Dear Colleagues:
2020 brought bumps in the road and a myriad of changes to our world, which made for an interesting start to my term as President. During this time, the BRPT Board and Executive Office staff worked together to support our fellow technologists and credential holders. We’re proud of the way our colleagues in the field of sleep medicine have adapted to the challenges brought on by the global COVID-19 pandemic and we look forward to continuing to support our credential holders and the field of sleep medicine as we all continue to navigate this changing environment.
We’re thrilled to have recently launched the Pediatric Sleep Certificate exam. This project has been years in the making and we are excited to bring it to fruition. We’re grateful to those who worked diligently on this project to make it a reality. This certificate exam is different from anything we have ever done. It was developed using similar principles as our other examinations to ensure that we truly assess the knowledge of Pediatric Sleep Technology, but with this exam, those who pass receive a Digital Badge – the first the BRPT has ever offered. We’re eager to offer our credential holders this new, dynamic visual representation of the certificate they’ve earned. A single click on the badge reveals a detailed description of the specific knowledge and skills required to earn it. You can learn about the exam and the Digital Badge at https://www.brpt.org/pediatric-sleep-certificate-exam/. In addition to obtaining the Digital Badge, successful applicants will also receive 10 continuing education credits.
This year, we’ll also be working with key stakeholders to help drive new technologists and educators to the field as we continue to demonstrate the critical need and vital role sleep technologists play now and in the future. In addition, we’ll be working with a cadre of sleep professionals to further advance the CCSH credential and to showcase the multiple roles and settings for which it is essential. This will be a top priority as we continue to grow and expand the career path of sleep technologists who are interested in other areas of sleep medicine.
Deepening Our Reach
Another top initiative underway is exploring additional updated and advanced avenues of reaching our credential holders and stakeholders. The Public Affairs and Marketing Committee has identified areas where we can update our current offerings to better serve our credential holders and public interests. Throughout 2021, we will be working to introduce new platforms to reach current and prospective colleagues in the field with information, updates, and more. Stay tuned for details coming later this year.
And lastly, the BRPT is looking at ways to expand its reach into the international market. There are many areas around the globe where sleep technology is underutilized and as the global leader in sleep technologist credentialing, we are committed to exploring new avenues to grow the profession outside of the United States.
As we start this new year, I want to express my admiration for those who are on the front lines working to help our patients during these trying times. The challenges of COVID-19 have turned not only our world upside down but all that we do, including our everyday jobs and tasks. As sleep technologists and educators, we’ve had many challenges and procedural changes that have not been easy. Our technologists have adjusted and adapted to new ways of doing their jobs and each and every one of you should be commended for that. We are profoundly proud to have you as CPSGT, RPSGT and CCSH credential holders!
Finally, I want to thank the Executive Office staff of the BRPT. They have adapted wonderfully to a new way of doing business for us. We had very minimal interruptions during this tumultuous year and we could not have done it without this great internal team. On behalf of our committed team of volunteer Board members and committee members, and colleagues in the field who have supported us all year – thank you – and here’s looking to a brighter year ahead!
Steve Marquis, MBA, RPSGT, CCSH
BRPT President