This month, the BRPT reached an important milestone awarding RPSGT #20,000. Since awarding the first RPSGT credential in 1979, the field of sleep technology has grown a tremendous amount and has established itself as an integral component of sleep medicine. Sleep disorders are more widely recognized and understood by the general public; use of technology and treatment options have expanded and so too has the role of the sleep technologist. It’s an exciting time for the profession and BRPT sat down with one of its newest RPSGTs: RPSGT 20,000 Lucila San Jose from Garrett Park, Maryland who recently completed Montgomery College’s CAAHEP program before sitting for and passing the RPSGT exam in September.

Excerpts from a conversation with Lucila San Jose, RPSGT

My background is in psychology and research. I worked at the National Institutes of Health for a number of years on projects that involved brain, speech and communication research. This is where my love of sleep developed. It’s fascinating to understand the impact sleep has on our bodies as a whole – from our immune system to how we code memories. It’s amazing how sleep plays such a vital role.

I feel so lucky to have already found a job as an RPSGT. Later this month, I will begin work at the sleep lab at Holy Cross Hospital where I’ll work nights. During my clinical rotations, I discovered the best way to prepare for the night shift is to not only prepare my room to make it day-time sleep friendly but to prepare my family.

The one thing I’ve really learned through this journey (participating in the CAAHEP program and preparing for the RPSGT exam) is that you have to be committed to the field and it helps to have a thirst for knowledge – staying on top of current trends and new developments really helped me understand sleep better. In terms of preparing for the exam, of course I studied hard and spent time reviewing the references and blueprint, but I also approached the questions as if I were in the lab. If I were conducting this PSG how would I troubleshoot this issue?

This is a great field with a terrific future because our health depends on how we sleep at night and because there is still much we don’t know – I only see room for growth and expansion. I’m honored to be an RPSGT and I can’t wait to get started and to contribute to this great community.

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

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:

1. A STAR-designated Self-Study education program within a 3-year period prior to the exam.
2. A minimum of 1,638 hours of clinical experience that includes on-site polysomnography duties performed as direct patient recording and/or scoring.
3. Clinical experience within a 3-year period prior to the exam.

Submit:

1. Proof of completion of secondary education.
2. Proof of completion of the required STAR education.
3. Documentation of current BCLS certification or equivalency.

RPSGT Pathway 2: Healthcare Credential

Candidates for Pathway 2 must:

Complete:

1. A minimum of 546 hours of clinical experience that includes on-site polysomnography duties performed as direct patient recording and/or scoring.
2. Clinical experience within a 3-year period prior to the exam.

Submit:

1. Proof of a current and accepted healthcare credential.
2. 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:

1. A minimum of 819 hours of clinical experience that includes on-site polysomnography duties performed as direct patient recording and/or scoring.
2. 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.
3. Clinical experience within a 3-year period prior to the exam.

Submit:

1. Proof of completion of the required STAR program(s).
2. Proof of completion of secondary education.
3. Documentation of current BCLS certification or equivalency.

RPSGT Pathway 5: International Option

Candidates for Pathway 5 must:

Complete:

1. 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.
2. A minimum of 546 hours of clinical experience that includes on-site polysomnography duties performed as direct patient recording and/or scoring.
3. Clinical experience within a 3-year period prior to the exam.

Submit:

1. Proof of completion of tertiary/post secondary education from a country outside of the United States.
2. Proof of residency outside of the United States.
3. Documentation of current BCLS certification or equivalency.