The shortage of qualified service technicians in the Complex Rehabilitation Technology (CRT) industry has far-reaching consequences. CRT devices are crucial for individuals with severe disabilities, including those with spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and other diagnoses. These complicated, life-giving devices require regular maintenance, repair, and replacement of components to ensure user health, function, and participation. When there are not enough qualified technicians, device failures become more frequent, leading to adverse effects on the users’ quality of life.
Steps to Professionalize the CRT Service Tech Field
To address this shortage and professionalize the CRT Service Tech field, several steps can be taken:
- Enhanced Training Programs: Establish and organize comprehensive training programs that cover the technical skills required to service CRT devices. These programs should include hands-on training, theoretical knowledge, and certification processes to ensure technicians are well-prepared for the job.
- Standardized Certification: Implement standardized certification for CRT service technicians. This certification should be recognized across the industry and should require technicians to demonstrate their knowledge and skills through rigorous testing and practical assessments.
- Collaboration with Educational Institutions: Partner with vocational schools, community colleges, and universities to develop specialized courses and degree programs in CRT service technology. This collaboration can help attract new talent to the field and provide a clear career path for students.
- Continuing Education: Encourage, and require through standardized Certification, ongoing education, and professional development for existing technicians. This can be achieved through workshops, seminars, and online courses that keep technicians updated on the latest advancements in CRT technology and repair techniques.
- Incentives for Technicians: Offer incentives such as competitive salaries, benefits, and career advancement opportunities to attract and retain qualified technicians. Recognizing the importance of their work and providing a supportive work environment can help reduce turnover and improve job satisfaction.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch public awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of CRT service technicians and the impact of their work on the lives of individuals with disabilities. This can help attract more people to the field and increase public support for the profession.
- Government Support: Advocate for government support and funding to address the technician shortage. This can include grants for training programs, subsidies for educational institutions, and policies that promote the hiring and retention of qualified technicians.
- Best Practice Guidelines: Develop and implement best practice guidelines for CRT service, maintenance, and repair. These guidelines should be standardized across the industry and provide clear instructions on how to perform services efficiently and safely.
By taking these steps, the CRT industry can professionalize the service tech field, ensuring that individuals who rely on CRT devices receive the high-quality service they need and deserve. This will not only improve the quality of life for users but also contribute to the overall growth and sustainability of the industry… not to mention giving CRT Service Techs the importance, credibility, recognition, and support they deserve.
iNRRTS is uniquely qualified and is taking the lead this year to professionalize the CRT Service Tech field by establishing a Rehab Service Tech Registry. Each issue of DIRECTIONS magazine will bring to you iNRRTS’ progress, the latest CRT service tech developments, and stories from leading CRT industry service tech professionals.
The goal for CRT Service Technicians should be more than striving to become a CRT Supplier. The goal can be, will be, and is now to become a recognized, fairly compensated, sought after CRT professional.
Bill may be reached at bnoelting@nrrts.org.
Bill Noelting is currently acting Director of Marketing for the International Registry of Rehab Technology Suppliers. In addition to being a life-long musician, Bill has more than 40 years serving the pharmaceutical and health care industries, and has, for the past 30 years, been focused on the seating and mobility industry including 20+ years as Chief Information Officer and Sr. VP of Marketing & Strategy for National Seating & Mobility. Since 2017, he has provided consulting, advisory, and production services as principal of Noelting Creative Productions. His podcast, Talk Rehab, is dedicated to chronicling the world of seating & mobility and the amazing people that make it happen. For more information visit www.noelting.com.
