At the heart of excellence is a commitment to learning, growing and continually raising the bar — for us, our teams and the clients we serve.
As part of this commitment, I recently sat down with two highly respected industry veterans, Michael Joyce and Dino Padula, to hear their perspectives on the new Complex Rehab Technology certification program. Both leaders completed the course in December 2025 and shared thoughtful insights rooted in decades of real-world experience.
Joyce brings over 25 years of industry experience, specializing in pediatrics and corporate programs, and currently leads a team of sales representatives.
Padula specializes in complex rehab and manages a high-performing CRT sales team.
Together, they offer a powerful lens into how continuing education supports both individual growth and organizational excellence.
Interview with Michael Joyce:
Q: How did you find the course?
A: Very good overall. I would like to see a little more on the technical side of the equipment, but the course met my expectations and there was clear value in it for reps. We spend so much time training reps, and these courses are so helpful to be able to evaluate how much each person is learning and retaining.
Q: Did it take much time to complete?
A: Yes, it does take time to complete the entire course. I would estimate about six to eight hours to get through it fully. But very enjoyable.
Q: How do you think sales representatives can apply this in their everyday client work?
A: It broadens their knowledge and helps them gain confidence when working with clients. It is a good credential to have and shows commitment to professional growth. Lots of areas that traditionally you don’t learn from manufacturer workshops.
Q: Was there Canadian-specific content included?
A: Yes, that said, our industry doesn’t have major differences across borders. The main difference is funding, and the course doesn’t — and probably shouldn’t — focus on funding models as they differ state to state and province to province.
Q: What surprised you about taking the course?
A: I was surprised at the variety of subjects the course offered, every condition and every piece of equipment we work with. This is super helpful to make individuals well-rounded as experts in their field.
Q: Why do you think we should continue offering courses like this and stay focused on continuing education?
A: In every career, the work becomes stale, and you have your go-to options; it’s important that we continue to explore, advance and learn. It benefits us an employee but also our clients. It forces us to evaluate equipment and use clinical reasoning; become better problem solvers for our clients.
I think the curriculum is best targeted toward representatives who have a few years of education who want to continue to advance and maybe take on more complex clients. Everyone should strive to be better, and continuing education supports that goal.
Interview with Dino Padula:
Q: How did you find the course?
A: I found it helpful overall, though I would have liked to see more in-depth case studies included.
Q: Did it take much time to complete?
A: Around six hours if done uninterrupted. It can take longer when trying to complete it during the workday.
Q: How do you think sales representatives can apply this in their everyday client work?
A: Completing the course shows a strong commitment to their work and to continuing education, which carries over into how they support clients. Knowing the options for equipment and why you choose them gives the best outcomes for clients.
Q: Was there Canadian-specific content included?
A: Yes. Equipment and clinical practice are universal, with funding being the only real difference.
Q: What surprised you about taking the course?
A: I was expecting it have forgotten lots of areas that I don’t practice daily, but after doing each module the information came flooding back.
Q: Why do you think we should continue offering courses like this and stay focused on continuing education?
A: With continuing advances in manufacturing and new equipment monthly, continuing education helps keep representatives at the top of their game and ensures they continue delivering high-quality service. If you’re not learning and pushing yourself and your company, how can you be at the top of your game?
Michelle may be reached at michelle.harvey@hmebc.com
Michelle Harvey, B.Sc. Hons OT, RRTS, is an iNRRTS board member, serves on the Canadian Advisory Committee and became a NRRTS registrant in July 2021. She is vice president of sales and product for HME Home Health.