FAQs

Yes, we accept applications from new graduates who will have a minimum of 6 months exposure to a hand caseload at matriculation

All applicants must be associates of Upstream Rehab at the time of matriculation. We prefer that applicants have 12 months of experience in an outpatient hand therapy/orthopedic setting.

You must be eligible for licensure prior to matriculation into the program. Participants are able to start the program on a temporary license where applicable, but must obtain state licensure prior to full matriculation.

Seats are limited to 10 participants at this time.

12 months

Yes, you will be considered a full time employee with a competitive benefits package.

No. The URI Hand Therapy Fellowship Program is an internal post-professional Fellowship program available to both occupational and physical therapists desiring to specialize in hand and upper extremity condition rehabilitation and employed by URPT. While not currently accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the program design closely incorporates both organizations’ key criteria and requirements, with modifications that allow for alternative mentoring structures and for both OT and PT clinician participation.

We accept both Physical and Occupational Therapists. We are not currently accredited due to accreditation differences. Our program goal is to ultimately graduate participants to sit for the CHT Exam.

Qualified applicants participate in a video conference interview with the program director, faculty and past/present cohort participants. Selection is based on the outcomes of the application process, which includes three letters of reference (including two from regional and clinic directors), experience, interview results, and overall director determination of readiness for the program

No, at this time the hand therapy fellowship is a full time, 12 month program.

After the completion of the fellowship program the hand therapy fellow has a 24 month commitment

The fellowship curriculum includes four primary components:

  • Mentorship and Clinical Practice, including:
    • 150 hours of clinical mentoring with a CHT, or CHT-eligible Hand Therapy Fellowship Program graduate
    • 50+ hands-on lab hours with fellowship-trained clinicians
    • Written and video case presentations with ensuing asynchronous and synchronous discussions
  • Didactic coursework via online, blended, and on-site components
  • Educational development via presentation and content development
  • Capstone Projects to include a written final examination, a live technique examination, and a scholarly project