Welcome to A-STEP, the Accredited Sleep Technologist Education Program

A-STEP provides participants with standardized education and training that develops a knowledge-base about sleep medicine and the professional skills required of a sleep technologist.  As a staff member at a sleep facility, a sleep technologist administers sleep tests to patients as well as therapeutic services.  The sleep technologist also assists the sleep physician with patient care and education.  The AASM has created example job descriptions for the PSG Trainee and the PSG Technologist.

The Stanford Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine has earned a two-year accreditation as an A-STEP Provider, meaning that the Introductory Course has met the standards of accreditation designated by the AASM. The accreditation process involved a detailed evaluation of Stanford Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine’s program, including faculty, curriculum, resources and assessment.  

Individuals interested in receiving formalized education and training in sleep technology by enrolling as an A-STEP participant at the Stanford Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine can fill out this interest form.

Complete your training through an A-STEP Provider to:

  • Be a better trained sleep technologist
  • Prepare for the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) examination
  • Earn a certificate of training, recognized by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), the American Association of Sleep Technologists (AAST) and the BRPT
  • Advance the field of sleep technology
     

Pathways for Becoming Credentialed as a Sleep Technologist

There are 2 different credentialing agencies for sleep technologists, each with different requirements resulting in different credentials. Both agency has multiple pathways to meet exam eligibility based on experience. A-STEP is recognized by both agencies. Any questions regarding exam eligibility should be directed to the credentialing agency.

Information on becoming an RPSGT/CPSGT:

There are two types of Polysomnographic (PSG) credential exams offered through the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT). A Registered Polysomnographic Technologist™ (RPSGT) is the higher level of certification intended for individuals who have clinical experience in sleep. The Certified Polysomnographic Technician (CPSGT) is an entry level certification for individuals new to the sleep field. The A-STEP program is a BRPT Sleep Technology Approved Resource (STAR) Focused 2 education program, which is one of the requirements for Pathway 4.

Information on becoming an RST:

Details on becoming a Registered Sleep Technologist (RST) are available in the Candidate Handbook for the Sleep Technologist Registry Exam. The RST exam is offered by the American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM). A-STEP was developed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and is required for Pathway B which is a two-step training program that includes an 80-hour educational AASM A-STEP Introductory Course, followed by 14 Web-based Self-Study Modules which participants can complete during on-the-job training provided by their employer. After passing a board exam, students will become a Polysomnographic (PSG) Technologist.

Many states also require techs to register through the state medical board. Click here to read more about the Medical Board of California's requirements.

Minimum Requirements for Enrolling in A-STEP

Education and/or Experience Entry

High school diploma or GED plus 6 months of direct patient care experience or 1 year of postsecondary education.
 OR
Current enrollment in an accredited educational program leading to an associate degree with an emphasis in polysomnography.

Physical Demands

Students must be able to perform the duties specified in the job description for a Polysomnographic Trainee.

Absentee Policy

The Course Director must be notified in the event of absence due emergency/illness.  For 1 missed day, make-up hours may be assigned at the discretion of the Director and must be completed either within 1 month of the completion of the course or at the next scheduled A-STEP Course. More than one day missed can be made up at the next scheduled A-STEP Course.

Grievance Policy and Procedures

In accordance with AASM's Standard 34, contact us to find the Stanford Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine's A-STEP Grievance Policy.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Stanford Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine Accredited Sleep Technologist Education Program (A-STEP) is an equal opportunity employer and program. All qualified applicants for attending or teaching the course will receive consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability, provided they meet the minimum requirements.