RRT and CRT sleep technology job duties and credentialing requirements. 

Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) and Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRTs) can perform sleep technology tasks within their licensure and certification scope, especially if they possess a sleep disorders specialist credential (CRT-SDS or RRT-SDS).

Permitted duties, within scope and training, include preparing and hooking up patients, monitoring during sleep studies, and scoring sleep studies when properly credentialed or supervised as specified below.

For credentialing and supervision:  

• Independent scoring requires certification as a sleep disorders specialist (CRT-SDS or RRT-SDS) or other accepted credentials (e.g., RST, RPSGT, CPSGT), in alignment with AASM standards.  

• Non-certified respiratory therapists may perform technical duties, but credentialed sleep specialists must supervise scoring.

Regarding licensure and training:  

• Maintain a valid, unrestricted respiratory therapist license in accordance with state law and practice within the scope of licensure. If not registered, complete AASM-recognized polysomnography training programs or the ASTEP Introduction to Sleep Medicine for Technologists Modules.  

• Technologists and therapists who are not registered must finish the ASTEP Introduction to Sleep Medicine for Technologists Modules or an approved polysomnography program within two years.  

• Follow AASM Standards N-8 to N-14 concerning the training, licensure, and supervision of technical staff such as RRTs and CRTs.