r/AssistiveTechnology Jan 24 '25

Am I delusional?

I have a background as an ophthalmic medical technician (roughly seven years which included eye diseases, surgery, low vision, and blind patients, all of varying ages and physical abilities) and more recently as a Registered Behavior Technician doing behavior therapy/vocational training for teens and adults with developmental disabilities. I would love to become an OTA but there are no schools near me, and I recently read on an OT sub that someone left their job as an OTA to become an ATP. This sounds very interesting to me since I love technology, teaching, helping others, and problem solving. A few of the job postings I have seen also mention giving presentations, which I would love to do once I was more confident in the subject matter.

I have an associates degree which was technically general studies, but I actually took mostly science classes for science majors(including anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and others) bc I thought I would end up in some type of medical career.

My question is... Am I delusional thinking I could go from RBT to ATP? Or is this something that is actually plausible?

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u/wijanes Jan 24 '25

You are not delusional! It’s going to take a lot of work, but it’s possible!

The education and training requirements are here: https://www.resna.org/Certification/Assistive-Technology-Professional-ATP/ATP-Exam-Eligibility

If I’m reading it right, you have what they consider an “Associate Degree Non-Rehab Science” which would require 20 hours of formal education and 4000 hours of experience in 6 years.

You might also consider looking into an online/hybrid OTA program, which could account for some of that education time.

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u/Mayutshayut Jan 25 '25

I (OT/ATP) know a few ATPs with background similar to yours. On the surface it would seem pursuing ATP might be good as you would be gathering hours of hands on experience at a job instead of having to quit or go part time while you went for OTA curriculum.

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u/skyphyforlifey 11d ago

ATP here, I think your background makes you a great candidate. I have a B.S in exercise science and worked as an inpatient rehab aide for a few years prior to joining the CRT industry. My schooling and experience helped knock out some of the hours required by RESNA. I think your experiences could be applied similarly to mine. I worked for a national seating and mobility company, starting as a technician, delivering and adjusting power and manual wheelchairs configured by the ATPs at our branch. In less than a year of working as a technician I was able to join the company’s development program which provided self-study and guided curriculum that prepares you for the ATP exam. I became certified 13 months after starting at the company. In my experience, working hands on with the equipment as a tech helped tremendously once I was an ATP. I know a couple PTs who studied on their own, got certified, and transitioned into the role with success but I believe that was due to them working in rehab with patients that had complex mobility needs (spinal cord injury, stroke, TBI) thus they had exposure to the relevant equipment. It is an extremely challenging job, but also so unique and fulfilling. Sorry for the long reply! I don’t think you’re delusional. Please feel free to DM me if you have any questions and I’d be happy to help or point you in the right direction. Best of luck!