If you’re an occupational therapist and want to transition into hand therapy, specifically in an outpatient setting, I’ve got some secrets to help you increase your chances of landing that job. My name is Hoang Tran, and I’m an occupational therapist and certified hand therapist. Through my platform, Hand Therapy Secrets, I’m here to help you develop your clinical skills, build confidence, and maybe even consider becoming a certified hand therapist.
A Personal Story: Transitioning into Hand Therapy
Recently, during one of my manual therapy courses, a student shared their experience. They had worked in a skilled nursing facility, but after burning out, they wanted to make the shift to hand therapy. They asked me for help, and I want to share a few things that can really help you make the same transition.
The Importance of Your Resume
Number one on my list is your resume. It’s essential that your resume highlights the right skills. When I’m hiring someone for a hand therapy position, the first thing I want to know is: Can you treat the patients? Whether you’re in a private clinic or a hospital system, employers want to know if you can jump in and treat patients right away.
Ask yourself: If I were hired, could I step into the job, see patients, and start treating them? That’s the number one thing on my mind when I hire someone. People may want flexibility, full-time positions, and high salaries, but what I really want to know is: Can you treat my patients?
What Employers Are Looking For
I talk to a lot of private business owners, and they want the same thing. Yes, culture and attitude matter, but the bottom line is: Do you have the skills to treat the patients? This brings us back to your resume. If you’re missing the skills I’m looking for, I want to see that you’ve taken the initiative to learn them. But if you can’t clearly show those skills on your resume, it’s going to be hard for employers to consider you.
So, let’s break it down: Your resume needs to demonstrate that you have the skills necessary for hand therapy. Don’t just say, “I can communicate well.” Communication is expected. Employers want to know if you can do things like manual therapy, kinesiotaping, wound care, and splinting. Those are the skills that will set you apart.
Demonstrating Your Skills
Skills like evaluations and discharges are a given for any occupational therapist. But in hand therapy, it’s more specific. Can you evaluate a wrist injury? Can you assess a shoulder issue or a finger fracture? Those are skills I want to see highlighted on your resume. Your resume should reflect these skills and show that you have the potential to succeed in the role.
Courses: A Key to Backing Up Your Resume
Next up: Courses. If you’ve already got some experience, make sure that shows on your resume. But if you’re coming from a different setting, like pediatrics or skilled nursing, courses are going to be essential to back up your desire to work in hand therapy. I’m looking at the courses you’ve taken to see if they support your goal of becoming a hand therapist.
It’s not about taking cheap, online courses. While those have their place, I’m looking for real, targeted courses that show you’ve taken the initiative to learn the skills needed for hand therapy. For example, if you’re in a skilled nursing facility and want to transition into outpatient hand therapy, taking courses on manual therapy, splinting, or hand and wrist injuries will back up your desire to make that move.
How to Choose Your Courses Wisely
When I’m hiring, I often look for people who have already taken specialized courses, such as my own manual therapy course or have participated in mentorship programs. But even if you haven’t taken my courses, if you’ve taken something specific—like a splinting course or a shoulder injury course—that shows me you’re serious about your career in hand therapy.
If you tell me you want to become a hand therapist but your resume shows you’ve only taken courses in ergonomics, pediatrics, or stroke rehab, that doesn’t reflect the specific skills I’m looking for. It’s important to take courses that are directly relevant to hand therapy. Show me that you’re focused and taking steps to gain the skills I need in my clinic.
The Interview Process: Demonstrating Initiative
Once you’ve got the right courses on your resume, you’ll need to back them up during the interview. Employers want to know what courses you’ve taken and how they relate to hand therapy. Be selective in the courses you list on your resume, making sure they demonstrate your commitment to learning and gaining the skills needed to succeed in a hand therapy setting.
Remember, employers are looking for initiative. If you’re transitioning from a different setting, the courses you’ve taken can prove that you’re proactive about developing the necessary skills for hand therapy.
Don’t Underestimate Your Resume
The order in which you present information on your resume matters. Skip the GPA from grad school—nobody cares about that. What matters is whether you passed the boards and if you have the skills to do the job. If you’re lacking certain skills, make sure your resume shows that you’ve taken courses to fill those gaps.
And if you don’t have direct experience, focus on the courses you’ve taken and the initiative you’ve shown. A resume that clearly reflects your skills and commitment to learning will stand out to employers.
Final Thoughts: Reflect on Your Skills and Initiative
When you’re looking to transition into hand therapy from another setting, it’s critical to fix your resume and make sure it clearly demonstrates your skills and potential. Employers want to know that you can do the job and that you have the initiative to learn. So, take those specialized courses, highlight your relevant skills, and show employers that you’re ready to take on the challenge of hand therapy.
If you want to know more about how to make this transition and increase your chances of landing a hand therapy job, check out my full YouTube video here:
Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps you on your journey to becoming a successful hand therapist!
Take Your Hand Therapy Career to the Next Level with Hand Therapy Secrets
If you’re ready to take your skills in hand therapy to the next level, Hand Therapy Secrets is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re looking to get certified or gain mentorship, we offer resources designed to help you succeed.
Want to become a certified hand therapist? Check out the hand therapy certification details. Not sure where to start? Our guide on how to become a certified hand therapist will walk you through the process step by step. If you’re curious about the certified hand therapist requirements, you can find all the essential information.
In addition to certification, we also offer a hand therapy mentorship program to help you build the skills and confidence you need to succeed in the field. Plus, if you’re looking to continue your education, we offer a range of online occupational therapy courses tailored to your needs.
Take the next step in your career today with Hand Therapy Secrets—your go-to resource for all things hand therapy!
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The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
