The Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) is launching the ATP Guidance Program (AGP), a collaboration of the Assistive Mobility Repair Group (AMRG), U.S. Rehab, and RESNA.

On its website, RESNA describes the guidance program as “Your path from AMRG Certified Rehab Technician to RESNA’s Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) certification.”

The year-long mentorship program, which will pair AMRG technicians with ATP mentors, “will ensure that rehab technicians have the knowledge, skills and preparation to take the ATP exam and start work immediately as a quality ATP.”

The guidance program will take “a comprehensive approach by providing the necessary background in assistive technology service provision and delivery; making connections and contacts across the AT [assistive technology] field; and practice in handling real-world situations.”

RESNA said the AGP would give rehab technicians the opportunity to further their careers by becoming ATPs, while also giving Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) providers a way to encourage their techs to take a significant next step in the industry.

The AGP will include instructional courses; discussion of professional ethics; guided mentorship; and ATP exam prep.

RESNA has been calling for AGP mentors to participate in the new program starting in January. “Mentors receive training, a calendar of resources, and an honorarium,” the organization said. “Mentors may also apply up to six contact hours to their ATP renewal every two years.”

Mentors must have been certified as ATPs for at least two years to qualify.