We apologize that some of you may have had parcels returned that require signatures. That is a direct result of our limited access to our office space during the government-mandated COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. In the State of Virginia, where the BRPT offices are headquartered, we have started a Phase 1 reopening plan that should, we hope, reduce or eliminate this problem as full-staffing levels are authorized to resume in our office building.
By Jessica Schmidt, MA, FACHE, RPSGT, CCSH
BRPT Past-President
The BRPT recently conducted a survey of all its credential holders to get a better understanding of the current state of the clinical sleep health industry. We asked a broad range of questions including, how sleep specialists entered the profession, how long they’ve been in the field and in what capacity. We also asked them to share their thoughts on where the profession is headed, how long they plan to stay in sleep as well as reasons for why they would leave the profession. It’s important to note that this survey was conducted in January and February of 2020 before the coronavirus global pandemic became the new normal for many of us.
We had a terrific response to the survey with more than 1,400 respondents. We also gleaned some fantastic insights – far too many to share in one blog post. Below are some of the top-line highlights that paint the general landscape. Future blog posts will delve into specific issues sleep professionals face and their thoughts and concerns on where the industry is headed. Finally, we learned of some misperceptions around the BRPT’s role, which we’ll work to clarify.
A Summary of Top Line Findings
• There were a total of 1,403 respondents; more than 70 percent of whom have been in sleep for more than 10 years.
• Half of all respondents are between the ages of 30-50.
• More than 60 percent entered the field through on the job training.
• Forty percent of respondents work in community hospitals; nearly 20 percent work in free standing labs.
• We saw an almost even split between night shift workers (50 percent) and day shift workers (48 percent).
• Most respondents feel that home sleep testing is growing but they are fairly split on whether or not it’s hurting their business.
• Patient staffing ratios generally fall in the two patients per technologist ratio.
• More than half of the respondents work 12 hour shifts.
• When asked: In your lab, how are studies scored; 40.5 percent said studies are scored on the fly/at night while 64.2 percent answered during the day by a different technologist.
• Twelve percent of respondents hold the CCSH credential; when asked in a later question: If you don’t already have the CCSH credential, 31 percent of respondents said they intend to obtain it. Note: 98 percent of all respondents hold the RPSGT credential.
Why It Matters
I was heartened to see these data and other insights offered. First of all, it’s clear that sleep is not strictly a field of “night shift” workers. Many of the techs working days are doing more DME and physician office support. Secondly, when asked what would cause respondents to leave the field – nearly 70 percent stated retirement as their primary reason. And thirdly, when asked to describe the vitality of their work setting, more than half said they feel it is strong with a promising future.
Stay tuned for the next installment of The State of the Industry!
Jessica Schmidt is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves as a Senior Administrator at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC, where she oversees the Department of Medicine. She is also the co-founder of integrativealchemists.com where she provides Sleep Health Education as well as regular blog updates on topics relevant to general health and wellness from an Integrative perspective.
The BRPT Exams – Always Striving For Excellence
By Rachel Mouton, RPSGT, CCSH, LPN Chair, BRPT Exam Development Committee The CCSH, RPSGT, and CPSGT exams are developed by teams of experienced item writers / Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) under the direction of an Exam Development Committee (EDC). Chief among our goals is to ensure the development of high quality examinations. This is an ongoing process where we meet both in person a couple of times a year and virtually, to review and develop test questions. To that end, we are asking our sleep professional colleagues to please contribute graphics – to help build our library of examples from which to choose – for variousexam questions. If you’re willing to contribute graphics, please include your contact information, your willingness to participate further in test development, and any questions you may have. When submitting graphics, please adhere to the following guidelines: 1. All patient and personal data must be removed (name, date of birth, date of study). 2. Scoring labels must be removed (snores, respiratory events, sleep stages, etc.). 3. Channels must be clearly identified and according to AASM guidelines. 4. Include time markers (30 second, 120 second epoch, 75 Hz, etc.). 5. Colors must be bold; pastel colors do not represent well on exams. 6. Please provide graphics in PNG format. Submissions should be sent via email to the BRPT’s Chair of the Exam Development Committee: GoodNight2All@yahoo.com Your support is greatly appreciated!March 10, 2020
BRPT Is Monitoring The Outbreak Of The COVID-19 Coronavirus And Its Potential Impact On CPSGT, RPSGT And CCSH Test Takers
The BRPT is actively monitoring developments surrounding the spread and impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus. We are in contact with our testing partner, Pearson VUE, who delivers the CPSGT, RPSGT and CCSH examinations at testing centers in the United States and around the world.
If you are a candidate, preparing to sit for one of the BRPT exams, please be sure to visit Pearson VUE’s comprehensive Resource Center for important updates that includes a listing of specific country-by-country testing status and guidance. If your region/country is not listed, testing services are continuing as normal.
In addition, Pearson VUE has implemented additional precautionary hygienic measures in their global Pearson-owned test centers.
The BRPT’s CCSH Pathway 3 is now open to all active RPSGT credential holders who have recertified at least once and who have completed the AAST’s newly launched CCSH STAR Designated Education Program.
CCSH Exam Pathway 3 Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must:
• Hold an active RPSGT credential that has been recertified at least once.
• Have completed the AAST CCSH designated STAR Education Program AND passed the post-test with a score of 70% or higher.
• Hold current live/skills BLS/CPR certification for healthcare workers or international equivalent.
About The AAST’s CCSH Star Designated Education Program
• The program contains seven modules and concludes with an open-book exam.
• Users can access the program workbook, case study scenarios, and PowerPoint slides by clicking on the Resources tab in the course, or utilize the paper workbook that was provided.
• There is no time limit for completing the exam once you begin, however, users will only receive two attempts.
• Users will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the exam.
To apply for the CCSH exam under Pathway 3, click here!
To learn more about the AAST’s CCSH education program, click here!
To visit the AAST’s CCSH related resources, click here!
Preparing For The STAR Program Changes Taking Effect In January
By: Amber Allen, BA, RPSGT, RST, CCSH
Chair, BRPT Education Committee
As BRPT works to assess the efficacy of STAR-designated education programs, beginning in the new year, we’re implementing a two-tiered checks and balances system.
All existing STAR programs are required to submit an Annual Report that outlines several important data points that range from the number of completers, to pass rates for exam takers, to satisfaction survey results, as well as curriculum/competency changes.
Specifically, begin gathering the following data points:
1. Number of completers.
2. Number of completers who took the CCSH/RPSGT/CPSGT exams.
3. CCSH/RPSGT/CPSGT pass rates for exam takers.
4. Job placement statistics.
5. Completer satisfaction survey results.
6. Personnel changes.
7. Curriculum/competency changes.
The STAR Program Annual Report is due no later than January 31, 2020. A PDF-fillable form, can be found here.
NOTE: Since this is the first year for the Annual Report process, the BRPT will allow STAR programs to request a one-time extension until July 1, 2020 for the Annual Report to gather the required program statistics. Extension requests must be submitted to star@brpt.org by January 30th, 2020.
Mark Your Calendars: In 2021, in addition to the Annual Report, a $200 annual renewal fee to cover administrative costs and to maintain STAR status will be required. The BRPT will also implement a 5-year renewal process for all STAR-designated education programs. This means, all STAR Programs will need to resubmit their program application every five years so the BRPT can review the program content to ensure all components meet the STAR requirements.
We very much appreciate your commitment to providing high-quality formal education for sleep technologists!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lydia Pelliccia
lpelliccia@brpt.org
202.422.5205
The Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists Poised For Growth In 2020
BRPT Moves to Self-Management Model; Jim Magruder Named Chief Executive Officer
Arlington, VA – December 18, 2019 – Since the first credentialing exam administration in 1979, the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) has credentialed nearly 25,000 RPSGTs worldwide. Over time, the independent credentialing body has developed two more credentials for clinical sleep health professionals, two educational resource programs, and continues to maintain NCCA accreditation which represents compliance with best credentialing industry practices.
Effective December 2019, the BRPT will no longer use the services of an association management company (AMC). “We’re thrilled to have grown and reached a point where we no longer need the infrastructure of an AMC,” said BRPT President Jessica Schmidt, MA, FACHE, RPSGT, CCSH. “Our Board of Directors conducted an extensive analysis of the organization and its operating costs and determined the use of outside management services were unnecessary.” The Board also voted to elevate its Executive Director, Jim Magruder, to Chief Executive Officer.
Said, Jim Magruder, “I see this new role as a reflection of the great team, and talented Board of Directors I’m surrounded by, and I’m honored to move forward in this capacity.”
Magruder added there will be no changes in executive office staff or how the organization operates, and the candidate and credential holder experience will remain a top priority.
Noted incoming President, Steve Marquis, MBA, RPSGT, CCSH, “The staff and volunteer Board members are well positioned to support the broader momentum of the clinical sleep health industry while growing this organization and its offerings. I’m privileged to serve as the next President and to support the important work and worthwhile contributions together we’re making to our industry.”
About The BRPT Board
The BRPT Board of Directors is comprised of volunteer members, all of whom serve four-year terms. The Board is international in scope and blends the expertise of the sleep community representing the interests of the consumer, patients, educators, and sleep technologists. Biographies of all BRPT Board members can be found at brpt.taupecatstudios.dev.
About The BRPT
The BRPT develops and administers credentialing exams for polysomnographic technologists and technicians. The RPSGT is respected worldwide as the leading credential for polysomnographic technologists. Since the first credentialing exam administration in 1979, BRPT has credentialed nearly 25,000 RPSGTs worldwide. In May 2014, BRPT launched the Certification In Clinical Sleep Health (CCSH) examination for healthcare providers specializing in sleep medicine who work directly with sleep medicine patients, families and practitioners for patient care management, improved outcomes, and sleep health education and advocacy for patients and the community.
The BRPT is an independent, non-profit certification board that cultivates the highest professional and ethical standards for polysomnographic technologists. In addition to administering the RPSGT, CPSGT, and CCSH exams in the United States and internationally, the BRPT also maintains the RPSGT registry and CPSGT roster. The BRPT also provides its Continuing Sleep Technology Education (CSTE) Program for educational providers seeking continuing education credits for their offerings. The BRPT’s Executive Office is located at 4201 Wilson Blvd., 3rd Floor, Arlington, VA 22203.
For more information, please visit brpt.taupecatstudios.dev.
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The BRPT’s Pediatric Sleep Certificate Exam
Introduction
Based on extensive feedback from BRPT credential holders about the need for a specialty exam for pediatric sleep, the BRPT is pleased to announce the development of an online Pediatric Sleep Certificate Exam. This new exam for pediatric sleep will be available during the first quarter of 2020. Successful candidates will be awarded an assessment-based certificate.
Background
The BRPT’s Pediatric Sleep Committee, chaired by BRPT Board member Michael McLeland, PhD., M.Ed., BA, RPSGT, is comprised of experienced Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) familiar with the BRPT’s test development processes, and current professional issues. The Committee conducted a Job Task Analysis (JTA) to inform a high-quality testing program. The JTA methodology involved collecting and aggregating information and insights from job incumbents and occupational experts to determine the content specifications for the test blueprint. A large component of the process is an electronic survey to gather ratings of tasks and knowledge requirements from clinical sleep health professionals. Results of the survey were reviewed by the Committee to obtain their input and judgments regarding current trends in the profession and the importance of the knowledge for competent performance in the field as it pertains to pediatric sleep.
Eligibility
RPSGT and CCSH credential holders will be eligible to sit for the BRPT’s Pediatric Sleep Certificate Exam. Upon receiving a passing score on this new exam, candidates will be awarded an assessment-based certificate in pediatric sleep.
About The Pediatric Certificate Sleep Exam
The exam will consist of 75-100 multiple choice questions covering four major domain areas:
An exam blueprint with details on the specific task areas will be available closer to launch. The online exam will cost $150.
Preparing For The Pediatric Sleep Certificate Exam
Assessment Based Certificates
An assessment-based certificate is not time limited and does not require subsequent activities to maintain it. Assessment-based certificate holders are not awarded a credential, an acronym or letters for use after their names.
