Complex Rehab ‘Takes Next Step' with New Program

Published in Complex Rehab on September 14, 2020

HME News reported that more than anything, the University of Pittsburgh’s new Master of Rehabilitation Technology program will help to raise awareness among young professionals that specializing in assistive technology is a valid profession, says Mark Schmeler. 

So far, the department has received MRT applications from 10 students, mostly with engineering or pre-health science degrees, with a goal of up to 20 for the first year of the program. 

"There’s a lot of potential workforce talent out there that we haven’t tapped in to," said Schmeler, PhD, OTR/L, ATP, an associate professor and vice chairman for education and training the Department of Rehabilitation Science & Technology at UPitt. "Kids coming out of college don’t know what they want to be when they grow up and the only thing they’ve seen is about PTs, OTs, PAs or medical school. We needed to find a way to let them know what a great opportunity the field of AT is."

Click here to continue reading this article from HME News.


TAGS

  1. complex rehab
  2. education

From Our Experts

2025 Growth Strategies in the Complex Rehab Technology Industry thumbnail 2025 Growth Strategies in the Complex Rehab Technology Industry Forward-thinking businesses are adopting strategic approaches to fuel growth and expand impact. Here are some key strategies CRT dealers are leveraging in 2025. ATP Gateway Allows Repair Techs to Explore New Career thumbnail ATP Gateway Allows Repair Techs to Explore New Career U.S. Rehab added a new ATP Gateway program to the back end of its recent live tech training events in an effort to increase the funnel of ATPs entering the market by leveraging the repair tech workforce. Heartland Conference 2025 Recap: Where Innovation Meets Intention thumbnail Heartland Conference 2025 Recap: Where Innovation Meets Intention Heartland 2025 brought together a vibrant community of professionals who are not only navigating change but actively shaping the future of care. U.S. Rehab, Nymbl ‘Make Life So Much Easier' For Therapists thumbnail U.S. Rehab, Nymbl ‘Make Life So Much Easier' For Therapists U.S. Rehab and Nymbl Systems have collaborated on a new software feature that allows ATPs and therapists to communicate more efficiently about wheelchair evaluations. Maximize Your Heartland Experience: Tips, Tools, & Must-Knows thumbnail Maximize Your Heartland Experience: Tips, Tools, & Must-Knows Here's everything you need to know to ensure a smooth, successful, and unforgettable Heartland experience. Understanding the Value of ATP Certification and ATP Academy thumbnail Understanding the Value of ATP Certification and ATP Academy Becoming an ATP is a popular path often taken by occupational therapists (OTs), physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapy assistants (OTAs), physical therapy assistants (PTAs), and wheelchair technicians. With an ATP certification, one can both fill the needs of suppliers to sell certain wheelchairs and demonstrate that they have the skills and knowledge to complete their job as defined by the leading authority in the credentialing industry. Mobility Awareness Month: Celebrating the Impact of Mobility Providers thumbnail Mobility Awareness Month: Celebrating the Impact of Mobility Providers May is Mobility Awareness Month, a time recognizing the importance of mobility solutions, the professionals who provide them, and those who rely on them. U.S. Rehab's Live Tech Training and ATP Gateway Training Programs for 2025 thumbnail U.S. Rehab's Live Tech Training and ATP Gateway Training Programs for 2025 Our focus and one of our key drivers to help support our U.S. Rehab members is to continue to lead the way in complex rehab technology (CRT) training, offering Live Tech Training sessions and a new ATP Gateway Training Program in 2025.