How to become a hand therapist

How to become a Hand Therapist

Becoming a hand therapist involves a combination of education, clinical experience, and, in many cases, obtaining specialized certification. Hand therapists can be either occupational therapists (OTs) or physical therapists (PTs) who have pursued additional training in hand therapy. Here are the general steps to become a hand therapist:

• Educational Background: Obtain a bachelor's degree, typically in a health-related field such as health science, biology, or kinesiology, as a prerequisite for admission to graduate programs in occupational therapy or physical therapy.
• Graduate Education: Pursue a Master's or Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy (OT) or Physical Therapy (PT) from an accredited program. Ensure that the program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) for OT programs or the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) for PT programs.
• Clinical Experience: Gain clinical experience in occupational therapy or physical therapy through internships and supervised practice experiences. Exposure to various clinical settings helps build foundational skills and provides a broad understanding of patient care.
• Specialization in Hand Therapy: After completing the basic education and obtaining licensure as an OT or PT, pursue specialized education and training in hand therapy. This can be achieved through continuing education courses, workshops, or post-professional programs specifically focused on hand and upper extremity rehabilitation.
• Hands-On Experience: Accumulate hands-on experience in hand therapy by working in clinical settings that specialize in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation. Seek mentorship from experienced hand therapists to refine your skills and gain insights into the complexities of hand therapy.
• Certification (Optional but Highly Recommended): Consider obtaining certification as a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), which is offered by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC) - see below.
• State Licensure: Ensure that you are licensed as an occupational therapist (OT) or physical therapist (PT) in the state where you plan to practice. State licensure is typically required for OTs and PTs to practice legally.

Certification
Hand therapists can pursue certification to demonstrate their specialized knowledge and expertise in hand therapy. The primary certification for hand therapists is the Certified Hand Therapist credential. The CHT credential is widely recognized and respected in the field of hand therapy, and holding this certification signifies a high level of competency and commitment to excellence. Hand therapists who earn the CHT credential often find it enhances their professional standing, providing additional opportunities for career advancement and specialization.

Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) - Offering Organization: Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC)

• Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible for the CHT examination, candidates must have a minimum of three years of clinical experience as an occupational therapist (OT) or physical therapist (PT), with at least 4,000 hours of direct practice in hand therapy. Applicants must also be licensed OTs or PTs in the United States.
• Examination: The CHT examination assesses the candidate's knowledge and clinical skills in hand therapy. It covers a range of topics, including anatomy, biomechanics, pathologies, and treatment techniques specific to the hand and upper extremity.
• Recertification: CHTs are required to recertify every five years. Recertification involves meeting continuing education requirements and demonstrating ongoing professional development in hand therapy.