To better meet the needs of sleep trainees, technicians and technologists at nationwide sleep disorder facilities, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has announced changes to its Accredited Sleep Technologist Education Program (A-STEP).

The changes include the following:

• Effective July 2008, any candidate who qualifies for the Registered Polysomnographic Technologist exam administered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists must meet a new eligibility criterion that requires candidates to complete the AASM A-STEP Self-Study Modules, formerly known as Step 2, or an equivalent education program, to sit for the exam.


• Beginning in 2010, on-the-job trainees will have to pass both the AASM A-STEP Introductory Course and the Self-Study Modules as eligibility requirements for the RPSGT exam.

The AASM developed A-STEP to promote the standardization of sleep technologist education and training. A-STEP equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in the profession of sleep technology.

For more information about the changes to A-STEP, including the new requirements and how to become an AASM A-STEP provider, visit www.aasmnet.org/astep.

AASM is a professional membership organization dedicated to the advancement of sleep medicine and sleep-related research.