient sleep studies.

A-STEP Self-Study Modules

Each of the 26 A-STEP self-study modules includes a 60-minute online video presentation followed by a set of 10 review questions. Students are encouraged to complete the online modules while working in the field. Students whom complete both steps will be eligible to take the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BPRT) registry exam once 819 hours of experience in the field have been obtained.

Alternative Educational Paths

Several institutions offer polysomnography programs.

Linn-Benton Community College (LBCC) Program

LBCC offers a three‐term program consisting of 43‐credits prepares students for employment as polysomnographic technologists in sleep labs. The program is a structured online program with labs (usually weekends) offered at LBCC’s Healthcare Occupations Center (HOC) in Lebanon. Students complete approximately 35 hours per week of course work and engage in a minimum of 352 hours of clinical experience. The student is responsible for transportation to and from clinical sites. The Polysomnography Program Bulletin can be found online at the program webpage (linnbenton.edu/sleep-technology) and contains all Admission Requirements. Applications are accepted on a first‐come, first-served basis with preference given to Oregon residents and students with previous college experience. Complete MTH 098 Foundations for Contemporary Math or completion of an equivalent math course from an accredited institution with a grade of C or better .

Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) Program

Oregon Tech’s Polysomnography program was the first of its kind and continues to lead the way in Polysomnographic education. Degrees offered within the polysomnographic technology program include an Associate of Applied Science and a Certificate. The Polysomnography program begins each Fall term. The application deadline is typically early August each year, and the deadline for admission to the University is typically early September. These deadlines are to allow time for completion of affiliation agreement contracts and student onboarding with clinical sites. Late applicants may be considered depending on clinical site availability. Certificate and associate degree students all complete the certificate cohort classes first - these courses run from September to June. Attendance is full-time. Associate degree students will continue with their general education coursework following completion of the certificate courses and may do so at a part-time pace if necessary. Students complete 540 clinical hours (18 credits) at an OIT-affiliated sleep lab or sleep center. The first two terms (fall and winter) are completed on night shift, followed by a term (spring) of mostly day-shift hours. Thus, students can expect to spend an average of 18 hours per week at a sleep lab for 30 weeks (three academic terms). Applicants to this program must meet Oregon Tech’s admission criteria. Admitted students should have a valid BLS or CPR card and access to current immunization records. A criminal background check must be completed prior to clinical placement. Oregon Institute of Technology is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Certification and Registry Exams

Several organizations offer certification and registry exams for sleep technologists.

Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT)

The Board of Registered Sleep Technologists offers a certification and registry exam for sleep technicians. The Polysomnographic Technology program is designed for students preparing to sit for the Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) examination offered through the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT).

American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM)

The American Board of Sleep Medicine offers a registry exam for sleep technologists. Details on becoming a Registered Sleep Technologist (RST) are available in the Candidate Handbook for the Sleep Technologist Registry Exam. The RST exam is offered by the American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM).

Certified Polysomnographic Technician (CPSGT)

The Certified Polysomnographic Technician (CPSGT) is an entry level certification for individuals new to the sleep field.

Essential Skills and Knowledge

Accredited Sleep Technologists perform and score overnight sleep studies, which lead to identification and treatment of sleep disorders.

Core Competencies

Key skills and knowledge areas include:

Understanding of sleep disorders and their treatments.
Proficiency in performing and scoring polysomnograms.
Knowledge of patient care and safety protocols.
Ability to interact effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals.
Competence in using various diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
Classroom instruction, lecture and didactic will go hand in hand throughout the course.

Clinical Experience

Students complete 540 clinical hours (18 credits) at an OIT-affiliated sleep lab or sleep center. The first two terms (fall and winter) are completed on night shift, followed by a term (spring) of mostly day-shift hours. Thus, students can expect to spend an average of 18 hours per week at a sleep lab for 30 weeks (three academic terms).

Admission Requirements

A minimum of a high school diploma is required for admission. You will be required to complete and pass a background check and urine drug screening prior to the first class. There is a fee for this that you will pay directly to the background check company. You will need documentation of a recent tuberculosis (TB) test. You may be asked to provide additional immunization documentation. Admitted students should have a valid BLS or CPR card and access to current immunization records. A criminal background check must be completed prior to clinical placement.

Admission is competitive enrollment based upon your personal statement, references, and resume.

Career Advancement

After obtaining the RPSGT credential, students may also want to consider the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management. While completion of our Polysomnographic Technology certificate program is sufficient to sit for the exam, the AAS may provide a pathway to higher education or career advancement.

Graduates have not struggled to find employment and are well prepared for careers in the growing field of sleep.

Equal Opportunity

Stanford Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine Accredited Sleep Technologist Education Program (A-STEP) is an equal opportunity employer and program. Washington University encourages and gives full consideration to all applicants for admission, financial aid and employment. The university does not discriminate in access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, disability or genetic information.

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