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Hand Therapist

Hand Therapists assist patients in recovering from upper limb injuries and conditions by creating personalised treatment plans and exercises.

How do I become a hand therapist

Get qualified to work as a hand therapist with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Common questions

The average weekly salary for a Hand Therapist job role in Australia is approximately $1,400. Increase your earning capacity by obtaining post-graduate qualifications, undertaking specialist training, and joining professional associations such as the Australian Hand Therapy Association.

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There are no clear employment figures for Hand Therapists working in Australia at this time. They generally work in private practice but may also be employed by large hospitals, community healthcare organisations, and government agencies.

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Accredited Hand Therapists are fully qualified Occupational Therapists (Bachelor of Occupational Therapy) or Physiotherapists ( Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy)) who have completed specialist training in hand therapy. Suitable courses include: Fundamentals of Hand Therapy, Advanced Open Trauma, Advanced Closed Trauma, Orthotic Fabrication Mobilisation, Arthritis Course, Fracture Management, and Pain Management Course. For more detailed information about this career path, we recommend contacting the Australian Hand Therapy Association.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023

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Further reading

What does an Occupational Therapist do?

15th September 2022

What do massage therapists do?

9th October 2019

How to become a qualified Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist in Australia

23rd December 2024

Hand Therapist careers

Hand Therapists are qualified health professionals who help their patients manage and recover from injuries, disease, and deformities of the shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, and hands. They carry out patient assessments and then develop treatment plans that include physical exercise, orthotic fabrications, and environmental modifications.

As a Hand Therapist you could be assessing a new patient who has suffered a stroke and has limited mobility in their left arm, fabricating wrist orthotics for a client with a deformity, teaching pain management techniques to a client with arthritis, assessing the home of a young amputee and proposing environmental changes, or just making some detailed notes on patient records.