Building the Foundation: How Rehab Medical’s ATP Program Became an Industry Leader

As Rehab Medical concludes its 20th anniversary celebration of continuous growth and commitment to service excellence, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the journey that shaped our Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) program. From its humble beginnings to the structured development process we have today, the story of our ATP program is one of innovation, dedication, and a relentless focus on patient care.

Laying Groundwork: The Early Days of Rehab Medical ATPs

When Rehab Medical onboarded it first ATP, Vice President of Operations Jarrad Rankin, in 2010, he described the experience as a mix of excitement and challenge.

“Everything was brand new,” he recalls. “We had to build processes, expectations, and patient experiences from the ground up—and do it fast.”

Those early days weren’t about following a roadmap; they were about creating one. The team worked tirelessly to prove that a high-quality ATP model could scale, setting the stage for what would become a cornerstone of our service approach.

Why ATPs Are Essential to Our Mission

Our mission is to improve lives and revolutionize the Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) industry. ATPs are paramount to achieving this. Developing a knowledgeable, efficient, and accurate team of ATPs is a direct pathway to advancing industry standards and delivering our promise of exceptional patient care.

The ATP role is more than a credential—it’s the key to serving a wider base of individuals. Insurance guidelines require that an ATP be present and involved in the equipment selection process for all complex wheelchairs. Without ATPs, we simply couldn’t provide the level of equipment that so many individuals need to live safe, functional, and independent lives. In fact, Rehab Medical’s growth is directly tied to the work of our ATP team—without them, there is no advancement of CRT.

Lessons from the Road: Understanding What Quality Really Means

After Rankin earned his ATP certification, he spent countless days traveling nationwide to support patient's CRT needs. He recalls how these experiences provided invaluable insight into the true impact of an ATP and what truly matters when it come to CRT services.

“No matter where you go in the U.S., the number one complaint patients have about DME providers is service,” Rankin explains. “That’s the real competitive advantage in this industry. These experiences taught us one thing: patients want more than equipment; they want people who care about them. By prioritizing personal connections and treating patients as individuals, not just deliveries, we were able to define what quality service should look like.”

This helped Rankin to develop Rehab Medical's unique ATP Development Program, that not only provides employees with the tools and time needed to successfully obtain an ATP certification, but also helps them gain valuable hands-on experience so they can deliver life-improving equipment, personalized patient experiences, and better mobility outcomes. This is the difference between a certified ATP and a certified proficient ATP.

From Certification to Clinical Excellence

Earning the ATP credential is just the beginning. True skill comes from experience, which is why we developed the ATP Development Program, a structured 6- to 12-month course that pairs new ATPs with veteran mentors. Through hands-on exposure, guided practice, and continuous feedback, we ensure our ATPs aren’t just certified—they’re equipped to deliver exceptional patient care.

This program integrates work experience with structured education, allowing students to prepare for the RESNA ATP exam while continuing their daily responsibilities. As they progress, they immediately apply what they learn to real-world situations. This cycle—learning by day, applying by afternoon—helps ATPs work faster, feel more confident, and give better care to patients.

The Human Impact: Stories That Inspire

The difference an ATP can make in a patient’s life is profound. Jason Skinner, a certified ATP, recalls a story on the incredible impact of an ATP.

“I had the opportunity to work with an incredibly bright child who was born without arms,” mentions Skinner.

“He needed a power wheelchair but couldn’t operate a standard joystick. During his ATP evaluation, our team selected a Group 3 complex Power Wheel Chair (PWC) and positioned the joystick on his footplate. Using the space between his toes, he became fully independent—not just mobile, but able to interact with his peers, participate in gym class, and explore school on his own terms," continued Skinner.

"He and his friends were so excited for his independence that they made a human tunnel for him to drive his wheelchair through while they chanted his name. The smile on his face will always stay with me as it shows the true impact of an ATP.”

Another memorable moment came when certified ATP Joshua DeLosSantos worked alongside his colleague to resize a wheelchair for a young boy who had outgrown his equipment.

DeLosSantos shared, “We drove to Oklahoma to rebuild a young patient’s chair as he had outgrown the current measurements. After we completed the rebuilding, I realized the importance of a great ATP. It’s rewarding beyond the professional experience because I can see how an ATP can positively impact the world by simply providing mobility independence for those who need true assistive technology expertise.”

Looking Ahead: The Next 20 Years of ATP Development

As we reflect on the journey that brought us here, one thing is clear: ATPs are the backbone of Rehab Medical’s mission to improve lives. From pioneering days of building processes from scratch to creating a dynamic, adaptive development program, we’ve proven that investing in people is the key to sustainable growth and exceptional patient care. The next 20 years will bring new challenges—an aging ATP workforce, evolving technology, and increasing patient needs—but we’re ready. By continuing to innovate, mentor, and expand our ATP team, Rehab Medical will not only meet these challenges but set the standard for excellence in Complex Rehab Technology for decades to come.