Hand Therapy Certification Examination study plan
CHT · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Upper limb assessment and evaluation & Anatomy and pathology of the upper limb
Map the surface anatomy landmarks of the hand, wrist, and forearm onto a self-drawn diagram
List the muscles of the thenar, hypothenar, and intrinsic hand compartments with their innervation
Define the components of a standardized upper limb history (mechanism, dominance, occupation, prior injury)
Practice goniometric measurement of shoulder, elbow, and wrist ROM on a partner or model
Your checkpoint
One-page labeled upper limb anatomy map plus a completed ROM measurement log for 6 joints
Upper limb assessment and evaluation & Anatomy and pathology of the upper limb
Compare common upper limb outcome measures (e.g., DASH, QuickDASH, PRWE, Michigan Hand Questionnaire) by construct and scoring
Demonstrate manual muscle testing grades 0-5 for 10 key upper limb muscles
Describe sensory testing using two-point discrimination and monofilament thresholds
Explain the pathophysiology of carpal tunnel syndrome and lateral epicondylopathy
Your checkpoint
A comparison table of 4 outcome measures with indications, scoring, and a written rationale for selecting one per case
Anatomy and pathology of the upper limb & Treatment planning and intervention
Outline the phases of fracture and tendon healing and the tissue constraints of each phase
Identify precautions and contraindications for common upper limb surgical repairs (e.g., flexor tendon, rotator cuff)
Draft a treatment plan for a distal radius fracture case spanning 12 weeks
Select interventions matched to healing phase for two different diagnoses
Your checkpoint
A phased 12-week treatment plan for one distal radius fracture case with rationale per phase
Treatment planning and intervention & Upper limb assessment and evaluation
Design a progressive exercise program for a rotator cuff case using evidence-based loading principles
Justify intervention choices using at least two peer-reviewed sources per plan
Revise the week 3 plan based on re-assessment findings you construct
Write measurable short- and long-term goals in SMART format
Your checkpoint
A revised treatment plan with SMART goals and a reference list of at least 6 sources
Wound care and scar management
Classify wounds by depth and healing intention
Describe the phases of scar maturation and the timeline of remodeling
Select appropriate dressing categories for exudate level and wound type
Demonstrate scar assessment using the Vancouver Scar Scale criteria
Your checkpoint
A wound and scar assessment form completed for 3 constructed case vignettes with dressing recommendations
Wound care and scar management & Treatment planning and intervention
Apply scar management techniques including silicone, pressure, and massage with evidence rationale
Identify signs of infection and when to refer
Integrate edema control and positioning into a post-operative wound care plan
Explain the rationale for early mobilization vs. protected immobilization in scar management
Your checkpoint
A scar management protocol document covering assessment, intervention, and referral criteria
Professional practice and evidence
Appraise study designs by level of evidence and identify threats to validity
Formulate a clinical question in PICO format and search for evidence
Summarize professional scope, supervision, and documentation standards for the setting
Identify ethical considerations in consent and patient confidentiality
Your checkpoint
A one-page critically appraised topic (CAT) answering a self-generated PICO question
Professional practice and evidence & Upper limb assessment and evaluation & Treatment planning and intervention & Anatomy and pathology of the upper limb & Wound care and scar management
Synthesize all domains into a full case study from assessment through discharge
Complete a timed 60-question mixed-domain practice set and review every missed item
Audit weak areas from prior deliverables and write a remediation list
Rehearse verbal defense of clinical decisions for 3 cases
Your checkpoint
A complete case study document plus a scored practice set with a written remediation plan
Milestones
Week 4: Score at least 70% on a self-made 30-question set covering domains 1-3, and submit two complete treatment plans
Week 6: Complete the wound and scar assessment form for 3 vignettes with correct dressing and scar management rationale
Week 8: Achieve at least 75% on the 60-question mixed practice set and submit the full case study with remediation plan