Three RPSGTs across the globe share how they found their way to the field.

Madison Bailey, RPSGT

Role: Sleep technologist at Landspitali University Hospital

Location: Reykjavik, Iceland

Nannan Wang, RPSGT

Role: Full-time faculty member and clinical coordinator at New England Sleep Academy

Location: Shanghai, China

Tanya Vasey, RPSGT, CCSH

Role: Respiratory clinical physiologist at Mater Misericordiae University Hospital

Location: Dublin, Ireland

Sleep medicine is inherently interdis­ciplinary and increasingly global. While diagnostic techniques, health care systems, and professional pathways may differ across countries, the core ob­jective remains the same: improving health and quality of life through the identification and treatment of sleep disorders.

Registered polysomnographic technologists (RPSGTs) practicing internationally play a vital role in advancing this mission. By apply­ing consistent professional standards within diverse clinical, cultural, and regulatory envi­ronments, they help ensure high-quality care for patients worldwide.

In this issue, we’ll explore the varied profes­sional paths of three international sleep pro­fessionals and what led them to the RPSGT.

Their stories exemplify how exposure, mentorship, and a commitment to high clinical standards draw professionals across the world into sleep medicine—and how the RPSGT credential supports both clinical excellence and global mobility. They also illustrate just how many roads lead to sleep.

The Starting Point

Across all three paths, early exposure proved essential in opening the door to a specialty that is often underrepresented in traditional training programs.

For Vasey, practicing as a respiratory phys­iologist in Ireland, the path to sleep medicine began through professional exposure rather than formal coursework. During a respirato­ry conference in Dublin, Vasey attended a presentation by Catherine Crowe, MB BCh BAO, MSc, MICGP, MPH, Ireland’s first dedicated sleep consultant and founder of the country’s first specialized sleep disorders center. The presentation introduced Vasey to a field that was both scientifically rich and largely absent from her prior education.

In contrast, Bailey’s introduction followed a more gradual path. Early exposure through her mother’s work in a sleep laboratory famil­iarized her with clinical operations long before she formally entered the field. Later, academic training in biomedical science, with concentra­tions in neuroscience and physiology, provid­ed a strong foundation for her transition into clinical and research-based sleep work.

For Wang, the journey began with institu­tional development. Her introduction to sleep medicine happened when her department leader, Xiaowen Yang, MD, established a sleep medicine center at an international hos­pital. Initially unfamiliar with the discipline, Wang quickly became immersed in its clinical and scientific scope. Through this exposure, she developed a deeper understanding of sleep’s critical role in human health—particularly its relationship to cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and mental health.

RPSGT as a Professional Benchmark

All three technologists identify the RPSGT credential as a defining professional milestone, particularly in regions where formal regulation of sleep technologists is limited or inconsistent.

Vasey pursued the credential voluntarily to strengthen her technical expertise and establish objective standards within European practice environments. Bailey similarly sought certification to formalize her experience and ensure her skills were recognized across health care systems, enabling her to practice internationally.

For Wang, the RPSGT credential represent­ed both professional distinction and a broader national need. Fewer than 300 people in Chi­na currently hold the credential, positioning it as a gold standard for advanced special­ization. Pursuing certification internationally required academic credential evaluations, verification of health care qualifications, and intensive preparation for an English-language examination covering a wide range of techni­cal and clinical competencies. Despite these challenges, Wang emphasizes that the rigor of the process strengthened her confidence and reinforced the value of international creden­tialing standards.

Mentorship played a critical role in each of their experiences, with Wang citing guidance from both U.S.- and China-based experts as instrumental in her success.

Clinical Practice Across Health Care Systems

International practice shapes clinical perspective, particularly in how sleep services are delivered and integrated within broader health care systems.

Bailey notes that her work in Iceland expanded her exposure to varied diagnostic models, including a broader mix of in-lab and ambulatory studies. Vasey highlights differences in patient access and service delivery within publicly funded systems, while emphasizing the universal importance of patient education and informed consent.

Wang’s international background—spanning nursing education in China, graduate studies in the United Kingdom, and clinical experi­ence in Germany and Singapore—further illustrates how cross-system exposure enhances adaptability. She contrasts China’s emphasis on effi­cient screening and direct intervention with the multidisciplinary model common in the U.S., which often integrates pulmonology, psychiatry, cardiology, and structured long-term follow-up. These differences, she notes, highlight the value of combining efficiency with collaboration to optimize patient outcomes.

Patient Impact and Professional Fulfillment

Despite practicing in different countries and types of health care sys­tems, all three technologists point to patient impact as the most re­warding part of their work.

Vasey and Bailey describe the profound transformations they witness when patients recognize the effects of chronic sleep depri­vation and experience improvement following treatment. Bailey emphasizes the importance of adaptability in pediatric settings, particularly when working with children who have sensory sensi­tivities or prior medical trauma.

For Wang, a defining moment involved a patient with severe ob­structive sleep apnea whose excessive daytime sleepiness compromised his safety and quality of life. Following a sleep study diagnosis and initiation of positive airway pres­sure (PAP) therapy, the patient reported a dramatic im­provement, describing the treatment as having “given him his life back.” Wang also recalls managing a challenging case involving a pediatric patient with ADHD. She used creative communication strategies and modified electrode application to reduce the child’s sensory discomfort—re­sulting in a successful study and accurate diagnosis.

The Journey Ahead

Collectively, these international perspectives highlight the essen­tial role of standardized credentials, continuous professional de­velopment, and patient-centered care in advancing sleep medi­cine globally.

The RPSGT credential is firmly established as a unifying benchmark for sleep professionals across nearly every continent. With nearly 2,000 RPSGTs worldwide, we’ve made incredible inroads in supporting con­sistent diagnostic quality, professional mobility, and improved sleep health outcomes across borders. And yet, the journey continues, with more ground to cover and new routes to explore as the global sleep community continues to expand.

3 Tips to Get Started on Your Professional Path

For those considering careers in sleep medicine, particularly through international pathways, these global practitioners share their tried-and-true advice to help you navigate the road ahead.

1. “Start by carefully researching regional opportunities and structured training programs early to understand what pathways are available to you,” Tanya Vasey, RPSGT, CCSH, recommends.
2. “Professional conferences and peer networks are key in learning and understanding how credentialing requirements differ internationally,” says Madison Bailey, RPSGT.
3. “Planning ahead for credentialing requirements is a must, especially for international candidates,” advises Nannan Wang, RPSGT. “In addition to developing strong hands-on polysomnography skills, conferences, BRPT study resources, and formal training academies are critical tools for professional growth and exam preparation.”

A conversation with incoming BRPT President Stephen Glinka, MPH, RPSGT

With a career in sleep medicine spanning more than 20 years, Stephen Glinka, MPH, RPGST, has held a variety of leadership positions within the field. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, he’s excited to take on one of his most rewarding yet: President of the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT).

Glinka began his career as an RPSGT at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. After spending years as a lead technologist, he became a clinical coordinator for Sleep Services of America. This experience set the foundation for his time as a polysomnographic (PSG) instructor for Lenoir Community College, Kinston, N.C., where he currently serves on the college’s PSG Advisory committee. Glinka earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from William Peace University, Raleigh, N.C., and completed his master’s degree in Public Health at East Carolina University, Greenville, N.C.

A dedicated and accomplished health care leader, Glinka is currently the regional vice president of Operations and Clinical Support at MedBridge Health—where he previously served as regional manager and director of Clinical Operations.

As he readies for his term as BRPT president, Glinka reflects on the impact he hopes to make and the vision and priorities he will bring to the role.

Q: What are your top priorities for the BRPT in the coming year?

SG: Sleep technologists are working in a fast-changing health care environment, and BRPT needs to match that pace. One of the ways we’re doing this is by embracing technology to make the credentialing process more seamless. Our new self-service web portal and the upcoming redesign of our website will give credential holders greater control and access to the resources they need.

The new www.brpt.org will feature advanced AI search functionality and chatbot integration for 24/7 user support. We’re also expanding our use of social media and other engagement platforms to strengthen our connection with technologists across all career stages. Ultimately, BRPT should be more than the body that certifies you—it should be a partner throughout your career, offering guidance, recognition, and a professional community.

Q: How do you see BRPT evolving to meet the changing needs of sleep technologists and professionals?

SG: Sleep technologists are working in a fast-changing health care environment, and BRPT needs to match that pace. One of the ways we’re doing this is by embracing technology to make the credentialing process more seamless. Our new self-service web portal and the upcoming redesign of our website will give credential holders greater control and access to the resources they need.

The new www.brpt.org will feature advanced AI search functionality and chatbot integration for 24/7 user support. We’re also expanding our use of social media and other engagement platforms to strengthen our connection with technologists across all career stages. Ultimately, BRPT should be more than the body that certifies you—it should be a partner throughout your career, offering guidance, recognition, and a professional community.

Q: What are some key initiatives or programs you hope to launch or strengthen during your term?

SG: I’m particularly committed to broadening inclusivity within BRPT’s committees and governance. Our credential holders come from many different backgrounds and career pathways, and it’s important that BRPT reflects that diversity of experience in its leadership and decision-making. By recruiting candidates with a variety of viewpoints, we’ll strengthen both our organization and the profession.

At the same time, we’ll continue to address one of the most pressing issues in the field: the sleep technologist shortage. We’ve partnered with our sister organizations to better understand the causes of this shortage, and I believe BRPT has a responsibility to be part of the solution. That includes promoting the value of our credentials, raising awareness of career opportunities, and ensuring that the technologists entering the workforce are well prepared to deliver safe, high-quality patient care.

Q: What do you see as the biggest challenges currently facing the field of sleep medicine and technologists?

SG: Without question, the workforce shortage is at the top of the list. It affects everything—from patient access to the stress on existing staff to the ability of sleep centers to expand services. The BRPT has made a concerted effort to investigate the root causes and, through our joint committee with AASM and other partners, we’re examining factors like training pathways, career development, and workforce recognition.

Another challenge is ensuring that as technology advances with home sleep testing, telemedicine, and AI on the horizon, we’re equipping technologists to thrive in that environment. BRPT’s role is to make sure our credentials remain the benchmark of excellence, preparing professionals not only for today’s responsibilities but for where the field is heading.

Q: Looking back on your 20+ years in sleep medicine, what experiences have most shaped your leadership style?

SG: I’ve been fortunate to see this profession from nearly every angle—starting as a night technologist, then working as a lead and coordinator, teaching as an instructor, and later moving into management and executive leadership. Each role shaped how I approach leadership today. What ties them all together is a focus on patient care. Whether I was running a study, teaching a student, or managing a department, the central question has always been: How does this improve the patient experience?

Volunteering with organizations like BRPT has also been hugely influential. It has given me the opportunity to learn from colleagues across the country, see challenges from multiple perspectives, and understand the importance of collaborative leadership. Those experiences have shaped my belief that strong leadership in sleep medicine means being both patient-centered and people-centered.

Q: How did your time as a PSG instructor and your academic background in public health influence your approach to this new leadership role?

SG: Teaching at Lenoir Community College was one of the most rewarding parts of my career. Helping students gain the knowledge and confidence to pass their boards and launch their careers gave me a deep appreciation for the power of education and mentorship. Some of the proudest moments I’ve had have been running into former students at conferences and seeing the accomplished professionals they’ve become.

My graduate training in Public Health at East Carolina University added another layer to that perspective. It gave me a more global view of health care—one that looks at population health, health equity, and the systemic challenges we face in a post-pandemic world. Sleep is an essential component of public health, and I see tremendous opportunity to better integrate it into broader health initiatives.

As BRPT president, I hope to foster more cross-pollination between sleep medicine and public health, because the future of both fields is closely intertwined.

How data, experts, and standards shape a high-stakes sleep credential

For sleep technologists, earning the Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) credential is a major professional milestone—one that represents competence, credibility, and a commitment to high standards of patient care.

Ever wonder what it takes to create an exam worthy of that credential? How does an organization design a test that captures the full scope of modern sleep practice?

Behind every exam question lies an extensive, evidence-based process built to keep up with clinical advances, emerging technology, and the day-to-day realities and responsibilities of sleep technologists today.

As chair of the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) Exam Development Committee, I’m excited to give SleepWorld readers a behind-the-scenes perspective on how we keep the exam aligned with the constantly evolving field of sleep medicine.

Grounding the Exam in Real-World Practice

The foundation of the RPSGT exam is a job task analysis (JTA), a comprehensive study conducted approximately every five years to define what competent practice looks like in the field of polysomnography.

Led by experienced subject matter experts, the JTA identifies the tasks, knowledge areas, and skills required for effective performance in the sleep lab. These findings are then validated through a large-scale survey of practicing professionals, who evaluate how frequently tasks are performed and how critical they are to patient care.

The resulting data help ensure the exam reflects what sleep technologists actually do, not outdated assumptions or narrow perspectives.

Building an Exam Blueprint

Once JTA data are analyzed, they’re translated into an exam blueprint. This blueprint determines what content appears on the exam— and how heavily each area is emphasized.

For the RPSGT exam, domains such as patient assessment, instrumentation and setup, data acquisition and scoring, and therapeutic intervention are weighted according to their importance in daily practice. This ensures candidates are evaluated on competencies that matter most in the sleep lab, reinforcing the exam’s relevance and fairness.

You can view the current RPSGT exam blueprint at brpt.org/rpsgt/exam-blueprint.

Writing and Reviewing Exam Questions

With the blueprint in place, a panel of subject matter experts develop and review exam questions. Each item is evaluated for clinical accuracy, clarity, and alignment with current standards of care.

Some questions appear on the exam as pretest items. They don’t count toward a candidate’s score, but they help exam developers see how well the questions perform. This process helps guarantee that only functional, clearly written items become scored questions in future exams.

The Role of Psychometrics in Ensuring Fairness

Throughout exam development, psychometricians (experts in educational measurement) provide critical oversight. They analyze question performance, confirm consistency across different versions of the exam, and help establish passing standards using validated methodologies such as the Angoff method.

This scientific approach helps ensure the RPSGT exam measures minimum competence accurately and consistently, no matter when or where someone takes the test.

Exam Administration and Continuous Review

Once developed, the exam is administered through secure testing environments designed to protect exam integrity. Professionals taking the exam benefit from standardized testing conditions, flexible scheduling, and confidential score reporting—while the credential itself remains protected against compromise.

Exam development doesn’t end once the test is delivered. After each administration, exam performance data are reviewed to identify any questions that may not function as intended. Items are revised or removed as needed, and content is updated to reflect advances in sleep medicine, evolving technologies, and emerging best practices.

This continuous review process helps ensure the RPSGT exam remains current, relevant, and aligned with the realities of modern sleep care.

Why Accreditation Matters

The RPSGT exam is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), an independent body that evaluates certification programs against nationally recognized standards. Accreditation requires ongoing documentation, review, and reapproval to reinforce public trust in the credential and certify its validity.

Most recently, the RPSGT credential was reaccredited for another five-year cycle, affirming its compliance with rigorous professional standards.

Every technologist who proudly lists RPSGT after their name has earned those five letters through meaningful, rigorous testing of their knowledge and expertise. The RPSGT credential represents more than passing an exam—it reflects a system designed to verify competence, promote consistency, and ultimately support high-quality patient care.