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Mission Statement
I'm guessing that most of you know that the BRPT "Certified Polysomnographic Technician", or CPSGT examination was announced last August. The credential is an entry-level examination that demonstrates a general competency for those new to careers in sleep medicine and with at least 3 months of full-time experience in polysomnography. I have to admit that when I first heard about it, I was skeptical of this new entry-level credential, but as I began to learn more about it, I realized that this credential does have a place in our profession. We all know sleep medicine has seen rapid growth since its roots, and has been moving as a profession towards a legitimacy and a greater respect as a distinct allied health profession. This growth has been fueled by sometimes shoddy on the job training for Technologists, but as we have all seen, without formal routes into the field, this was commonplace.
It appears to me that higher education for Technicians, appropriate certification, and licensure are crucial to the advancement of our field, and definitive recognition of PSG as a distinct allied-health profession. As was seen recently in the state of Maryland for example, a licensure law had to be postponed because there was not an educational infrastructure to support it. Additionally, it seems that if there was an entry-level certifying credential for Technicians, this goal of licensure for Technologists/Technicians might be more efficiently met. If the CPSGT was only a less-rigorous exam, I would've been concerned, but it is an entry-level, temporary (good for 3 years and cannot be renewed) credential that should lead to the RPSGT.
Herein lies a responsibility for our state sleep societies. We should be pushing for licensure in all of the states, which once again, it seems to me, would make educational programs a more sensible investment for formal college-based PSG programs.
Now, back to the CPSGT. I've got to support this entry level credential for several reasons. First of all, it keeps up the high standards of the RPSGT exam. I don't want the exam that I studied hard to pass to be watered down in order to raise the pass-rate. Secondly, this will provide a pathway to legitimate state licensure for entry-level Technicians who are entering the profession, and prevent problems with finding qualified, educated Technicians. Finally, now that the BRPT has announced intentions to expand and perhaps do other advanced-level credentials, I want to support this goal, and say that this is definitely the way to follow-up skepticism about the new CPSGT exam. I personally would be excited to see a Pediatrics credential, or the "Sleep Educator" credential that has been discussed previously. Time will tell!
SO, if you are new to the profession, I would encourage you to go ahead and take the CPSGT exam. It will let employers know your degree of investment in the profession, and indicate general entry-level competency. I also note that BRPT is discounting the exam costs for this first exam window in March. Note, the deadline for signing up for the exam has been extended to February 23rd, 2010!
What do YOU think?
Tim Ruse M.Ed., RPSGT
Exam fees are deeply discounted for the initial pool of CPSGT candidates and late fees will be waived. Learn more about the CPSGT exam and get an online exam application form, an exam blueprint and a candidate handbook at http://www.brpt.org/media/press_releases/2009_1210.htmAnswers to frequently asked questions can be found here http://www.brpt.org/Exam_info/FAQ.htm
Phillip Cameron, RPSGT & Jonathan Prince, CRT, RPSGT with DC Mayor Adrian Fenty.
In September 2009, the DC City Council named DCSS Board Members Phillip T.B. Cameron, RPSGT, & Jonathan Prince, CRT, RPSGT to the advisory committee on Polysomnography. The Board of Medicine is actively seeking a Physician member of this panel who is a resident of the District of Columbia to serve on the advisory committee. As a part of this committee, Mr. Cameron and Mr. Prince have been commissioned with the important task of advising the DC Board of Medicine in the development of guidlines for the field of Polysomnography in DC according to (B18-33 "The Practice of Polysomnography Amendment Act of 2009") which completed its Congressional Review Period and became law effective July 20th, 2009.
As previously mentioned, this new law places authority for licensure and regulation of polysomnography under the DC Board of Medicine, and created the Advisory Committee on Polysomnography comprised of Physicians and Sleep Technologists who are residents of the District of Columbia to develop guidelines regulating the practice. This advisory committee on Polysomnography will have 180 days to complete work on the licensure process. Members will be kept updated on the progress of DC Bill 18-33.
The complete history of this legislative process can be seen on the DCSS Government Affairs Page.
Membership in your local Sleep Society is a vital part of our ability to support the field of Sleep Medicine in the District of Columbia.