“As with other credentialed professions, it’s important to obtain the necessary credentials to demonstrate professionalism and competence in the field. It shows a commitment to providing quality care for patients through achieving and retaining these credentials. Sleep is a field we are educated in – and continue to educate ourselves in – to maintain these credentials and a high standard of care for our patients. Achieving the CCSH credential allowed me to obtain my position as a PAP Therapy Outcomes Coordinator. It also allows me to provide more of an educational role for not only my patients/families but my organization as well. Further, it has helped me become more involved with the BRPT through the Exam Development Committee.

“I work in pediatrics and I love working with, and educating, my patients, families and colleagues. It’s a great feeling when you know you have helped someone succeed.

“I think, generally, people don’t stop and think about the importance of sleep on our body. Treating sleep apnea is the most publicized aspect of sleep, but there truly is so much more to our work and what we offer.”

Jill West began her career in sleep medicine in 2010 as a night tech. In 2014, in addition to running and scoring studies, she partnered with her medical director to establish a startup Durable Medical Equipment (DME) company. Five years later, Jill applied her insights on compliance and efficacy as a Program Manager for Philips Respironics. She is currently employed by Cadwell as a Sleep Clinical Educator.

“I initially pursued my RPSGT credential because I felt that a more comprehensive clinical understanding would allow me to provide the best care to my patients. I later obtained my CCSH because it allowed me to better understand ways that sleep professionals can be utilized outside of performing PSGs.

“Keeping up on your education is easier than catching up! Like many others, I’ve invested a great deal of time into getting credentialed and it’d be a shame to not maintain them. On a more personal note: with all the developments in our industry over the last few years I discovered many colleagues who had allowed their credentials to lapse. There is a growing demand for skilled, credentialed staff. Having my credentials helped me find an amazing new position as a Sleep Clinical Educator. Unfortunately, for those folks who let their credentials lapse they will likely need to sit for their boards again to stay in this field. Maintaining my credentials isn’t just about a personal achievement, it’s about upholding standards and helping to ensure we’re focused on current industry trends and the needs of sleep technologists in the here and now.

“The best part about being a sleep health professional is really two-fold: positively impacting patients’ lives and the friendships I’ve made along the way. I recall an instance when I worked in the lab and a patient came in for a baseline. She told me that her friends thought she was lazy and couldn’t manage her time because she was always tired – no matter how much sleep she got. Seeing the hurt in her eyes was hard. I saw her in the clinic for one of her PAP follow ups a few months later. She laughed and told me that she felt vindicated. She finally had an answer to why her body felt the way it did, a place that listened to her, and a treatment plan. It was humbling to feel that I’d played a small part in positively impacting her life.

“Sleep is a small world and I’ve enjoyed staying in touch with friends over the years and watching them grow personally and professionally. When I took my most recent position it was amazing to interact with many labs across the U.S. and remember that we all speak the same language.”

Jill has solid advice for others interested in getting into sleep: “Start today. You don’t need to have all the answers or 10 years of experience in healthcare to get into sleep. And if you’re already in sleep but want to get more involved, look into volunteering with your local/state/regional professional sleep society or with the BRPT. It’s a rewarding and fulfilling way to support our industry and the next generation of sleep professionals.”

Courtney has been in the field of sleep medicine for nearly 16 years. In addition to being a practice manager, Courtney also serves on the BRPT Exam Development Committee. Courtney began her career at Loma Linda University Medical Center in Southern California where she received the training and experience necessary to sit for the RPSGT exam under Pathway 1.  After earning the RPSGT credential, Courtney joined Children’s Hospital of Orange County leading their multi-site sleep center. In 2018, Courtney joined University of California, Irvine Health with the opening of their comprehensive sleep program.

“Earning the RPSGT credential allowed me to demonstrate my knowledge and experience.  The RPSGT credential is the gold standard for certifications in sleep medicine for sleep technologists. Passing the RPSGT exam and obtaining the credential means a sleep technologist has the most comprehensive knowledge, skill, ability, and attributes necessary to practice in the field.

“My favorite part of working in the field of sleep medicine is our broad patient population. I really enjoy educating and advocating for patients and their families who have different backgrounds, life experiences, and varied health needs. Earning the CCSH credential reflects my advanced knowledge in patient education and management. Sleep is an essential pillar of overall health, well-being, and longevity, which impacts everyone. I have had the privilege of caring for and conducting studies on patients of all ages; from the youngest in the neonatal intensive care unit, to patients well into their 90s.

“Investing in the future of our field is also important to me. It’s important to support the growth and success of the next generation of technologists. Annually, I host a career workshop for graduating polysomnography students which includes mock interviews and resume reviews. But, we go further than that. My team also welcomes second year polysomnography students to present a “PSG Hook-up and Showcase”. This allows students to have discussions with practicing RPSGTs on strategies for PSG hook-up and the importance of wire management for quality studies and patient comfort.

“I also firmly believe in the importance of the RPSGT exam to remain strenuous and effective at ensuring those who obtain the credential genuinely know the content and will represent the RPSGT credential – and our field – in a professional manner. When I was invited to join the BRPT’s Exam Development Committee, I jumped at the opportunity! It’s been an absolute pleasure to ‘nerd out’ on all things sleep and I love the work we’re doing. I’m very excited to be a small part of upholding the gold standard of the RPSGT exam and look forward to another 45 years of the BRPT.”