HOT JOBS: Helping hands are in demand in the U.S.

It's no secret that hand therapists are in high demand. After all, there are only 4,569 certified hand therapists in the United States, according to the Hand Therapy Certification Commission.

"It's a difficult and very diverse profession," said Kendyl Brock, OTR/L, CHT, who co-owns Pro Therapy, orthopedic outpatient facility with eight offices across North Georgia. "We work on patients that range from newborns with congenital abnormalities to professional athletes. It's very hard to pass the boards because of all the different diagnoses and therapies."

The profession, which is only about 20 years old, grew out of a need for specialists to treat hand and upper extremity conditions. The requirements are stringent: a certified hand therapist must first complete either an occupational therapy or physical therapy degree, then have a minimum of five years of clinical experience before sitting for the certification exam. Experience must also include at least 4,000 hours of direct practice in hand therapy.

Every certified hand therapist is required to demonstrate continued professional development and competency by recertifying every five years through the Hand Therapy Certification Commission.

The American Society of Hand Therapists, the practice's professional association, is comprised of licensed occupational and physical therapists — some of whom have earned the advanced designation (Certified Hand Therapist) — and who specialize in the treatment and rehabilitation of upper extremities, according to the ASHT's Web site (www.asht.org).

Hand therapists frequently work with orthopedists and sports medicine specialists.

"We are often in partnership with hand surgeons and may observe a surgical procedure to see what the physician is doing so that we can have a better view of the case," Brock said. "Being a good hand therapist requires a combination of engineering, clinical work and creativity. We may have to adapt splints or exercises for the particular case, and every case requires our ability to solve problems to help our patients."

Brock's work includes treating patients who are learning to use prostheses, people with joint deformities that resulted from severe arthritis or athletes with broken fingers. She currently has a patient who has undergone a hand replant.

"His own hand was reattached, and we're working with him to help remap the nerves in his hand and fingers," she said. "The muscles and nerves are intricate, and there are several dozen bones in the hand. It's very complex."

Brock began her career as a occupational therapist in a hospital setting. When the hospital changed ownership more than 12 years ago, she set up her own practice. She partnered with a physical therapist and an athletic trainer to form Pro Therapy, which is headquartered in Gainesville.

Some hand therapists work for orthopedists, but most are independent contractors.

The average hourly pay for a certified hand therapist is around $40.

"There are lots of opportunities for hand therapists to do very well," Brock said. "Sometimes you can negotiate a fee split with a clinic, and because hand therapists are in demand, clinics will often work with you in this way."

Brock said that most hand therapists have Type A personalities and enjoy meeting the challenges that each case presents.

"Most hand therapists don't work a 9-to-5 job; we have to be flexible to suit our patients, but we can also have some personal flexibility," she said. "The diversity, flexibility and the challenges give us motivation."