RESNA opens up ATP survey

ARLINGTON, Va. – RESNA has released its Job Analysis Survey for ATPs, but this time around, it seeks responses from anyone involved in providing assistive technologies. 

The purpose of the survey, which is conducted every five years, is to identify tasks and knowledge reflective of the role of ATPs and to keep the certification program updated and relevant to the profession. 

“The reason for (opening up the survey) is because we know that the provision of AT services occurs even broader than the certificants who are engaged in this actively,” said Piriano, chairwoman of RESNA’s Professional Standards Board, and vice president of clinical education, rehab industry affairs and compliance officer for Pride Mobility Products and Quantum Rehab. “The survey is set up from a demographic identifier perspective, so we’ll be able to look at any differences and weighting that ATP certificants versus non-certificants would view this as.” 

The last survey was sent out to current certificants, with 260 out of 4,000 responding. Now physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists and others are able to participate. 

Additionally, this time around, anyone who completes the survey will receive 1 RESNA CEU contact hour to use toward their certification renewal or certification.  

“We really want active participation in this and there’s time and value in the knowledge they’re conveying,” said Piriano. 

Once the responses are in, RESNA will analyze the information and use it to tweak the ATP exam. Depending on the responses, the new exam could look very similar or different in terms of the content, the weight of each section and other factors. 

“We did see subtle changes in trends in the analysis from two times ago to the last one, and I fully anticipate that we will see that again,” said Piriano. “But it’s the collective vantage point of (this year’s) participants that will determine what that is.”