Our section offers the Accredited Sleep Technologist Education Program (A-STEP) to promote the standardization of sleep technologist training; an initiative of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).

In July of 2006, we became one of the first sites in the nation to receive accreditation from the AASM as an A-STEP provider, meeting the standards after detailed evaluation of our program, including faculty, curriculum, resources and assessment.

Participants will receive an accredited education and training that develops a sleep medicine knowledge base and the professional skills required of a sleep technologist.

Our A-STEP training is a significant resource to the local community as it ensures that those who assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with sleep disorders are well-trained and that patients suffering from sleep disorders receive the highest quality of care.

Requirements

Completion of A-STEP is a two-step process:

  • A-STEP introductory course: 80 hours of instruction and training on sleep, sleep disorders, sleep studies and patient care. The program concludes with a three-hour online exam consisting of 106 multiple-choice questions.
  • A-STEP self study modules: Each of the 26 A-STEP self-study modules includes a 60-minute online video presentation followed by a set of 10 review questions. Students are encouraged to complete the online modules while working in the field. Trainees that complete the A-STEP introductory course and final exam will receive a discount on the modules

Students whom complete both steps will be eligible to take the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BPRT) registry exam once 819 hours of experience in the field have been obtained. Students with another healthcare credential will be eligible to sit for the exam once 546 hours have been obtained.

Course description

Classroom instruction, lecture and didactic will go hand in hand throughout the course. The following subjects will be covered:

  • Patient safety
  • Obtaining medical histories
  • Medical terminology
  • Documentation
  • Patient confidentiality
  • HIPAA regulations
  • Collecting a clean polysomnographic record
  • Instrumentation
  • Medications and their effects on sleep
  • CPAP titrations
  • BILEVEL titrations
  • Sleep staging
  • Basic anatomy
  • Sleep disorders
Frequently asked questions

Q: Is your program accredited?

A: Yes, we are accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) as an A-STEP provider.

Q: How is the program structured?

A: Classes are held from 6-9 p.m. on two evenings per week for eight weeks. In addition, you will have the opportunity to shadow a sleep technologist and to observe clinical sleep studies at Washington University Sleep Medicine Center.

Q: What is the average class size?

A: Classes are limited to eight students in order to provide a low student-to-instructor ratio.

Q: Is everyone accepted into the program?

A: Admission is competitive enrollment based upon your personal statement, references, and resume. A minimum of a high school diploma is required for admission. Previous healthcare experience is preferred, but not required.

Q: How often is the A-STEP course offered?

A: Typically, A-STEP is offered in the fall and spring; however, this is subject to change.

Q: Is there financial assistance available?

A: A-STEP is a specialized program that is not part of the traditional Washington University; therefore, it is not eligible for financial aid.

Q: Where is your facility located?

A: Washington University Sleep Medicine Center and the A-STEP training program are located at 1600 S. Brentwood Blvd., just a couple of blocks from I-64/40.

Q: How do I prepare for the course?

A: After being accepted into the program, you will receive an instructional packet in the mail. You will be required to complete and pass a background check and urine drug screening prior to the first class. There is a fee for this that you will pay directly to the background check company. You will need documentation of a recent tuberculosis (TB) test. You may be asked to provide additional immunization documentation. We also require documentation of a flu shot if you are enrolled in class during flu season.

Q: What happens after I pass the A-STEP Introductory course?

A: After successfully passing our program, we will notify the (AASM) and they will send you information regarding an online examination.  You will need to pass the online exam with a score of 70% or greater.  Next, there is a series of 26 online AASM modules to complete (there is an additional fee for the online exam and modules).

Q: How do you become certified or registered in the field of sleep technology?

A: The Board of Registered Sleep Technologists offers a certification and registry exam for sleep technicians. The American Board of Sleep Medicine offers a registry exam for sleep technologists. For more information about the exams, please visit the American Board of Sleep Medicine or the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists.

Please submit an application for upcoming sessions:
Application Deadline for Fall 2024 is May 31st, 2024.

Classes will start the week of August 29th.

Download A-STEP application

Washington University encourages and gives full consideration to all applicants for admission, financial aid and employment. The university does not discriminate in access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, disability or genetic information. Inquiries about compliance should be addressed to the university’s Vice Chancellor for Human Resources, Washington University, Campus Box 1184, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130.

Contact us

For more information on the A-STEP program, please reach out to the program director.

Brian Toedebusch, BA, RPSGT
Voice: 314-747-3823
Email: toedebuschb@wustl.edu