What does a hand therapist do?
Hand therapists provide non-operative interventions, preventative care and post-surgical rehabilitation for a wide variety of upper extremity disorders, from simple fingertip injuries to complex replanted extremities.
How do you become a hand therapist?
Rules for becoming a Certified Occupational Hand Therapist or Physical Hand Therapist & using the certification mark:
- work for 5 years in a clinical setting.
- make sure that at least 4000 hours is in hand therapy.
- taking continuing education courses in hand therapy.
- join a study group.
What makes a good hand therapist?
A great occupational therapist listens to their clients with patience, empathy, smiles, and maybe even a little humor throughout their time together. Additionally, while some clients may meet their goals quickly, it may take years for a different client to make the same progress.
How much does a hand therapist make a year?
An early career Hand Therapist with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of AU$70,654 based on 8 salaries. A mid-career Hand Therapist with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of AU$66,500 based on 6 salaries.
Is a hand therapist a physiotherapist?
Hand therapists are physiotherapists / occupational therapists who have specific training & qualifications in treating conditions & injuries of the upper limb – including hands, wrists, forearms, elbows and shoulders.
Is Hand Therapy hard?
Getting into hand therapy is a challenge. It doesn’t happen easily for most therapists. It is a combination of hard work, a strong desire to make it happen, and finding that person willing to take a chance on you.
How long does it take to be a hand therapist?
According to the Hand Therapy Certification Commission, the certification requires a minimum of three years of clinical experience, including 4,000 hours or more in direct practice working with the upper extremity.
How long is a hand therapy session?
On average, your first session, which includes your initial evaluation, will last 1 – 1.5 hours. Subsequent visits average 45 minutes to 1 hour. These averages may change based on the nature and severity of your condition.
Are occupational therapists in high demand?
Job Outlook Employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 17 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Is Occupational Therapy hard?
The short answer is: YES, occupational therapy school is hard. These programs want to ensure you’re equipped to competently and safely work in the healthcare field, so you’re going to have a good amount of science classes involved in any of these programs, along with challenging clinical/fieldwork rotations.
Is a hand therapist an OT?
Hand therapy is a form of occupational therapy that provides rehabilitation of the hands, wrists, and upper limbs after an injury or due to a chronic condition. In general, occupational therapy refers to therapy that aims to improve everyday tasks you might need to do at home, work, or school.