After shifting its focus to specialize in complex rehab technology (CRT) in 2012, Rehab Medical onboarded numerous assistive technology professionals (ATPs) in their quest to become the national leader of custom advanced medical equipment. During the last five years, Rehab Medical has invested in the continued growth and development of employees through Rehab University (RehabU). This university encompasses courses in product expertise, service etiquette, and technical resolutions. But recently they’ve taken a special interest in developing their employees through the ATP Competency Training Program.
Lead by expert product trainer Corey Hunt, the ATP Competency Training Program focuses on continuing education in the CRT space to ensure all employees are equipped with the latest tools and equipment. These courses are free to employees, and anyone wishing to become an ATP receives a financial incentive package to cover all expenses. This is part of the company’s commitment to continuing education, career development, and improving the lives of its employees and patients.
Once a year, new and existing ATPs will participate in a 3-day course to review goals, customer service, conduct mock evaluations, learn how to customize equipment, and understand Rehab Medical’s 30-Day Fit 4U program. The training program is then capped off with a comprehensive test.
Classes are divided into two groups: ATPs that have a year or less experience, and ATPs with more than a year of experience. For ATPs with a year or less experience, the focus is more on product knowledge, customizing equipment, troubleshooting, soft skills, patient experience, and standard procedures. This course is a hands-on course and is conducted at Rehab Medical’s dedicated training center in Noblesville, Indiana.
ATPs with more than a year of experience typically go through a virtual training to highlight soft skills, reestablish goals, review expectations and procedures, practice quality customer service, and review the 30-Day Fit 4U Program.
“My focus is to give all my trainees a strong foundation to be successful out in the field," said Rehab Medical Product Trainer Corey Hunt.
"Whether that’s ATP’s, technicians, inventory specialists, etc. For new hires coming in, I want to set the expectation of the extremely high standard Rehab Medical adheres to. I’ve really enjoyed spending time with all the people I’ve trained over the past couple years, and I’m excited for their bright futures with Rehab Medical.”
Since the company began investing in the ATP training program, two service technicians have grown into ATP Support Specialist roles while becoming the first Rehab Medical service technicians to receive an ATP certification in more than seven years.
Cliff Goss and Kyle Jones, who have both been with the company for a little less than five years, quickly took advantage of the ATP training program and incentive package to receive their ATP certifications. These two technicians have become a valuable asset to the Rehab Medical team as they are able to provide better quality service to mobility users, allowing them to regain their independence twice as fast.
“It’s not easy, but both Chris and Kyle have proven that making the transition from technician to ATP is possible," said Rehab Medical Vice President of Operations Jarrad Rankin.
"We are extremely proud of both gentleman for their accomplishment and taking advantage of the technician career path the company has provided. Now that they are certified, they’ve opened up a number of opportunities both personally and professionally, and we will fully support their development over the coming years. Again, congratulations and thank you for setting an example for all future technicians to follow!”
The ATP training program has received considerable positive feedback since its inception, thanks in large part to Hunt’s detailed courses which have uncovered many areas of improvement as it pertains to ATP training. All participants come away from this course with a better understanding of equipment operations, team building skills, problem/resolution techniques, peer to peer collaboration, and improved patient feedback. ATPs are also better equipped to take their recertification tests every two years and it allows them to maintain their professional stature throughout the years.
Goss and Jones are just two ATPs among Rehab Medical’s plethora of ATPs. Currently the company has more than 60 ATPs, setting itself up as the nation’s third largest complex rehab technology provider.
To continue offering growth and educational opportunities, Rehab Medical plans to expand on its RehabU program to include additional educational opportunities for patients and partners.