What does a sleep tech do?
The sleep technology field is essentially broken out into three groups. Check back soon for a link to a description of each.
Sleep Trainee, or Tech level I
Sleep Technician, or Tech Level II
Sleep Technologist, or Tech Level III
I want to become a sleep tech. What is the end goal?
Currently there are two forms of certification in the technical field of sleep medicine.
The Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) is currently the highest mark of achievement and end goal in the field. Obtaining this credential tells employers and patients that you have met and are committed to maintaining a level of knowledge, skill sets, and abilities to perform on the job and that you are medically competent to assess the needs of patients with sleep disorders.
The Certified Polysomnographic Technician (CPSGT) is the newest mark of achievement in the field. It was announced in September, 2009, and is to serve as the initial beginnings of a tiered credentialing system for the field. What is currently understood about this certificate is that it will be part of laying the frame work for those new to sleep technology in committing to education and future registration. However, it is not a mandatory step for those seeking the RPSGT title.
What is the benefit of becoming an RPSGT?
Aside from the prestige that the RPSGT title brings to someone working in the sleep technology field, obtaining the title will often result in wage increases and increased job security. In addition, the field is showing expansion, where insurance companies are mandating that registered technologists be the ones that handle and monitor their patients.
How do I get a job as a sleep tech?
Getting a job in the field is not one left to chance. Most of the training in the field has been on-the-job, until recently. Now you will find a variety of programs that offer instruction on the skill sets to be hired as a Sleep Trainee, or Tech Level I. Most employers like to see medical experience and even CPR and First Aid certification. However, when it comes to specific technical training in sleep, there are a variety of choices. Choosing the right course for training will ultimately benefit you in the long run. Check back soon for more information on how using the ASBA as your source for education can accomplish your professional goals.
How do I become an RPSGT?
In order to sit for the RPSGT exam, the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) has four pathways that establish eligibility to take the exam. The basic premise for each pathway is as follows:
1. 18 months of PSG experience + a 14 module program.
2. Current certification in another health care occupation (i.e. EMT) + six months of PSG experience.
3. Graduation from a CAAHEP or university program.
4. Nine months of PSG experience + the AASM ASTEP introductory course + a 14 module program.
For more information on the eligibility pathways and other requirements to take the exam follow this link HERE. http://www.brpt.org/Exam_info/eligibility.htm
Check back soon for more information on how ASBA can help you meet your eligibility requirements.
What kind of credit is Continuing Education Credit?
When students obtain a credential (CPSGT, RPSGT, RRT, CRT, etc) in order to maintain that credential students need to show proof they have been keeping up with their field on a regular basis. In addition, some hospitals and groups also require, whether credentialed or not, that their employees obtain a certain amount of continuing education each year. So organizations such as ours will request from credit granting organizations (AASM, AAST, AARC, etc) that the courses we offer fulfill these requirements. So when you take a class that says that you will receive a certain amount of Continuing Education Credit, it means you will receive a certificate that shows the date, class, and quantity of credit the class awards. You can then take that to your employer or present it to the BRPT, when necessary; to show you've been keeping up.
What does ASBA offer to help students pass the RPSGT exam?
Principles of Polysomnography is one item we offer that helps technicians prepare for the board exam. This book has been a vital tool for many in passing the exam and one we highly recommend. In addition, we also offer a two day webinar board review and advanced technology course.
Can the ASBA OnDemand modules replace the board exam 14 module program?
When you apply to the BRPT for the RPSGT exam you have to provide a certificate of completion for each module. If you took the ASBA OnDemand classes you would not have a certificate that indicates you have completed the module program. In addition, the module program covers some material that our current OnDemand classes do not.
What is the difference between the ASBA OnDemand modules and the 14 module program?
Our OnDemand classes are geared toward training new technicians or going into depth on topics experienced technicians should already know. The Module Program is an overview of what experienced technicians should know and fulfill the BRPT requirement.
Upon submitting module results to the ASBA, is access to the module stopped regardless of the 45 day finishing period?
The student will be able to access the modules as many times as they would like during the 45 day period, no matter when they choose to submit the results.
Are the modules downloaded? Or accessed via the internet?
The modules are accessed through the internet (flash technology), under the student's or organization's ASA member login section "My Downloadable Products."
Do you have an established passing rate for your modules?
All who take our modules pass our modules due to their design. There are ten questions after each module. If a student misses a question the program will re-teach the topic and ask the question again.
Can you send me a sample page from a couple different modules so I can see some examples of the depth of the information covered?
You can find examples of each of the module on the purchase page under "SAMPLE". Let me know if you have difficulty finding this on the website.