OregonPolysomnographic Technologist License Requirements

Polysomnographic technologist education requires a minimum of an associate's degree, with some states requiring a bachelor's degree. CAAHEP-accredited (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) polysomnographic technology programs are preferred or required in many states. Programs typically include coursework in sleep physiology, polysomnographic techniques, scoring methodology, and patient care, along with supervised clinical rotations in accredited sleep centers. The CPSGT (Certified Polysomnographic Technician) is available as an entry-level credential for those beginning their career.

The RPSGT (Registered Polysomnographic Technologist) credential is administered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) and is the primary national certification for sleep technologists. Approximately 10 states require specific state licensure in addition to RPSGT certification. The CPSGT (Certified Polysomnographic Technician) serves as an entry-level credential. CAAHEP-accredited polysomnographic technology programs provide the educational foundation for certification eligibility, and many states require or prefer graduates of such programs.

The RPSGT examination is administered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) and covers five major content areas: sleep and wake physiology, polysomnographic procedures, scoring and interpretation, pathophysiology of sleep disorders, and patient management and education. The exam consists of approximately 200 multiple-choice questions. Candidates must meet education and clinical experience eligibility requirements before sitting for the examination. The CPSGT (Certified Polysomnographic Technician) exam is available as an entry-level alternative.

Additional Notes

Oregon is the most recent state to enact polysomnographic technologist licensure.

Approximately 10 states require specific licensure for polysomnographic technologists (sleep technologists). Many other states regulate sleep technology practice under respiratory care or medical boards. In all states, the RPSGT (Registered Polysomnographic Technologist) credential from the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) is the primary national certification and is required by most employers regardless of state licensure requirements.

Polysomnographic technologists conduct diagnostic and therapeutic sleep studies under the direction of a board-certified sleep medicine physician. Core procedures include polysomnography (PSG), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) titrations, Multiple Sleep Latency Tests (MSLT), Maintenance of Wakefulness Tests (MWT), and split-night studies. Technologists work in hospital-based sleep laboratories, freestanding sleep centers, and academic medical centers. Home sleep testing (HST) programs are expanding the scope of practice in many states. Independent practice is not permitted; all work must be performed under physician supervision.

CE Details

7 CE hours required annually. CPR/BLS/ACLS/PALS courses no longer count for CE credit (as of 1/1/2014). Additionally, 1 hour of cultural competency CE (CCCE) required every other renewal cycle. Documentation must be maintained for 2 years following renewal.

Regulatory Board

Polysomnographic technologist credentials must be renewed on schedule. For RPSGT certification, BRPT requires continuing education credits that cover polysomnographic techniques, sleep disorders, scoring methodology, patient safety, and equipment operation. Most states and BRPT require 20-30 CE hours per renewal cycle. States with specific licensure may have additional CE requirements covering state-specific regulations and patient care standards. Some CE credits may be earned through AAST (American Academy of Sleep Technology) and AASM (American Academy of Sleep Medicine) approved courses.

Reciprocity Requirements

• •Hold current license from another state with substantially equivalent qualifications
• •Pass the BRPT RPSGT examination
• •Pass the Oregon Laws and Rules examination (25 multiple-choice questions, 75% passing score)
• •Submit fingerprints for background check
• •Submit information identifying approved supervisor

Because the RPSGT credential is a national certification administered by BRPT, it is recognized across all states. For states requiring specific licensure, reciprocity or endorsement processes are available for polysomnographic technologists who hold current RPSGT certification and meet the state's education requirements. Non-licensed states generally do not have a reciprocity process since the RPSGT credential is nationally portable. Contact the specific state licensing authority for current endorsement procedures.