People Value the use of their hands and any loss of function through injury or accident may have a devastating effect on their lives. Anyone with a injury wants the very best of treatment to assure maximal recovery. The Certified Hand Therapist credential offers assurance to the public that the therapist has achieved the highest level of competency in the profession and stays up to date with the practice within the field. Certification is voluntary and difficult to attain. It involves meeting rigorous standards, developing a long-range career path, and acquiring the advanced study and training required to pass the certification examination. CHT's are therapists who demonstrated a personal dedication to the profession of hand therapy and a desire for advanced competency; they bring to their work a commitment and dedication to reach and maintain the highest standards in their profession. The CHT credential is recognized by many professional organizations as a benchmark for excellence in advanced specialty credentialing in health care.
A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is an occupational therapist or physical therapist who has a minimum of five years of clinical experience in hand therapy, including 4,000 hours or more in direct practice in hand therapy. In addition, the Certified Hand Therapist has successfully passed a comprehensive test of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper quarter rehabilitation. Each CHT is required to demonstrate continued professional development and competency by recertifying every five years.
There are 5,563 Certified Hand Therapists worldwide:
United States :5,382
Canada: 181
Australia & New Zealand: 94
US territories & military bases, and other countries: 19
Arthritis
Amputations (Finger)
Burns
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
Dupuytren's Contracture
Elbow Pain
Extensor Tendon Injuries
Finger Pain
Flexor Tendon Injuries
Fractures/Disloactions
Ganglion Cysts
General Post-Operative Guidelines
General Symptom Management
Hand Pain
Lateral Epicondylitis
Medial Epicondylitis
Mallet Finger
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Trigger Finger
Wound Care
Wrist Pain