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.