Date: Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Category: General

There is a growing demand in the world for certified ATPs, so RESNA, AMRG, and US Rehab have partnered to create the ATP Guidance Program (AGP). This new program will provide the transformational skills and mentorship that rehab technicians need to reach the next level of patient and client care. Leisa Lang has been a certified ATP since 2007. She is based in St. Paul, Minnesota, and currently serves as a volunteer on the ATP Guidance Program Committee. In this informational interview, Leisa Lang, ATP shares the importance of the AGP, how employers will benefit, and more.

Why is the ATP Guidance Program important for professionals in the field of assistive technology?  

One key pathway to becoming an ATP is through skilled rehab technicians. The ATP Guidance Program (AGP) is the first program built specifically to bridge this pathway and provides a progression from Rehab Technician and AMRG certification to RESNA ATP certification. It melds together skillsets from each in order to become a successful ATP. 

What message would you like to convey to rehab technicians who are considering signing up for the ATP Guidance Program?  

The AGP is geared towards rehab technicians who are skilled in repairing and setting up CRT equipment, and aimed towards those who are ready to grow their knowledge and progress their careers. The program will focus on building knowledge for recommending equipment, discussing insurance guidelines, situational conversations and how to handle them, and more.  

How will employers benefit from signing up their technicians for this program?

This program will greatly benefit employers because it will bridge the gap between rehab technicians and ATP. Rehab technicians have a high level of mechanical understanding of the equipment and the AGP focuses on the skills needed to bridge the two roles.

Through guided mentorship and education, transformational skills are not only taught but practiced better by preparing technicians to handle the referral source, and client and caregiver conversations which can reduce complaints and build caseloads quicker. The program will also lessen the errors when selecting equipment and will reduce the burden on employers because they will know the skillset level of their employees by the end of the program. Lastly, employers will be able to “home grow” their ATP staff and ensure they are properly trained.

The ATP Guidance Program is currently recruiting for mentors; registration for rehab technicians will open in September. For more information, please visit the AGP webpage.