On 28th September 2024 Belinda volunteered at the Australian Hand Therapy Association’s (AHTA) booth at the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) annual NSW Job Show for physiotherapy students. There were approximately 200 students in attendance on the day. The majority were 3rd and 4th year students, with some keen 1st and 2nd year students also attending.
The goals for the day were to increase the profile of hand therapy, courses available for hand therapy training, and the pathways to becoming an Accredited Hand Therapist to the physiotherapy students.
The students had different levels of knowledge relating to hand therapy. Some were not aware of hand therapy, others had recently completed hand therapy student placements or had some exposure to hand therapy in their musculoskeletal placement, and a few were keen to pursue a career in hand therapy.
The students were welcomed to attend the AHTA’s NSW interest group meetings, make contact with the AHTA to speak with a local hand therapist, and to register for the AHTA’s introduction to hand therapy course. The students were encouraged to apply for AHTA student membership and Belinda looks forward to welcoming the new AHTA NSW Affiliate members. Guidance was provided on the pathway to becoming an Accredited Hand Therapist, like Belinda.
Belinda enjoyed meeting our future physiotherapists. She looks forward to assisting them to become future hand therapists, and introducing them to the satisfaction it provides from helping the local community rehabilitate their hand and wrist injuries.
