How long is the program and how is it organized?
The program is 12 months long. Weekly didactic lessons begin the first week of the fellowship and progress in depth and complexity as you advance through the program.
Do you accept new graduates into your program?
Yes. We will consider new graduates who had a level II clinical experience in a hand therapy clinic and provide a reference from their hand therapy rotation clinical instructor.
Do you accept international applicants?
No, unfortunately we are unable to sponsor international applicants in their bid for licensure or residency and fellowship education.
What characteristics does an ideal candidate possess?
To be successful in the application process, an applicant should demonstrate a strong academic background, excellent work ethic, and commitment to deepening their understanding of hand therapy within the context of the occupational therapy profession. Ideally, candidates will have some experience working with hand therapy patients as well as significant continuing education that indicates interest in upper extremity rehabilitation. Beyond these expectations, we look for applicants who are curious and show intellectual and cultural humility.
What does a typical workweek look like?
Typically, fellows will work 32 hours per week seeing patients within our hand therapy clinic locations. Mentorship time varies weekly from 4 to 6 hours and will be delivered 1:1 with a certified hand therapist. Fellows can also expect a 4-hour weekly didactic lesson as well as evening reading to prepare for the week’s lesson. We anticipate a time commitment of approximately 50 hours per week to complete all fellowship requirements.
Are there opportunities for research activities?
Fellows must understand that research is a critical component to the development of sound patient care. As such, the faculty teach basic research skills. These skills are further developed and practiced during case study assignments, grand rounds presentations, and narrative reasoning discussions.
Once I graduate from the fellowship, will I be able to sit for the CHT exam?
The Hand Therapy Certification Commission sets forth the criteria for CHT exam eligibility. Currently, eligibility consists of:
Applicants must hold a current professional license and have had their license for at least 3 years. Applicants must also provide evidence of 4000 hours of direct patient experience.
