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Specifications for the Hand Therapy Certification Examination
are based on the results of a practice analysis study, which
is performed periodically by credentialing groups to learn
about changes and trends within a profession.
First Practice Analysis in 1985
The first Practice Analysis (then known as a Role Delineation
Study) was performed by the American Society of Hand Therapists
(ASHT) in 1985 and was written up in the Journal of Hand Therapy
in 1987. Based on the results of that study, ASHT membership
voted to develop a certification program oriented toward the
tasks and activities performed by hand therapists (measure
ROM, test strength, etc.). HTCC incorporated as a separate
body in 1989 in order to develop the certification program.
Second Practice Analysis in 1994
The second Practice Analysis was conducted by HTCC in 1994
and published in the Journal of Hand Therapy in 1996. The
new study tried to find out more about the theory and knowledge
that serves as the underpinning of hand therapy; as a result,
the knowledge domains were changed to reflect the professional
behaviors of a hand therapist (assess patients, plan treatment,
etc.).
Third Practice Analysis in 2001
The primary rationale for performing the analysis in 2000-2001
was to update the current profiles of practice, including
domains, tasks, knowledge, and skills, as well as the profiles
of diagnostic categories and therapeutic procedures implemented
across all settings in which hand therapists are employed.
The results of this practice analysis led to:
- Revision of the existing test blueprint of the Hand Therapy
Certification Examination.
- Refinement of the definition and scope of hand therapy
that had been based on the original role-delineation study
in 1985.
- Revision of HTCC policies regarding accrual of work experience
hours that can be used for certification or recertification
eligibility.
- More detailed information about competencies in hand
therapy.
The results of the practice analysis were published in the
July-Sept 2002 issue of the Journal of Hand Therapy.
An article about competencies in Hand Therapy was published
in the Jan-Mar 2003 issue of the Journal of Hand Therapy.
Click
here to download a PDF of the complete Practice Analysis
article
Click here for more information
about Competencies in Hand Therapy
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