Introduction to Hand Therapy Course
Presenters
Christina Harwood
Accredited Hand Therapist
QLD
Shannon Edwick
Accredited Hand Therapist
WA
Andrea Wong
Accredited Hand Therapist
NSW
Rosie House
Accredited Hand Therapist
VIC
Helen Fitzgerald
Accredited Hand Therapist
WA
Victoria Tricardos
Accredited Hand Therapist
NSW
Overview
Build a solid foundation in hand therapy with this comprehensive two-part course, designed for clinicians who are new to the field or transitioning into hand therapy.
Part 1 consists of seven self-paced online theory modules delivered via our Learning Management System (Canvas). Content is provided through a combination of recorded lectures, readings, and curated YouTube videos.
Part 2 is a hands-on, face-to-face workshop where participants apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical, clinical setting.
CPD
16 CPD hours for the completion of online modules and attendance
20 CPD hours for successful completion of assessment.
Investment
$850 inc GST
Course type
This course is an introductory course suitable for individuals:
- looking to acquire the skills required for an entry-level position in hand therapy
- preparing for a rotation in hand therapy
- starting in hand therapy, including those undertaking a career change
Pre-requisites
This course is designed for those with less than 12 months of experience in hand therapy and is available to members and non-members of the association.
This course is followed by the Fundamentals of Hand Therapy Course.
Learning outcomes
After this course, participants will:
- demonstrate a basic understanding of upper limb anatomy
- complete an initial assessment, including history taking and physical/clinical assessment
- apply clinical reasoning to plan a treatment approach
- identify the principles and purpose of splinting and appraise orthoses fabrication and relevance to treatment
- understand the limits and extent of hand therapy and when a referral is appropriate.
Part 1 Online theory
Online theory modules include:
Module 1: Introduction
Module 2: Anatomy
Module 3: Injury and Healing
Module 4: Assessment
Module 5: The Thinking Therapist
Module 6: Interventions
Module 7: Common conditions
Part 2 Practical
We use a case-based learning approach and have AHT therapists to provide experienced assistance and support throughout the day.
- Surface anatomy and revision of tendon anatomy
- Measuring range of motion (Goniometers)
- Measuring strength (Dynamometer)
- Measuring sensation (Semmes Weinstein monofilament assessment and 2-point discrimination)
- Clinical and diagnostic tests
- Compression bandaging
- Case studies
- Introduction to splinting and a short splinting practical. Participants will have the opportunity to make a wrist splint and dorsal finger splint.
Content access
The AHTA uses an online Learning Management System (LMS) called Canvas.
This will be your ‘online textbook’ for all course content – including videos, pictures, written content, references, and links to other web pages.
When you have registered for the course, you will be emailed a link to enrol.
Once you receive this link, you are encouraged to create login details, ready to use on the day. The Home Page includes important information, such as Course Information, Assessment, and Help and Support. The Modules tab is where you will find the course content, including any pre-learning. Announcements are where the course presenters can communicate with you before or during the course. Discussion allows course participants to ask questions or communicate with the presenters and other course participants.
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.
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
Assessment for this course is a MCQ online (Canvas) exam completed 2–3 weeks after the course. This must be completed on a laptop or desktop and cannot be completed on an iPad or phone.
Refer below to the section 'Exam instructions'.
It is the participant's responsibility to ensure the date for assessment is diarised.
Assessment is not compulsory.
Refer to the course assessment policy linked below.
Time
Face-to-face courses are held from 9.00 am – 5.30 pm local time.
Online courses are held from 9.00 am – 5.30 pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) from the first Sunday in October to the first Sunday in April or Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) during other times.
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
You are welcome to bring a device to follow along with the sessions; please note that Wi-Fi may not be available at all sites. You can download off Canvas to review offline.
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.