Navigating AAST Continuing Education Credits: A Comprehensive Guide

Continuing education is a cornerstone of professional development, particularly in the dynamic field of sleep technology. The American Association of Sleep Technologists (AAST) offers a robust Continuing Education Credit (CEC) program designed to keep sleepcare professionals up-to-date with the latest advancements and best practices. This article provides a detailed overview of the AAST CEC program, its benefits, requirements, and how to navigate the system effectively.

The Importance of Continuing Education in Sleep Technology

The field of sleep medicine is constantly evolving, with new research, technologies, and clinical guidelines emerging regularly. Continuing education ensures that sleep technologists maintain their competency, enhance their skills, and provide the highest quality of care to their patients. By participating in CEC activities, professionals stay informed about the latest developments, refine their expertise, and contribute to the advancement of the field.

AAST Continuing Education Credits (CECs): An Overview

The AAST Continuing Education Credit (CEC) program is designed to meet the educational needs of sleepcare professionals. AAST CECs are widely recognized and accepted by prominent credentialing bodies, including the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) and the American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM). This recognition underscores the quality and relevance of AAST-approved educational activities.

Earning AAST CECs Through A2Zzz

AAST members have the exclusive opportunity to earn CECs by engaging with the association's quarterly journal, A2Zzz. By carefully reading each issue of A2Zzz and successfully completing the online learning assessment, members can earn up to 2.00 AAST CECs per issue, totaling a maximum of 8.00 AAST CECs per year.

To claim AAST CECs through A2Zzz, members must adhere to the following steps:

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Thoroughly read the entirety of the designated A2Zzz issue.
Access the Learning Center online to claim credits.
Complete the learning assessment by the deadline specified in the respective A2Zzz issue.

Upon successful completion of the assessment, a certificate acknowledging the earned credits will be available in the My CEC Portal. This streamlined process makes it convenient for AAST members to stay current with industry knowledge and accumulate necessary CECs.

AAST Membership: Unlocking Exclusive Learning Opportunities

The A2Zzz continuing education credit offering is an exclusive learning opportunity for AAST members only and is a free benefit of membership. This highlights the value of AAST membership in providing access to high-quality educational resources and professional development opportunities.

Navigating the CEC Portal: A User-Friendly Guide

The AAST CEC Portal serves as a centralized hub for managing continuing education activities. Members can easily access and manage their CEC records through this online platform. Here's a guide to navigating the CEC Portal:

Viewing, Downloading, or Printing Certificates

On the transcript landing page in the CEC Portal, locate the three gear icon.
Click the gear icon and select "View Completion Certificate."

Viewing Program Details

On the transcript landing page, click the notepad icon to view more details about a specific program.

Printing Transcripts for an Entire Year

On the transcript landing page, click the "Print [Year] Transcript" button.
A window will appear displaying the Program ID, Event Code, Provider Name, Title, Description, Completion Date, and CECs earned for each program.

Viewing Transcripts from Previous Years

On the transcript landing page, click the "View Other Years" button to preview transcripts from previous years.
Each calendar year in which at least one credit was earned will be displayed as a new row. Previous years will be listed as "Closed (Locked)" but can still be accessed.

Exporting Transcripts to Excel

On the transcript landing page, click "View Report." This will open a new window with advanced search and reporting functionality.
Enter desired search parameters and click "Filter."

Updating Demographic Information

All demographic information can be updated in your Member Profile and will automatically update in the CEC Portal.

Tracking RPSGT and RST Certification Dates

In the My CEC Portal, click "My Account" to view and edit your information.
Click "Edit" to update the start and end dates for either or both certifications.

AAST CEC Program for Educational Providers

The AAST Continuing Education Credit (CEC) Program extends beyond individual members, providing educational providers with the opportunity to apply for and award AAST-approved CECs for their in-person and online events. This program ensures that educational activities meet AAST's rigorous standards for quality and relevance.

Becoming an AAST CEC Provider

New educational providers must register as a provider and follow the prompts to create their profiles in the CEC portal.

Applying for AAST CECs

Providers can submit program offerings for AAST-approved CEC review for approval in the CEC portal.

Post-Approval Responsibilities

Upon approval, providers can:

Report approved-program attendance (by individual or via bulk upload) for AAST members and guests.
View their program submission status and history.
Search the practitioner directory (AAST Members and Guests).
Copy existing approved programs for new applications.

Detailed step-by-step documentation is available to guide providers through the application and reporting processes.

AAST User ID Requirement

All attendees of AAST-approved events who wish to claim AAST Continuing Education Credits through their AAST account must have an AAST User ID.

Leveraging AAST Resources

Educational Providers who submit a program for review may take advantage of AAST Headquarter’s CEC Opportunities page.

Additional Considerations for Continuing Education

Volunteer Services

Up to two continuing education hours may be satisfied through the delivery of polysomnographic technology services, without compensation, to low-income individuals receiving services through a local health department or a free clinic organized in whole or primarily for the delivery of health services. One hour of continuing education may be credited for three hours of providing such volunteer services.

Exemption for New Practitioners

A practitioner shall be exempt from the continuing education requirements for the first biennial renewal following the date of initial licensure in specific regions (e.g. Virginia).

Record Retention

The practitioner shall retain the completed form with all supporting documentation in their records for a specified period (e.g. four years) following the renewal of an active license.

Audits and Compliance

The board shall periodically conduct a random audit of its active licensees to determine compliance with continuing education requirements. Failure to comply with these requirements may subject the licensee to disciplinary action by the board.

Extensions

The board may grant an extension of the deadline for continuing competency requirements, for up to one year, for good cause shown upon a written request from the licensee prior to the renewal date.

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