Becoming a Hand Therapist:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)?
Go to Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC)
To apply for the Hand Therapy Certification Examination online:
Click here to go to the application login page.
Follow the prompts for filling out the Online Application.
Complete the Consent Form.
Complete the payment process by submitting your credit card information online.
Fax, mail or upload the following supporting documentation to HTCC, (All documents can be found in the forms section):
Documentation of three years of practice as an occupational therapist or physical therapist;
Documentation of 4,000 hours of Direct Practice Experience using the Employment Verification Form;
Completed Explanation of Practice Experience Form;
A copy of current license, certificate or registration to practice occupational therapy or physical therapy;
The spring examination application period is mid January - April 15, you may only apply for the spring examination during these dates.
The fall examination application period is mid July - October 15, you may only apply for the fall examination during these dates.
Are there programs or fellowships to develop my hand therapy skills?
The American Society of Hand Therapists has useful links and resources.
There are many virtual and hybrid opportunities available including:
Upstream Rehab Institute (URI) Hand Therapy Fellowship Program
Upstream Rehab Institute (Education division of Upstream Rehab Partners/URPT)
12-month web-based/blended format with four weekend onsite lab sessions.
Certificate for Advance Practice in Hand Therapy
Web based format with two weekend onsite sessions
Post-Professional Virtual Hand Therapy Fellow/CHT Prep Program
A six month Hand Therapy Fellowship/CHT Prep Program providing a structured week-by-week plan with readings, guides and specific content for each week to walk you through the content systematically. Biweekly online study groups also provide accountability and a group learning setting as well as the ability to go back and watch them later if needed
Contact: info@handtherapyacademy.com
Virtual Hand to Shoulder Fellowship
VHSF offers a 48-week didactic curriculum in upper limb and hand therapy coupled with ongoing mentorship. VHSF also offers live and virtual experiential learning opportunities to support the development of needed critical thinking skills. The program is AOTA-approved for 144 contact hours, or 14.4 CEUs.
Contact: info@virtualhandfellowship.com
What are useful textbooks/books?
Please submit your recommendations; email us at sdhandsig@gmail.com
More Coming Soon
What are useful educational links, videos, websites?
Check out this Anatomy video on Instagram; Follow Experience Anatomy for more anatomy related content.
Dealing with edema? Check out this Tip of the Week from American Society of Hand Therapists. Follow them on Instagram for more Tip of the Weeks
Please submit your recommendations; email us at sdhandsig@gmail.com
More Coming Soon
What continuing education education courses do you recommend?
Check out our CEU events!
Virtual Hand to Shoulder Fellowship
Please submit your recommendations; email us at sdhandsig@gmail.com
More Coming Soon
Are there study groups or mentorship opportunities?
Stay tuned as we develop our mentorship program
More Coming Soon