A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is an occupational therapist or physical therapist who has a minimum of three years of clinical experience, including 4,000 hours or more in direct practice in hand therapy. In addition, the Certified Hand Therapist has successfully passed a comprehensive test of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper quarter rehabilitation. Because of changes in the profession, every CHT is required to demonstrate continued professional development and competency by recertifying every five years.
How Many CHTs Are There?
| There are 7,181 Certified Hand Therapists worldwide |
| United States |
6,625 |
| Canada |
243 |
| Australia & New Zealand |
209
|
| US territories & military bases, and other countries |
104
|
| They are broken down by profession as follows |
| Occupational Therapists |
87% |
| Physical Therapists |
12% |
| CHTs who are both OT & PT |
1% |