CRT Survey: Technician Competence & Training

The field of Complex Rehab Technology (CRT/Assistive Technology) depends on skilled, knowledgeable technicians who can deliver safe, reliable, and responsive service to the individuals who rely on mobility equipment every day. As the demands on CRT service teams continue to grow, so does the need for a clear, comprehensive, and widely supported training pathway that reflects real‑world challenges and the evolving expectations of the industry.

Your experience is essential to shaping that future. This survey invites you to share your perspective on the knowledge, skills, and competencies that should form the foundation of an effective technician training regimen. By contributing your insights, you help ensure that future training standards are practical, relevant, and grounded in the realities of daily service work.

Thank you for taking the time to participate and for the expertise you bring to the CRT community.

This survey is an iNRRTS research instrument, conducted in collaboration with ATSA. Both organizations are committed to strengthening the CRT repair workforce, and ATSA is partnering with iNRRTS to gather input from its members.

CRT Survey: Technician Competency & Training

Name

Your name and email address are not required. Please feel free to enter them if you would like to be kept up to date on the survey results.

First Last

Company Name (Employer)

Please use your company email if possible.

Did you come into your role from outside the Assistive Technology Industry?

Yes

Section 1: Foundational Knowledge

Q1. Indicate your understanding of basic human anatomy relevant to seating and mobility by selecting one of the options below.

No knowledge

Limited knowledge

Moderate knowledge

Strong knowledge

Expert knowledge

Q2. Indicate your knowledge about interpreting basic Linear Body Measures and how they translate to adjusting the wheelchair or other equipment.

No knowledge

Limited knowledge

Moderate knowledge

Strong knowledge

Expert knowledge

Q3. Which CRT device categories do you feel most confident working with? (Select all that apply)

Manual wheelchairs

Power wheelchairs

Seating systems

Electronics / controls

Standing frames / Stepping services

Q4. Indicate your ability to diagnose and repair the following:

Mechanical Bed Frames:

Alternating Air Mattresses:

Hoists:

Commodes (Standard and Tilt-in-Space):

Manual Wheelchair Components (self-propel, Tilt-in-Space):

Manual Wheelchair Adjustments:

Power Assist Units:

Power Wheelchair Bases and Actuators:

Wheechair Electronics and Programming

Q5. What type of customer(s) do you service? (Select all that apply)

Pediatric

Adult

Geriatric

Bariatric

Other

Q6. Do you know where to find the resources you need to Diagnose and Repair the equipment you service?

Yes

Technical Skills

Q7. I am confident that I can perform routine maintenance on standard manual wheelchairs.

Q8. I am confident that I can perform routine maintenance on ultra lightweight manual wheelchairs.

Q9. I am confident that I can accurately troubleshoot power wheelchair electronics.

Q10. I am confident that I am proficient using computer software or programmers as diagnostic tools.

Q11. I am confident that I can accurately troubleshoot power wheelchair components and actuators.

Q12. Have you received formal training in seating system installation and adjustment?

Yes, formal certification

Yes, in-house training

No formal training

If you answered 'Yes, formal certification' or 'Yes, in-house training', please provide more information, i.e. 'What certification did you receive', 'Who provided the training', etc.

Q13: In your technician role are you expected to assemble wheelchairs?

Yes

Q14: In your technician role are you expected to adjust mounted backrests, and other components of a wheelchair?

Yes

Q15. Which diagnostic tools/software do you use regularly?

Compliance and Safety

Q16. I am familiar with any and all of my jurisdiction's regulations related to CRT devices.

Q17. I follow a standardized safety checklist when completing repairs.

Q18. I have been trained in infection control protocols for equipment handling.

Service Delivery Support

Q19. How often do you assist Rehab Technology Suppliers (RTSs / ATPs) or clinicians during fittings?

Q20. What job tasks apply to your current role? Check all that apply

Diagnose and Repair of Beds, Hoists, Commodes

Assembly of Beds, Hoists, Commodes

Diagnose and Repair of Manual Wheelchairs

Assembly of Manual Wheelchairs

Diagnose and Repair Power Assist Units

Assemble and Install Power Assist Units

Diagnose and Repair Power Wheelchair Components (including seating and standing actuators)

Q21. I am comfortable communicating technical issues directly to clients/caregivers.

Q22. Do you have a process for escalating unresolved issues to clinical staff?

Yes

Unsure

Professional Development

Q23. Have you completed any technician-specific certifications? (Select all that apply)

AMRG Technician Certification

VGM/US Rehab Training

In-house training

DMERT Training

None

Other (Fill in below)

Other Certifications not shown above

Q24. I am interested in pursuing advanced technician training and certification.

Q25. What emerging technologies do you feel least prepared to handle?