ATG: 'We'll Bring the Teachers to You'

ROCKY HILL, Conn. — Education and information served up however you want it — that's ATG Rehab's vision for its new comprehensive rehab education program, one aspect of which launched on Thursday.

"We want to bring education in different forms and formats, in person and online, both free and for a charge, in a Webinar form, in an online form, tailored or specialized," said Jerry Knight, president of northwestern regional operations for ATG Rehab, a top nationwide complex rehab provider.

The company, which has 26 locations in 21 states and is still growing, is partnering with the University of Pittsburgh, the International Association for Continuing Education and Training, manufacturers and clinical experts to offer everything from online modules and Webinars to in-person and in-facility training.

The first Webinar March 11 focused on helping clinicians evaluate, select and tailor setup for seating and mobility equipment. In-person seminars begin March 22 in Philadelphia with a session on clinical considerations for individuals with progressive neurological disorders. Stops at sites ranging from Concord, Calif., to Denver; Boston; Atlanta; Dayton, Ohio; and Portland, Ore., will follow through May 18. Topics vary, depending on the need of clinicians in the area.

"Our goal is to help therapists and clinicians easily access the latest information to help clients while enhancing their professional skills through CEU credits," said Paul Bergantino, ATG CEO.

Knight said the provider has for years offered educational programs to its clinicians and referral sources, usually partnering with manufacturers to do so. Generally, though, clinicians, who are required to earn an annual number of CEUs, were gaining the bulk of their education through professional conferences and seminars.

"What we discovered over time is that it was becoming progressively more difficult for clinicians to make those events," Knight said. Budgetary constraints, shortage of time, family obligations and other issues were preventing clinicians from getting the information they needed and the education they required.

"Our thinking was these are people who are stakeholders in our success. We owe it to them to make it easy or at least easier," Knight said. "We'll bring the speakers to you."