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.

Click Here for the STAR Program Application!

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.

Click Here for the Current RPSGT and CPSGT Exam Eligibility Information

Background

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.

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.

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.

The Online Foundation Of Sleep Technology Available November 10

McLean, VA – November 7 – 2011 – The Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) endorses The Online Foundation of Sleep Technology, a new online educational program developed by the Atlanta School of Sleep Medicine, available beginning November 10. The Online Foundation of Sleep Technology will be accepted by BRPT for Pathway #1 and #4 eligibility for the RPSGT exam. The course is designed to enhance and strengthen the online educational opportunities for sleep technologists and is built upon a core body of knowledge aligned with the day-to-day duties of sleep technologists.

“BRPT’s subject matter experts were involved in the development and review of this product and we are very pleased with the depth and breadth of coverage in each topic area,” said BRPT President Janice East, RPSGT, R. EEG T. “Expanding the number of high quality educational opportunities for sleep technologists is critically important. The Online Foundation of Sleep Technology will be very beneficial to the field.”

According to Russell Rosenberg, Ph D., CEO of the Atlanta School of Sleep Medicine and Technology, “The Atlanta School is very excited to have the opportunity to further the careers of individuals seeking the BRPT’s credential. We know that our educational program delivers highly relevant, user-friendly content provided by recognized leaders in the field. It was our goal to offer the best quality and most cost effective training available on the web. We are honored to be endorsed by the world’s leading organization that credentials sleep technologists.”

The Online Foundation of Sleep Technology was developed by a national faculty team of sleep technologists and sleep medicine clinicians, including: Michael Lacey, MD; Steven Weber, Ph.D.; Terrence Malloy, RPSGT; Allen Boone, RPSGT; Alexander Hill, RPSGT; Timothy Grant, MD; Marietta Bibbs, BA, RPSGT; Jason Herndon, RPSGT; Wayne Peacock, RPSGT; Pam Minkley, RPSGT; Maha Ahmad, MD; Russell Rosenberg, Ph.D.; Nilgun Giray, MD.

The Online Foundation of Sleep Technology – A Snapshot

• The course is comprised of the following six categories or pillars: Diagnostic Criteria of Sleep Disorders and Polysomnography, Identification of Polysomnography Events and Scoring, Overview of Anatomy and Physiology, Patient Management, Polysomnography and Sleep Related Breathing Disorders, and Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) Titration.
  The Online Foundation of Sleep Technology features an audio component with Power Point presentations, self-assessment questions, and the capability to print handouts.
  Candidates will have access to the pillars for six months, further enhancing their understanding of the course material.
  Each of the six pillars costs $70; the total package price is $420. The Atlanta School will introduce two additional pillars in 2012 that will be “bonus material” and available at no charge.
  For more information, go to www.sleepschool.com/onlinefoundation.

About The BRPT

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 and technicians. 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. For more information, please visit brpt.taupecatstudios.dev.

About The Atlanta School of Sleep Medicine

For almost 20 years, the Atlanta School of Sleep Medicine & Technology has presented courses to more than 6,000 physicians, technologists, nurses, physician assistants and sleep industry specialists. Course participants have been from the US as well as from Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The School offers live courses in Atlanta as well as several other cities in the US. Their Online Learning Center utilizes a robust platform with 24/7 access to webinars and programs designed meet the unique needs of the industry. For more information about the Atlanta School of Sleep Medicine, please visit http://www.sleepschool.com.