An Assistive Technology Practitioner, or ATP, is a healthcare professional who specializes in providing devices that promote independent living and improved ability to perform activities of daily living. The ATP certification can be obtained by an individual with a degree in Rehab Sciences or continuing-education coursework in assistive technology and a specific number of hours accumulated in the field. A Seating and Mobility Specialist (SMS) is an ATP who provides advanced seating and positioning interventions, including wheelchair fitting. There are several steps required to acquire the ATP/SMS certification.
Step 1
Refer to the RESNA website and review the education and work experience requirements you must have to apply for ATP certification. Although a degree in Rehab Sciences will expedite the process, direct consumer-related service hours can be accumulated to make you eligible as well.
Step 2
Download the application from the RESNA website. Fill it out and submit it with the $500 fee.
Step 3
Schedule your ATP certification exam at a local testing center once your application has been accepted. Review the exam readiness tools on the RESNA website to help you prepare. You must be a certified ATP before moving on to Step 4.
Step 4
Download the application for the SMS exam on the RESNA website. Submit it along with the $250 fee. When your application has been approved, schedule the exam at your local testing site. The RESNA website also provides tools to help prepare you for the SMS exam. Upon successful completion, you will have the credential of ATP/SMS.
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Writer Bio
Aubrey Bailey has been writing health-related articles since 2009. Her articles have appeared in ADVANCE for Physical Therapy & Rehab Medicine. She holds a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy and Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University at Buffalo, as well as a post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy from Utica College. Dr. Bailey is also a certified hand therapist.