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The Australian Hand Therapy Association (AHTA) is the national peak body for Hand Therapy in Australia.
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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. 

Note: Since this video was published, the requirement has changed.  With effect from 01 January 2026, there are 5 core courses (not 4), and all 5 must be completed before starting mentorship. See disclaimer below video for full details.

Disclaimer – Updated Requirements (in effect from 1 January 2026)

Please note that since the publication of this video, the course requirements have changed:

  • At 1:24 – The video refers to 4 core courses. The current requirement is 5 core courses for new Applicants.

  • At 1:40 – The video states that at least 2 core courses are required before applying for mentorship. This has been updated, and NEW applicants must now complete all 5 core courses prior to commencing the mentorship component.

We encourage you to review the latest guidelines available on our website to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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*

+From 1 January 2026, attainment of a fifth core course, the Superficial Thermal Modalities Course, will be required.

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

Academic pathway

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

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. 

+From 1 January 2026, attainment of a fifth core course, the Superficial Thermal Modalities Course, will be required.

Approved courses

Core

  • AHTA Fundamentals of Hand Therapy
  • AHTA Advanced Open Trauma
  • AHTA Advanced Closed Trauma
  • AHTA Orthotic Fabrication Mobilisation
  • AHTA Superficial Thermal Modalities (from 1 January 2026)

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.