The Texas School of Sleep Medicine & Technology is involved in the A-STEP program developed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. This program is designed to train individuals in the practice of polysomnography technology. There has been a dramatic increase in the number of sleep lab facilities throughout the United States, and the number of adequately trained individuals to perform and evaluate the studies has not kept pace. Texas School of Sleep Medicine offers the student an incredible opportunity to become familiar with all facets of the field of Sleep Medicine.

POLYSOMNOGRAPHIC TECHNICIAN I / A-STEP INTRO TO SLEEP MEDICINE FOR TECHNOLOGISTS

As an Introduction to Sleep Medicine for Technologists Accredited Course Provider,  we ensure adherence to all standard requirements and provide standardized education for those interested in sleep technology. The ASTEP process consists of two parts.

Part I: Introductory course

The 80-hour Polysomnographic Technician I / A-STEP Intro to Sleep Medicine for Technologists course combines didactic instruction and practical training at the Texas School of Sleep Medicine & Technology in San Antonio, Texas. It introduces students to sleep physiology and sleep disorders, patient communication and safety, and the role of the polysomnographic trainee. astep.aasm

Students receive instruction and practice in applying electrodes using the International 10–20 System; using ancillary monitoring equipment; performing equipment checks and calibrations; and following appropriate recording montages and study protocols. Training also covers patient preparation, polysomnographic recording procedures, documentation, recognition of selected EEG and ECG findings, positive airway pressure therapy—including CPAP, bilevel PAP, and auto-adjusting PAP—and supplemental oxygen. Instruction in home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) is included. These activities are taught within the student’s level of training and applicable supervision and facility protocols. astep.aasm

The course introduces sleep-stage scoring and the identification of events in sleep recordings. Developing proficiency in independently scoring complete studies requires additional education and experience. Part I concludes with the A-STEP introductory course final examination, which students complete through the A-STEP website. [astep.aasm](https://astep.aasm.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ASTEP-Standard-for-Accreditation-Updated-2025_3.pdf)

Part II: Online self-study modules

After passing the introductory course final examination, students may access the A-STEP online self-study modules. The modules build on the knowledge and practical skills introduced in Part I and are completed through the A-STEP website. Students complete both the introductory course and the required modules to fulfill the A-STEP educational sequence described for this pathway. astep.aasm

Credentialing and Licensure

Completion of the 80-hour course—or of both parts of the A-STEP educational sequence—does not automatically confer a CPSGT, RPSGT, or RST credential or guarantee eligibility for a credentialing examination. Examination eligibility may require additional clinical experience and other qualifications. Students should review the current requirements of the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) and, if pursuing the RST credential, the American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM).  They should also check the licensing requirements of the state in which they intend to work. astep.aasm

Texas School of Sleep Medicine & Technology
5290 Medical Drive
San Antonio, TX 78229
Contact: Patty Gibson, RPSGT, 726-444-5228
Call or email the school with questions or feedback.