Arthritis Course
This course is no longer available in its existing format. If you completed this course prior to July 2026, it will be accepted as an elective for the Accredited Hand Therapist credential.
Overview
This two-day, 16-hour course will cover the principles of developing, assessing, and managing arthritis and autoimmune conditions affecting the upper limb. The anatomy and biomechanics of the digits, wrist, elbow, and shoulder relevant to arthritis will be explored, along with conservative, operative and post-operative treatment strategies. A mix of lectures and group work will facilitate in-depth knowledge, reflections on previous experiences of attendees and applications to clinical practice.
CPD
This course is 20 CPD hours for attendance only.
Participants will receive 50 CPD hours if they complete and pass the assessment.
Investment
Non-Member $1600.00 inc GST
Associate $999.00 inc GST
Accredited Hand Therapist $949.00 inc GST
Course type
This course is an AHTA Elective course.
Elective courses are suitable for practitioners:
- that are experienced and wish to upskill or revise current best-practice
- wishing to gain greater knowledge in a specific area of hand therapy
- wanting continued professional learning (CPD hours)
- undertaking to complete the Accredited Hand Therapist credential.
Pre-requisites
None.
Learning outcomes
At the completion of this course, therapists will:
- describe theoretical concepts of pathology and biomechanics in arthritis and autoimmune disease affecting the upper limb
- understand diagnosis, assessment and common presentations in arthritis and autoimmune diseases
- describe the pathomechanics of common deformities associated with arthritis and autoimmune conditions
- understand conservative, surgical and post-operative management options for arthritis and autoimmune conditions
- understand concepts of chronic disease management
- apply knowledge to case-based scenarios
Quality
AHTA courses aim to meet Australian Quality Framework (AQF) Level 8 and are designed according to best practice education standards.
Courses are developed and presented by Accredited Hand Therapists.
All presenters have undertaken a four-stage presenter training program.
Pre-learning
Pre-reading is provided in your member portal. Pre-reading is compulsory and will be assessed.
Portal access
All information regarding this course is located in a portal on our website. Follow the steps below.
- Go to our website ahta.com.au
- Click on Login, located in the top right-hand corner
- Enter your username and password and click Login
- Go to the My Documents tab
- Click on the"[COURSE NAME] Resources" to access the course materials.
- Click on the Events tab to download your tax invoice.
Registration
You must check the prerequisites for this course before completing registration.
Discounts apply for Associate members and Accredited Hand Therapists.
Cancellation
We endeavour to run all courses as scheduled; however, our courses sometimes do not meet the required minimum numbers to go ahead.
We advise that you DO NOT book flights and/or accommodation until the registration closing date (one month before the course).
Please contact us for advice if you wish to book flights earlier.
Refer to the cancellation policy linked below.
Assessment
Refer to the Course Assessment Policy linked below.
Also, refer to the 'Exam Instructions' section below.
Participants may choose to undertake the assessment.
Completing and passing the assessment is a requirement for those wishing to apply to become an Accredited Hand Therapist.
Assessment includes:
- an online exam 3 weeks post course via an online platform, based on the course content and pre-readings. The exam will be in a multiple-choice /short-answer format.
- an assignment - 2500-word case-study based on a case provided and submitted 8 weeks after the course.
Participants who cannot complete the exam as scheduled and advertised will forfeit the option of a Certificate of Attainment. A Certificate of Attendance will be provided.
The exam and assignment each contribute 50% to the overall course grade. A minimum overall score of 65% is required to pass the course.
Time
Face-to-face course are held from 9.00 am – 5.30 pm local time.
Dietary requirements
Please note dietary requirements when completing the online registration form. Not all requirements can be catered for at all venues.
What to bring
It is recommended to bring splinting scissors (if possible).
Exam
This course has an exam. The exam is not compulsory. Refer to CPD and Assessment for more information.
Participants undertaking the assessment MUST read the course exam instructions at the link below.
Testimonials
It was obvious that both presenters had extensive clinical experience in this area and were very well-read on the topics they presented. The summary slides first thing on Sunday morning was an excellent addition to the content. The two presenters worked well together and were very open to questions and comments.
Brodwen was an excellent presenter and provided many practical examples and case scenarios during the course, which were highly relevant. She explained the content very well and was very approachable. I would attend another course/workshop run by her.
I enjoyed the case-based learning, the review of the conditions, and the discussions regarding current evidence-based practice/treatment approaches. I valued the practical information that was provided.
Disclaimers
Photography and videography
Photos and videos taken at our course may be used for promotion and evaluation; including press releases; publicity materials, newsletters, eNews, social media, presentations and our website. They will not be accompanied by names or other details that could identify individuals.
If you DO NOT consent to the AHTA using images or videos containing your image, you must contact the AHTA office prior to the course and advise the presenter on arrival on the first day of the course.
Intellectual property disclaimer
By registering for a course, you agree that during the course, any contributions verbally or in writing that you make regarding improving, altering or amending the content of the course may be used by the AHTA in subsequent courses and will become the intellectual property of AHTA.