Requirements

There are two options or pathways for Accreditation. Applicants choose one pathway: either Experiential or Academic. For an overview of the requirements of both pathways, you may view the video or read the information below. 

Experiential pathway

1. Certificate of attainment in four (4) approved core courses

2. Certificate of attainment in two (2) approved elective courses or Certified Hand Therapist CHT (USA)

3. A 12-month period of mentorship which will comprise no less than 40 hours of mentorship activity, including at least 20 hours of direct observation (hand therapy provided to a patient by the mentee, observed by the mentor)

4. Minimum 3600 clinical hours in hand therapy

5. All of the above (1 – 4) within a 5-year time-frame*

* Refer COVID-19 and parental leave pages on our website. 

NOTE: Completion of a modalities course is no longer an essential requirement for the AHTA AHT credential for either Occupational or Physiotherapists.

Academic pathway

1. Completion of an AHTA Credentialing Council-approved Masters in Hand and Upper Limb Therapy (only from approved listings below)

• University of Derby: Hand Therapy (incorporating PG Cert/PG Dip) MSc - Occupational Therapy - University of Derby

2. A 12-month period of mentorship which will comprise no less than 40 hours of mentorship activity, including at least 20 hours of direct observation (hand therapy provided to a patient by the mentee, observed by the mentor)

3. Minimum 3600 clinical hours in hand therapy

4. All of the above (1 – 3) within a 5-year time-frame*

* Refer COVID-19 and parental leave pages on our website. 

NOTE: Completion of a modalities course is no longer an essential requirement for the AHTA AHT credential for either Occupational or Physiotherapists.

Approved courses

Core

• AHTA Fundamentals of Hand Therapy
• AHTA Advanced Open Trauma
• AHTA Advanced Closed Trauma
• AHTA Orthotic Fabrication Mobilisation

Elective

• AHTA Orthotic Fabrication - Immobilisation
• AHTA Arthritis Course
• AHTA Elbow Course
• AHTA Fracture Management Course
• AHTA Pain Management Course (in collaboration with the University of Sydney)
• AHTA Wound Management Course
• AHTA Imaging Course (in collaboration with the University of Sydney)
• Approved university modules (shown in the table below)

University	Unit/Subject Code	Unit/Subject Name
Auckland University of Technology	RHAB818	Pain: Mechanisms and Management
Auckland University of Technology	RHAB 806	Hand & Upper Limb Therapy
University of Melbourne	RADI90010	Radiology for Physiotherapists
University of Derby	7OT523	Hand Injuries: Mechanisms and Interventions

 

Recognised Prior Learning

If you wish to submit a request to the Credentialing Council for Recognised Prior Learning, please refer to, complete and return email the Recognised Prior Learning Policy and Application Form.