Obtain a Certification in Clinical Sleep Health
The Certification in Clinical Sleep Health (CCSH) is an advanced-level credential for health care professionals and educators who work directly with sleep medicine patients. The CCSH credential enables providers to improve patient outcomes, educate the community, and promote healthy sleep habits.
The AASM developed the A-STEP CCSH Education Program to equip Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (RPSGT’s) with the education needed (CCSH: Eligibility Pathway 3) to meet the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) eligibility requirements to apply to take the CCSH credentialing examination. The program helps health care professionals to learn more about other roles available within sleep technology. Review the BRPT New Candidates webpage to identify the pathways and requirements to sit for the BRPT CCSH exam.
As a STAR Designated Program, the A-STEP CCSH Education Program consists of a combination of case scenarios and evidence-based clinical practice examples that prepare learners to become eligible to take the CCSH certification exam.
Benefits of CCSH
If you’re considering sitting for the CCSH exam, you should first understand the benefits associated with the program. Continue reading to learn more about how this credential can help you advance your expertise in sleep medicine.
Why do I need the CCSH certification?
If you’re looking to differentiate yourself from your peers, do so by obtaining the CCSH certification! This advanced certification is only available to health care professionals who are in good standing and have qualified for the exam. To review the BRPT’s eligibility requirements, click here.
What are the benefits of the CCSH certification?
With the CCSH certification being relatively new (the first exam was offered in 2014), the AASM surveyed participants who completed the CCSH exam and asked what benefits have come from their new credential. Below you will find a summary of the benefits they expressed:
Credibility
Increased Opportunities
Improved Patient Care
The certification has provided additional credibility for those credentialed with both staff and patient populations.
Many of those with the CCSH certification stated they felt that it differentiated themselves from their peers.
The education associated with CCSH prepares you to answer more questions and better serve patients.
One CCSH credential holder stated, “Since I have received my CCSH credential I have gone on to become a Clinical Coordinator (for a year) and now currently I am a Regional Manager of five sleep centers. I think the CCSH exam made me a more attractive candidate for both positions.”
Another credentialed technologist shared, “I feel like the CCSH has given me some more credit within my own organization. The physicians that I work with feel as though it gives more validation to the information that I am providing for the patients and their families.”
A-STEP CCSH Education Program
Available to all qualified health care professionals, the A-STEP CCSH Education Program consists of a series of 12 online modules that address the four main domains of the CCSH blueprint:
- Sleep Fundamentals
- Clinical Evaluation and Management
- Communication and Education
- Program Administration
Module Topics:
- Normal Sleep Architecture
- Pathophysiology, Epidemiology, and Clinical Presentation of Abnormal Sleep
- Clinical Presentation of Sleep Disorders
- Medical History
- Impact of Comorbid Conditions on Sleep
- Performance Improvement and Quality
- Sleep Questionnaires and Surveys
- Diagnostic Testing and Indications for Sleep Disorders
- Evaluation of Sleep Treatment and Therapies
- Patient and Family Education Including Sleep Hygiene
- Building a Collaborative Sleep Program
- Sleep Disorders as a Public Health Issue
Upon completion of the program, participants will be awarded a total of 12 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) and should be able to do the following:
- Utilize sleep fundamentals in clinical practice;
- Implement clinical evaluation and management in patient care;
- Communicate with patients and their families by educating them on clinical topics; and
- Identify the knowledge and skills necessary to take on a leadership role in administering sleep programs.
Eligibility Requirements
The A-STEP CCSH Education Program is designed for those working directly with sleep medicine patients who are looking to expand their knowledge in patient care management. Those who are eligible to take the program include:
- Physicians (MD, DO)
- Doctors of Philosophy in health, counseling, science (PhD)
- Registered & Neurodiagnostic Technologists (RPSGT, REEGT, CLTM)
- Respiratory Therapists (RRT, CRT)
- Nurses & Physician Assistants (NP, RN, LPN, MSN, LVN, PA)
- Dental Hygienists & Dentists (DDS)
- Health Educators (CHES)
- Pharmacists (PharmD)
- Physical Therapists (PT)
The BRPT offers three eligibility pathways for the CCSH examination. Each pathway requires CCSH recertification every five years by either accumulating 50 approved CEC’s or by retaking the exam. For more information on the different pathways, review the candidate handbook and eligibility requirements with the BRPT.
CCSH Pathway 1Clinical Experience
For candidates with at least 1,000 hours of experience in clinical sleep health AND a bachelor’s degree or above.
CCSH Pathway 2Health Care Credential
For candidates with an approved health care credential or license AND an associate’s degree or above.
CCSH Pathway 3RPSGT Credential Holders
For candidates who hold an active RPSGT credential who have recertified at least once, who have completed a CCSH STAR Designated Education Program within the past three years.
Program Access
The program is available to be purchased at the cost of $199. Individuals will have open access to the modules for three years from the date of purchase to freely review and reference in preparation for the CCSH certification exam.