Mentorship

Mentorship is a requirement for accreditation.

Why mentorship

Ladyshewsky (2010) believes that the advancement of a therapist’s clinical competencies can be attributed to many of the mentoring relationships that occur between the novice and advanced practitioner. A mentor is defined as a “knowledgeable and experienced guide, a trusted ally and advocate, and a caring role model” (CCSF, 2014). Mentoring among peers is often used in educational, community, and corporate settings, to aid in individual growth and development (Culbertson, 2014; Nolinske, 1995). In the literature, “training”, “managing” and “coaching” are also used to describe the peer mentoring process (Schwellnus & Carnahan, 2014).

Within the context of accreditation, the term mentoring will be used to refer to the relationship between the Accredited Hand Therapist, aiding in the professional development of, an occupational or physiotherapist with less experience.

Find a mentor

You can propose your own mentor for approval by the Australian Hand Therapy Association Credentialing Council.

Alternatively, you can choose a mentor from the list below.

Mentorship contract

You will enter into a contract before commencing mentorship. The Mentorship Contract is a document that is used to define parameters and guidelines for the mentorship experience. The Mentorship Contract allows for open discussion regarding expectations and desired outcomes, and is a tool for use in clarifying roles within the mentoring relationship.

Mentorship manual

The office will email you the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC) Mentorship Manual* at Stage 2 when your application fee has been received and mentor approval has been granted. 

During your mentorship, you will complete sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Manual. We will encourage you to develop individualised learning goals based on your level of previous experience in conjunction with the guidance of your mentor.  These can be outlined in your mentoring contract. You will need to pass 75% of the hand therapy skills checklist outlined in the HTCC Mentor Manual, to the satisfaction of your mentor. Is the checklist and the Manual the same thing?

If you are working in isolation, you must arrange for 5 days of work experience in a practice with your mentor.

* The AHTA has permission to use the HTCC Mentor Manual in its current form with acknowledgement of the HTCC. 

Mentorship list