Effective Jan. 1, 2011, the AASM Accredited Sleep Technologist Education Program (A-STEP) will require the completion of all 18 online A-STEP Self-Study Modules: the 14 modules that have been required since the program’s inception along with four additional scoring modules that were recently introduced as a program supplement.

The AASM developed A-STEP to promote the standardization of sleep technologist education and training, and equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in the profession of sleep technology. The four supplemental scoring modules were developed by the AASM after the publication of The AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events: Rules, Terminology and Technical Specifications.

Based on student feedback and registry exam statistics provided by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT), the AASM determined that the completion of these modules greatly benefits students in their understanding of the scoring rules. Requiring the completion of the four additional scoring modules will improve students’ preparation for both the registry exam offered by the BRPT and a career in sleep technology.

To learn more about A-STEP go to the AASM website at www.aasm.org/astep or call the AASM national office at 630-737-9700. For more information about eligibility requirements for the RPSGT and CPSGT exams, visit the BRPT website at www.brpt.org.