Mar 31 / Guest blogger and occupational therapist: Lynn Festa, OTR, CHT, Wellness Coach

Why Occupational Therapists Should Consider Becoming a Certified Hand Therapist


Welcome to guest blogger and Occupational Therapist:
Lynn Festa, OTR, CHT, Wellness Coach

Have you ever wondered how specializing in hand therapy could transform your career as an occupational therapist

Becoming a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) allows occupational therapists (OTs) to advance their skills in a specialized and highly rewarding field, where they can make a profound impact on clients recovering from hand and upper extremity injuries.
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Keep reading to learn:
  • The key benefits of becoming a Certified Hand Therapist.
  • What the certification process entails.
  • How CHTs can provide specialized, personalized care for patients

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Here’s a quick overview of the steps to success:

1. Understand the benefits of CHT certification.
2. Learn the certification requirements and process.
3. Explore career opportunities available for CHTs

By the end of this article, you’ll understand why earning your CHT certification can open doors to new career opportunities and professional growth.

Step 1: Understand the Benefits of Certified Hand Therapist Credential

For occupational therapists (OTs) looking to advance their careers and specialize in a rewarding field, becoming a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is an excellent choice. This credential not only enhances clinical expertise but also provides numerous professional and personal benefits, including the joy and satisfaction of helping a client get back to doing what they love.

Whether it's a pitcher recovering from an elbow injury or a pianist regaining fine motor control, specialized rehabilitation is crucial. CHTs have the expertise to design customized treatment plans that address the unique demands of their clients’ professions, ensuring a safe and effective return to play or performance.

Becoming a CHT requires significant dedication and preparation. Make sure you’re ready for the challenge before starting.

Step 2: Learn the Certification Requirements and Process

The journey to becoming a CHT requires specific qualifications and a rigorous certification process.

Requirements:

A minimum of 3 years of experience as an occupational therapist.

4,000 hours of hand therapy practice.

Passing the Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC) exam, which covers a wide range of hand therapy topics, including anatomy, biomechanics, and rehabilitation techniques.

Common Pitfalls:

Lack of Preparation: The CHT exam is challenging, and many candidates underestimate the depth of knowledge required. Thorough preparation is essential for success.

Now that you know what it takes to become a CHT, let's explore the rewarding career opportunities that await.

Step 3: Explore Career Opportunities for CHT

Once certified, you’ll have access to specialized positions and professional recognition in the field of hand therapy

Specialized Clinics and Hospitals: Many CHTs work in specialized settings where they collaborate closely with surgeons and other medical professionals to provide comprehensive care. These settings often provide greater autonomy and the ability to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to their clients' needs.

Referrals and Networking: Surgeons and referring providers prefer working with specialists, and CHTs are highly sought after by clients requiring rehabilitation for hand and upper extremity injuries.

Why Becoming a Certified Hand Therapist is Worth It

Becoming a Certified Hand Therapist is a rewarding way to advance your career as an occupational therapist. Not only will you gain specialized knowledge and skills, but you’ll also have the opportunity to improve the lives of patients in profound ways. Whether you're passionate about anatomy, problem-solving, or helping patients regain their independence, the journey to becoming a CHT can be incredibly fulfilling. Ready to take the next step in your career? Start preparing for the certification process today!
Instructor bioS
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Lynn Festa, OTR, CHT, Wellness Coach
Aspire OT Instructor
Courses:


Strategic Solutions to Banish Burnout for OT Practitioners

Lynn Festa has been an occupational therapist since 1988 and has worked as a clinician and business owner in a variety of settings for over 35 years. In 2012, she found herself disillusioned with her career in healthcare, prompting her journey to become a coach to other professionals who are also seeking more fulfillment from their careers. Lynn now combines her work as an OT with providing training and guidance to professionals in promoting wellness and resilience and limiting burnout, through private coaching sessions, webinars, and customized group workshops. Lynn is the Wellness Coach at Outside of the Circle, an online community and program helping people to redefine success and create change on their own terms in a way that feels fulfilling and meaningful to them.  She attained a certificate in positive psychology, and a certificate in “the science of happiness at work”. She is also an HSP knowledgeable Professional and loves to help others with Sensory Processing Sensitivity flourish in today’s hectic environment. She has presented at international, national, and state conferences, webinars, keynotes, and group workshops. In her free time, Lynn enjoys open water swimming, hiking, reading, and pursuing a career as a singer.  She is the owner of Lynn Festa Coaching. Learn more about Lynn on her website: www.lynnfesta.com, or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-festa/ 

OT & Certified Hand Therapy Credential 

If you want to learn more about becoming a certified hand therapist, don't miss Lynn's upcoming webinar:

Pathway to Certification: Occupational Therapist to Certified Hand Therapist
debuts Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 8 pm Eastern
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Choosing Aspire OT for your CEU needs means you are supporting other OT and OTA instructors as well as our partner occupational therapy state associations.  

Aspire OT was created to provide exceptional evidence-based CEs at reasonable prices designed to meet the needs of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in everyday practice.
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