BRPT Announces RPSGT Examination Eligibility Change; Adds New Pathway
September 1, 2013
BRPT Announces RPSGT Examination Eligibility Change; Adds New Pathway
The BRPT recently announced one change to its eligibility requirements: Under RPSGT Pathway 3 (CAAHEP/CoARC Graduate) BRPT removed the requirement that the education program be completed within a 3-year period prior to taking the exam. For more on the different Pathways go here.
In addition, BRPT added a new pathway — RPSGT Pathway 6: Expired Credential. This new pathway is for candidates whose RPSGT credential expired in the past 1-5 years. Credentials expiring less than one year after the recertification date continue to fall under reinstatement options outlined in the Recertification manual. To be eligible for Pathway 6, RPSGT applicants must submit proof of 50 continuing education credits within the last 5 years, current BCLS certification, and previous credential number with an expiration date within 1-5 years. There are no additional education or experience requirements for this pathway.
A Note About Recertification and Expired Credentials
If recertification is not complete on or before your credential expiration date and you have not applied for and received a 90-day extension, your credential expires and becomes inactive. You may no longer use the RPSGT designation. The RPSGT credential may be reinstated within 90 days of expiration by submitting the required documentation, $200 reinstatement fee, and $100 recertification fee. After 90 days, expired credentials can be reinstated for up to one year by submitting the required documentation, current exam fee, $200 reinstatement fee, and $100 recertification fee, AND sitting for and passing the RPSGT exam. After 1 year and up to 5 years of credential expiration, expired credentials can be reinstated by retaking and passing the RPSGT examination through exam eligibility Pathway 6.
After 5 years, expired credentials cannot be reinstated. To earn the RPSGT credential, you need to meet exam eligibility requirements in place at the time of application, pay all fees, and successfully pass the exam. You will no longer be able to retain your previous credential number.
RPSGT Exam Eligibility Changes – Effective March 1, 2013
March 1, 2013
RPSGT Exam Eligibility Changes – Effective March 1, 2013
Background
In an effort to make the BRPT examination requirements for clinical experience more flexible for those working adjustable schedules, effective March 1, 2013 the BRPT changed how candidates track the clinical experience requirement. Also, to meet clinical experience requirements in states where on-the-job training is not permitted, BRPT no longer requires paid clinical work experience. However, clinical experience remains a cornerstone of an applicant’s training, through Pathways 1, 2 and 4 for the RPSGT exam. In addition, the BRPT announced an additional pathway – Pathway 5 – geared toward international candidates performing polysomnography after completion of post-secondary education required for practice in their country.
Example: It will still take an individual working 21 hours per week 18 months to meet exam eligibility for Pathway 1. However, by requiring a total number of hours instead of an average number of hours per week, individuals who have been working less than 21 hours per week in sleep now have the ability to meet the clinical experience requirements, it will just take them longer. For instance, someone working one 12-hour shift per week would now be eligible to take the RPSGT exam after 30 months. By changing the clinical experience requirement to hours individuals who work more than 21 hours per week will now have the opportunity to meet exam requirements sooner.
A snapshot of the different RPSGT examination pathways:
RPSGT Pathway 1: Clinical Experience
Candidates for Pathway 1 must:
Complete:
A STAR-designated Self-Study education program within a 3-year period prior to the exam.
A minimum of 1,638 hours of clinical experience that includes on-site polysomnography duties performed as direct patient recording and/or scoring.
Clinical experience within a 3-year period prior to the exam.
Submit:
Proof of completion of secondary education.
Proof of completion of the required STAR education.
Documentation of current BCLS certification or equivalency.
RPSGT Pathway 2: Healthcare Credential
Candidates for Pathway 2 must:
Complete:
A minimum of 546 hours of clinical experience that includes on-site polysomnography duties performed as direct patient recording and/or scoring.
Clinical experience within a 3-year period prior to the exam.
Submit:
Proof of a current and accepted healthcare credential.
Documentation of current BCLS certification or equivalency.
RPSGT Pathway 3: CAAHEP/CoARC Graduate
Candidates for Pathway 3 must:
Graduate from an education program in polysomnography accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). CAAHEP and CoARC-accredited programs include stand-alone programs for polysomnography, and add-on programs attached to an electroneurodiagnostic or respiratory care program.
Complete the education program within a 3-year period prior to the exam.
Submit:
Proof of graduation from the CAAHEP or CoARC polysomnography program.
Documentation of current BCLS certification or equivalency.
RPSGT Pathway 4: Focused Training
Candidates for Pathway 4 must:
Complete:
A minimum of 819 hours of clinical experience that includes on-site polysomnography duties performed as direct patient recording and/or scoring.
A STAR-designated Focused education program OR both a STAR-designated Self-Study education program AND a STAR-designated focused 2 program, within a 3-year period prior to the exam.
Clinical experience within a 3-year period prior to the exam.
Submit:
Proof of completion of the required STAR program(s).
Proof of completion of secondary education.
Documentation of current BCLS certification or equivalency.
RPSGT Pathway 5: International Option
Candidates for Pathway 5 must:
Complete:
International tertiary/post secondary qualification in science/medical science or related discipline with a major component of human anatomy and physiology included in the curriculum.
A minimum of 546 hours of clinical experience that includes on-site polysomnography duties performed as direct patient recording and/or scoring.
Clinical experience within a 3-year period prior to the exam.
Submit:
Proof of completion of tertiary/post secondary education from a country outside of the United States.
Proof of residency outside of the United States.
Documentation of current BCLS certification or equivalency.
BRPT Announces Third Andrea Patterson Scholarship Winner
February 1, 2013
Polysomnography Student at Baptist Health Schools in Little Rock Receives $2,500
McLean, VA – February 1, 2013 – The Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) today announced that Amanda Perry, of Conway, Arkansas is the winner of the third Andrea Patterson Memorial Scholarship. Perry is a student enrolled in the Sleep Technology program at Baptist Health Schools in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Reinforcing her love of education, Perry worked for 12 years as an administrative assistant at St. Joseph Catholic School, a middle school in her hometown of Conway, AR. In 2011, she began researching career choices in the medical field hoping to find a good fit. Said Amanda Perry, “The more I learned about the field of sleep technology, the more excited I got. Part of my application process for the sleep technology program at Baptist Health required an observation at the Baptist Medical Center Sleep Lab. At that moment, I knew I was squarely on the right path. I’m honored to receive a scholarship in the name of Andrea Patterson and everything she represented.”
Said BRPT President Cindy Altman, RPSGT, R. EEG T., “We are delighted to recognize such a diligent and hard working student as Amanda with this award. It’s terrific to witness her excitement and desire to reach her goal of becoming an RPSGT.”
According to BRPT President-Elect Theresa Krupski, RPSGT, RRT and 2012 Chair of the Andrea Patterson Memorial Scholarship Committee, “Amanda took a very thoughtful approach to changing careers. She researched the field, learned more about the far-reaching impact of sleep disorders and committed herself to helping patients improve their overall health.”
Perry is expected to graduate in June of 2013 after which she plans to take the RPSGT examination. She is a member of the Sleep Professionals of Arkansas association and an active member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, serving on its community assistance program committee.
The Andrea Patterson Memorial Scholarship Program, named in honor of an early and highly regarded leader in the field of sleep technology, awards a $2,500 tuition grant each year to a promising student of polysomnography. Scholarship applicants must be enrolled in or accepted by a CAAHEP-accredited program in PSG or a CoARC-accredited program with a PSG add-on.
About Andrea Patterson
Andrea Patterson, RPSGT, R. EEG T., managed the Hennepin County Sleep Program in Minneapolis, Minnesota for almost 30 years and was a leader in early efforts to develop a standardized competency-based test for sleep technologists. Those efforts were instrumental in the development of the RPSGT credentialing program. She published extensively in scientific journals and served on the BRPT Exam Development Committee for over 20 years, until her death in 2007.
The BRPT is an independent, non-profit certification board that cultivates the highest professional and ethical standards for polysomnographic technologists. For more information, visit brpt.taupecatstudios.dev.
The Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists Names Theresa Krupski President-Elect of the Board of Directors
January 24, 2013
Eddie Perez Named Treasurer; Deb Kovacs-Sturdevant, Helen Driver Join The Board
McLean, Virginia – January 24, 2013 – The Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) named Theresa Krupski, RPSGT, RRT, President-Elect of the Board of Directors. Her two-year term as President will begin in January 2014, following the completion of current President Cindy Altman’s term. Krupski has been a member of the BRPT Board since 2011 serving as Chair of the Scholarship Committee, as well as an active participant on the Exam Development Committee. Krupski is the Neurodiagnostic Technology program director at the Community College of Denver in Denver, Colorado.
“It’s an honor to be elected President-Elect of the BRPT Board,” said Theresa Krupski. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with, and learning from, this dedicated Board of Directors. Their leadership and innovative approach to effectively serving our credential holders, coupled with their devotion to the field, is remarkable.”
Said BRPT President Cindy Altman, RPSGT, R. EEG/EP T., “Theresa has served on the Board through a busy and dynamic period – she is well-positioned to take the helm in 2014. Her experience in the education arena will serve the organization well as it continues to build on these offerings. This year, I look forward to working even more closely with Theresa as we enhance our advocacy efforts while strengthening the RPSGT credential.”
BRPT Board member Eddie Perez, RPSGT, will serve as Treasurer. Perez has been a BRPT Board member since 2010. He oversees the Continuing Sleep Technology Education (CSTE) Program and serves on the Exam Development Committee.
“I’m excited to expand my role with the Board by serving as its Treasurer,” said Eddie Perez. “As a new member of the Executive Committee, I remain committed to maintaining the high standards set by the BRPT leadership. And, I look forward to continuing my work on educational initiatives and the exam development process.”
Current Board member Daniel Goya-Lane, RPSGT, received the 2012 BRPT President’s Shining Star Award for his leadership and dedicated service to the organization. Said Altman, “I was thrilled to recognize Daniel with the Shining Star Award. His efforts in support of the exam development process and his leadership in overseeing the STAR program have been invaluable.”
The change in Board leadership is effective immediately, but an official installation will take place at the next BRPT Board meeting in Los Angeles on February 23rd.
New Members of The Board
Deb Kovacs-Sturdevant, RPSGT, RRT is the Manager of the Sleep Center at Mercy Health Anderson Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. She is a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist and Registered Respiratory Therapist with a career spanning more than 30 years. She is past Program Coordinator for the University of Cincinnati Clermont College Respiratory Care program and was a Clinical Instructor in pediatric respiratory care with the Bowling Green State University Firelands Campus Respiratory Care Program. She holds a Master’s Certificate in Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Healthcare, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and is credentialed as a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. Kovacs-Sturdevant is also a member of the BRPT Exam Development Committee.
Helen S. Driver, PhD, RPSGT, DABSM, Somnologist, of Canada, currently manages a 6-bed sleep disorders laboratory at Kingston General Hospital and is an adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at Queen’s University. She is past-president of the Canadian Sleep Society (CSS) and has been an active member of their Board for 14 years. She obtained a PhD in Physiology from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. During a post-doctoral fellowship in Zurich, Switzerland she pursued her research interest in women’s sleep and has contributed to publications on this topic. Dr. Driver trained in clinical sleep medicine in Toronto and Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Continuing Members of The Board
BRPT Board member Donna Arand, PhD, of the Sleep Disorders Center at Kettering Hospital in Dayton, Ohio serves as Secretary. Other continuing Board members of the BRPT include: Charles Atwood, MD, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA; Mike Brennen, RPSGT, the Center for Seep and Alertness at McLaren Lansing, the Midwest Center for Sleep Disorders in Lansing, MI and the St. Joseph Mercy Sleep Disorders Center in Ypsilanti, MI; Daniel Goya-Lane, RPSGT, Arkona Diagnostic Services in Long Beach, CA; and, Daniel Mobley, RPSGT, Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA. Biographies of all BRPT Board members can be found at brpt.taupecatstudios.dev.
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 and patient.
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 20,000 RPSGTs worldwide. In 2012, BRPT launched its Clinical Sleep Educator (CSE) Program, offering an assessment-based certificate to qualifying individuals.
Headquartered in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, 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 and CPSGT 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. For more information, please visit brpt.taupecatstudios.dev.
Andrea Patterson Scholarship Call for Applications
May 14, 2012
BRPT’s Third Annual Andrea Patterson Memorial Scholarship Program
McLean, VA – May 14, 2012 – The Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) is now accepting applications for the third annual Andrea Patterson Memorial Scholarship Program. The Scholarship Program, named in honor of an early and highly regarded leader in the field of sleep technology, awards a $2,500 tuition grant each year to a promising student of polysomnography.
Said BRPT President Cindy Altman, RPSGT R. EEG/EP T., “Now in its third year, the Scholarship program has gained momentum and draws a pool of very strong applicants. I’m proud to honor Andrea’s legacy while rewarding a stellar student each year.”
Andrea Patterson, RPSGT, R. EEG T., managed the Hennepin County Sleep Program in Minneapolis, Minnesota for almost 30 years and was a leader in early efforts to develop a standardized competency-based test for sleep technologists. Those efforts were instrumental in the development of the RPSGT credentialing program. She published extensively in scientific journals and served on the BRPT Exam Development Committee for over 20 years, until her death in 2007.
Scholarship applicants must be enrolled in or accepted by a CAAHEP-accredited program in PSG, a CoARC-accredited program with a PSG add-on or an accredited END program with a PSG add-on. The scholarship application, a full description of eligibility requirements and other program details are available at brpt.taupecatstudios.dev. Applications must be completed and returned to the BRPT no later than close of business November 1. The Andrea Patterson Memorial Scholarship Committee is chaired by BRPT Board member, Theresa Krupski, RPSGT, RRT. The Committee will select the scholarship recipient and the winner will be announced in January 2013.
BRPT is an independent, non-profit certification board that cultivates the highest professional and ethical standards for polysomnographic technologists. For more information, visit brpt.taupecatstudios.dev.
BRPT Announces New Star Program, Changes to Exam Eligibility Requirements
March 21, 2012
Expanded Educational Opportunities Increase Access, Improve Training For Sleep Techs
McLean, VA – March 21, 2012 – The Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) today announced the launch of its Sleep Technology Approved Resource (STAR) Program as well as changes to the RPSGT and CPSGT exam eligibility requirements. BRPT has been reviewing and approving alternative education programs for exam eligibility for several years; these programs will now receive the STAR designation. The STAR designation does not apply to CAAHEP or CoARC accredited education programs, but to education programs that are alternatives to the CAAHEP or CoARC accredited education. The new STAR program replaces the previous alternative program approval process, which was a function of the BRPT’s Education Advisory Committee. STAR Programs fall into one or more of the following categories: Self-study, Focused, Focused 2.
“The BRPT has been a long-time proponent of formal education for sleep technologists,” said BRPT President, Cindy Altman, RPSGT, R.EEG/EP T. “Unfortunately, the great majority of technologists entering the field today still do so through on-the-job training and on-line self-study. The BRPT developed the STAR program to better recognize the alternative education programs it approves for exam eligibility, and to clarify education requirements for exam pathways.”
At its March Board meeting, the BRPT Board of Directors approved changes to the RPSGT and CPSGT exam eligibility pathways, effective April 1, 2012. The RPSGT changes primarily involve incorporation of the new STAR education designations into the on-the-job training pathways. The paid clinical experience requirement for on-the-job training candidates was retained for the RPSGT exam but it was removed from the CPSGT exam requirement. Two new pathways were added for the CPSGT exam – Pathway 2 for CAAHEP/CoARC students and Pathway 3 for candidates who have completed STAR-designated Focused education or a combination of Self-Study and Focused 2 education.
Added Altman, “The BRPT Board of Directors evaluated several requests for additional CPSGT exam pathways, in particular a student pathway and recognition of other education providers for CPSGT exam eligibility. We’re pleased with the addition of these two pathways to CPSGT exam eligibility and are confident this change will have a positive impact on the field.” Previously the CPSGT exam was linked exclusively to the A-STEP online self-study modules.
BRPT STAR RECOGNITION PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Effective April 1, 2012
STAR programs are reviewed and approved by BRPT to meet exam eligibility for on-the-job training education. STAR programs are assigned a program provider number allowing the STAR provider to track student performance on BRPT exams. The STAR designation does not apply to CAAHEP or CoARC accredited education programs.
STAR education programs fall into one or more of the following education categories:
Self-Study. Programs consist of organized, self-paced, education tracts that are often computer-based. For example, the Atlanta School of Sleep Medicine Foundations of Sleep Technology and the AASM A-STEP on-line modules fall into this category.
Focused. Programs include both self-study or expanded classroom education and at least 80 hours of lecture and on-site skills training. International education programs, education programs pending CAAHEP or CoARC accreditation, and certificate-based education programs would fall into this category. For example, the London Health Sciences Centre PSG Program in London, Ontario, Canada, is classified as a Focused education program.
Focused 2. Programs include at least 80 hours of lecture and on-site skills training and MUST be paired with a Self-Study program to meet exam eligibility requirements. The Focused 2 program and the Self-Study program can be from the same STAR education provider or different STAR providers. For example, the A-STEP introductory course is classified as a Focused 2 education program. It can be paired with the Atlanta School of Sleep Medicine On-line Foundations of Sleep Technology to meet exam eligibility, or the A-STEP on-line modules.
STAR-designated programs include the following topics:
Polysomnograpic Instrumentation
Sleep/Wake Physiology and Pathophysiology
Sleep Disorders Classifications and Diagnostic Criteria
Polysomographic Procedures
Chart Review and Questionnaires
Patient Interaction and Professionalism
Patient and Equipment Preparation
Patient Monitoring
Patient Safety and Emergency Situations
Therapeutic Interventions
Scoring
Data Analysis and Reporting
Data Archiving and Storage
Education providers interested in receiving the STAR designation can undergo program review by completing an application form. The list of existing STAR programs, along with STAR guidelines and application materials will be available on the BRPT web site after April 1, 2012. Visit brpt.taupecatstudios.dev for more information.
RPSGT EXAM ELIGIBILITY OVERVIEW
Effective April 1, 2012
There are 4 eligibility pathways for the RPSGT exam.
RPSGT Pathway 1: Clinical Experience. For candidates working in the field for at least 18 months, who have completed a STAR-designated Self-Study education program.
RPSGT Pathway 2: Healthcare Credential. For candidates working in the field for at least 6 months, who have another healthcare credential.
RPSGT Pathway 3: CAAHEP/CoARC Student. For graduates of a CAAHEP or CoARC-accredited polysomongraphy education program.
RPSGT Pathway 4: Focused Training. For candidates working in the field for at least 9 months, who have completed STAR-designated Focused education, or a combination of Self-Study and Focused 2 education.
CPSGT EXAM ELIGIBILITY OVERVIEW
Effective April 1, 2012
The CPSGT exam is geared toward individuals who are new to polysomnography and have limited clinical experience, or are not ready to take the RPSGT exam. There are 3 eligibility pathways for the CPSGT exam. Paid clinical experience is not required for CPSGT exam eligibility.
CPSGT Pathway 1: Clinical Experience. For candidates with a minimum of three months of clinical experience in polysomnography, who have completed a STAR-designated Self-Study education program.
New! CPSGT Pathway 2: CAAHEP/CoARC Student. For students within 2 months of graduation from, or graduates of, a CAAHEP or CoARC-accredited polysomnography technology education program.
New! CPSGT Pathway 3: Focused Training. For candidates who have completed STAR-designated Focused education, or a combination of Self-Study and Focused 2 education.
The BRPT has several pathways for exam eligibility to account for differing entries into the field, ranging from graduation from a formal education program (for example, CAAHEP or CoARC programs) to on-the-job training supported by on-line education. The most widely recognized on-line education program for sleep technologists is the A-STEP module program offered by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. BRPT incorporated the A-STEP self-study program into on-the-job training eligibility pathways shortly after the program was developed. Over time other self-study and formal education programs were developed, and BRPT began to recognize “alternative” education programs for the purpose of exam eligibility. Last year, in an effort to better recognize ALL qualifying alternative education programs, the BRPT began developing guidelines for Sleep Technology Approved Resources (STARs). STAR programs must meet these guidelines in order to be approved for exam eligibility for on-the-job training pathways. The STAR designation does not apply to CAAHEP or CoARC accredited education programs, but to education programs that are alternatives to the CAAHEP or CoARC accredited education.
Early in 2012 the AASM announced a major revision to the A-STEP on-line program modules, requiring BRPT to reevaluate the modules used for exam eligibility. The new modules were organized in a significantly different manner and were different in number from the previous A-STEP modules identified for RPSGT and CPSGT exam eligibility. The BRPT STAR Task Force spent considerable time trying to determine the appropriate modules that should be included for exam eligibility, finally recommending unanimously that education programs should not be broken up or divided, that modules built upon each other and were needed in total. Therefore, candidates enrolling in the A-STEP on-line modules as of January 1, 2012 are required to complete ALL of the A-STEP modules to meet eligibility for the RPSGT and CPSGT exams. Candidates who were enrolled in the A-STEP on-line modules prior to January 1, 2012, will not be required to enroll in the new A-STEP modules to qualify for an exam. The specific details regarding the A-STEP modules in reference to exam eligibility can be found below. The BRPT anticipates the development of new education programs specifically designed for CPSGT candidates, but until that time existing STAR education programs must be completed in total for CPSGT exam eligibility.
Clarification of A-STEP Requirements for RPSGT and CPSGT Exam Eligibility
The A-STEP program is one of several STAR-designated programs available to candidates to qualify for RPSGT and CPSGT exam eligibility. Candidates are encouraged to use the education program that best meets their needs. As a result of changes to the A-STEP program introduced in January 2012, candidates enrolling in the A-STEP on-line modules as of January 1, 2012 are required to complete ALL of the A-STEP modules to meet eligibility for the RPSGT and CPSGT exams.
Candidates who were enrolled in the A-STEP on-line modules prior to January 1, 2012, and complete the modules outlined below by April 2, 2012, do not need to enroll in the new A-STEP modules to qualify for an exam. Candidates that have documentation of completion of the A-STEP modules identified below can use them for exam eligibility for 3 years after the date of program completion. Candidates may not use a combination of modules from the new and old A-STEP program to meet exam eligibility.
A-STEP Modules for RPSGT prior to 1/1/2012
Introductory Topics
Performing Polysomnography 1: Theory
Performing Polysomnography 1: Preparation and Set Up
Performing Polysomnography 2: Recording and Monitoring
Sleep Stages
Arousals, Artifacts and Arrhythmias
Sleep Related Breathing Disorders
Positive Airway Pressure and Oxygen for Sleep Related Breathing Disorders
Movement Disorders: Disorders of Arousals and Seizures
Scoring Waveforms
Scoring Sleep Stages
Scoring Respiratory Events
Scoring Arousals, EEG Abnormalities, Movements and Cardiac Events
Miscellaneous Topics
A-STEP Modules for CPSGT prior to 1/1/2012
Introductory Topics
Performing Polysomnography 1: Theory
Performing Polysomnography 1: Preparation and Set Up
Performing Polysomnography 2: Recording and Monitoring
Arousals, Artifacts and Arrhythmias
Patient Assessment
Sleep Related Breathing Disorders
Positive Airway Pressure and Oxygen for Sleep Related Breathing Disorders (PAP only)
Scoring of Sleep Stages
Revised RPSGT and CPSGT exam application materials reflecting updated exam eligibility requirements and detailed information about the STAR program, including materials for programs wishing to apply for STAR designation, will be posted to brpt.taupecatstudios.dev on April 1.
BRPT Announces Second Andrea Patterson Scholarship Winner
February 27, 2012
Polysomnography Student at Johnson County Community College in Kansas Receives $2,500
McLean, VA – February 27, 2012 – The Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) today announced that Mr. Surafel Taddese, of Olathe, Kansas is the winner of the second Andrea Patterson Memorial Scholarship. Taddese is a student enrolled in the Polysomnography Sleep Study Program at Johnson County Community College (JCCC) in Overland Park, Kansas.
Taddese, who is originally from Ethiopia, left his country to escape political unrest and immigrated to Montreal, Canada. In Montreal, he worked as an assistant at Center Care, an assisted living facility where he monitored psychiatric patients. There he developed a love for taking care of people and making their lives better. Taddese is currently working as a security guard for Securitas in Overland Park while he completes his studies at the JCCC.
Said BRPT President Cindy Altman, BA RPSGT, R. EEG T., “The BRPT is honored to recognize such a compassionate and motivated student as Surafel with this award. His commitment to learning and helping people achieve wellness are gifts his patients will be fortunate to experience every day.”
According to Bonnie Robertson, CRT, RPSGT, Chair of the Andrea Patterson Memorial Scholarship Committee and past BRPT president, “Although Surafel is new to the sleep field, his knowledge and understanding of where the field is today and where it’s going tomorrow is unprecedented. He has truly embraced his studies and his passion for sleep and for that we are thrilled to honor him with the second Andrea Patterson Scholarship.”
“My dream to work in the medical field, caring for patients, began in Montreal and has deepened through my polysomnography studies at the JCCC,” said Surafel Taddese. “I’m so grateful for this award which will help me and my family during a financially difficult time.”
Taddese sums up his work ethic with his favorite quote, author unknown, “A man can fail many times, but he isn’t a failure until he gives up.”
Taddese is expected to graduate in May 2012 after which he plans to take the RPSGT examination. He holds an Associate’s Degree in accounting from Solusi University in Zimbabwe and an Associate’s Degree in management from Sheridan College in Toronto, Canada.
The Andrea Patterson Memorial Scholarship Program, named in honor of an early and highly regarded leader in the field of sleep technology, awards a $2,500 tuition grant each year to a promising student of polysomnography. Scholarship applicants must be enrolled in or accepted by a CAAHEP-accredited program in PSG or a CoARC-accredited program with a PSG add-on.
About Andrea Patterson
Andrea Patterson, RPSGT, R. EEG T., managed the Hennepin County Sleep Program in Minneapolis, Minnesota for almost 30 years and was a leader in early efforts to develop a standardized competency-based test for sleep technologists. Those efforts were instrumental in the development of the RPSGT credentialing program. She published extensively in scientific journals and served on the BRPT Exam Development Committee for over 20 years, until her death in 2007.
The BRPT is an independent, non-profit certification board that cultivates the highest professional and ethical standards for polysomnographic technologists. For more information, visit brpt.taupecatstudios.dev.
The Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists Names Cindy Altman President of the Board of Directors
January 9, 2012
Janice East Begins Term As Immediate Past-President; Eddie Perez Receives ‘Shining Star’ Award
McLean, Virginia – January 9, 2012 – The Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) named Cindy Altman, B.A., RPSGT, R. EEG/EP T., President of the Board of Directors. Her two-year term as President begins this month. Altman has been a member of the BRPT Board since 2010 serving as Chair of the Website Development Committee, an active participant on the Exam Development Committee, and this past year as President-Elect. Altman is the Technical Director for the Creighton University Sleep Disorders Center in Omaha, Nebraska.
“It’s a privilege to be elected President of the BRPT Board,” said Cindy Altman. “I joined the Board at a busy and exciting time, and I am eager to continue the momentum.” Altman recognized the contributions of immediate Past-President Janice East, identifying her leadership and guidance in moving the certification exams to on demand testing, the launch of the RPSGT recertification program and online portal, and expansion of education initiatives.
“Together with a committed and engaged Board of Directors, I am enormously gratified by all that we have accomplished during my tenure as BRPT President,” said Janice East, RPSGT, R. EEG T., Director of Sleep Disorders, Neurodiagnostic and Rehabilitation Services for Morton Plant Mease Health Care in Clearwater, Florida. “BRPT is a very different organization from the one I began serving as President two years ago but it continues to be a strong allied health credentialing body. I’m proud of the great strides we have taken to position BRPT as an educational force in our field. From the creation of our Continuing Sleep Technology Education (CSTE) Program to our partnership with the Atlanta School of Sleep Medicine to the development of the Clinical Sleep Educator training program, BRPT is poised to effectively serve our credential holders and the field of sleep technology.”
Current Board member Eddie Perez, RPSGT, received the BRPT President’s Shining Star Award from East in November 2011 for his dedication and outstanding service to the organization. Said East, “I was delighted to recognize Eddie with the Shining Star Award. His efforts in support of the exam development process and his leadership in the development and administration of the CSTE program were phenomenal.”
The change in Board leadership takes effect this month, but an official installation will take place at a BRPT Board meeting in McLean, VA on March 3, 2012.
BRPT Board member Mike Brennen, RPSGT, of Michigan, serves as Treasurer and Susan Hanson, B.A., RPSGT, CRT, Sleep Clinic Coordinator for Genesis Medical Center in Davenport, Iowa, is Secretary of the BRPT Board.
Other continuing Board members of the BRPT include: Donna Arand, PhD, Sleep Disorders Center at Kettering Hospital, Dayton, OH; Charles Atwood, MD, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA; Roger Godbout, RPSGT, PhD, Université ode Montreal, Sleep Laboratory and Clinic Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies, Montréal (Québec); Michael Goldman, B.A., M.S., J.D., A.W.A.K.E. Northeast Regional Director for the American Sleep Apnea Association and Director of ASAA’s New York City A.W.A.K.E. group (public member); Daniel Goya-Lane, RPSGT, Arkona Diagnostic Services in Long Beach, CA; Theresa Krupski, RPSGT, RRT, the National Jewish Health Sleep Center in Denver, CO; Daniel Mobley, RPSGT, Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA; and Eddie Perez, RPSGT, OmniTrials/Sleep Disorders Center of Southwest Florida in Naples, FL.
The BRPT Board of Directors is comprised of 12 volunteer members, all of whom serve four-year terms.
The Board is international in scope and blends the expertise of technologists and physicians and includes at least one “public” member representing the interests of the consumer / patient community. Biographies of all BRPT Board members can be found at brpt.taupecatstudios.dev.
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 over 17,000 RPSGTs worldwide.
Headquartered in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, 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 and CPSGT exams in the United States and internationally, the BRPT also maintains the RPSGT registry and CPSGT roster. In 2011, BRPT launched its Continuing Sleep Technology Education (CSTE) Program for educational providers seeking continuing education credits for their offerings. For more information, please visit brpt.taupecatstudios.dev.