Upper Extremity Fellowship

Our Vision:
To be a highly desired program for the training of upper extremity and hand specialists in the professions of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, setting the highest standard of excellence in patient care.

Program Outline:

• 1 year program starting in January performed synchronously with Virtual Hand to Shoulder Fellowship
• Didactic study through independent study courses via VHSF online platform
• 36 hours of patient care per week, including 150 hours of direct 1:1 mentoring during patient care hours
• Full time program accruing at least 1650 hours of patient care. All hand and upper extremity patient care hours can be used toward the 4000 hours to take the Hand Therapy Certification Examination from the Hand Therapy Certification Commission
• Diverse and accessible expert faculty with various training backgrounds
• Integrated interprofessional learning opportunities including rotations with expert physical therapists, occupational therapists, and hand surgeons
• Weekly labs and patient care opportunities throughout the year including orthosis fabrication
• Case studies, skill competencies, critical article appraisal

• Graduation from an AOCTE-accredited occupational therapy program or CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program
• Active PT or OT license in the state of PA or NJ
• Active AOTA or APTA membership
• One year of clinical experience
  • Some of that experience in hand therapy setting
  • New grad applicants will be considered upon recommendation and field work placement
    • Field work II in Hand Therapy
• Occupational Therapists:
  • Physical Agents Modalities Certification
• 45 CEU’s completed for Hand Therapy prior to start 
• ***Note: Applicant may apply to program prior to completion of prerequisites
  If admitted, matriculation will be contingent upon completing all prerequisites prior to start date (January)