Requirements

Pathways

There are two options or pathways for Accreditation.

Applicants choose one pathway: either Experiential or Academic. 

For an overview of the requirements of both paths, you may view the video below or read the information on the right. 

Experiential pathway

1. Certificate of attainment in five (5) 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.

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.

** 

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

Western University Canada: Advanced Health Care Practice Master's Upper Limb Rehabilitation

Core courses

Approved core courses are:

AHTA Fundamentals of Hand Therapy

AHTA Advanced Open Trauma

AHTA Advanced Closed Trauma

AHTA Orthotic Fabrication Mobilisation

AHTA Superficial Thermal Modalities.

Elective courses

Approved elective courses are:

AHTA Orthotic Fabrication Immobilisation Course

AHTA Arthritis Course

AHTA Elbow Course

AHTA Fracture Management Course

AHTA Wound Management Course

AHTA Imaging Course (in collaboration with the University of Sydney)

Approved university modules (shown in the table on the right).

University modules

Approved university modules are:

Auckland University of Technology

Unit Code: RHAB818

Pain: Mechanisms and Management

Auckland University of Technology

Unit Code: RHAB 806

Hand & Upper Limb Therapy

University of Melbourne

Unit Code: RADI90010

Radiology for Physiotherapists

University of Derby

Unit Code: 7OT523

Hand Injuries: Mechanisms and Interventions