The American Society of Hand Therapists is a professional organization comprising licensed occupational and physical therapists who specialize in the treatment and rehabilitation of the upper extremity.

ASHT offers a wide range of membership levels, including 'Active' membership for those who have completed the requirements for the advanced designation of Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). ASHT also offers 'Associate' membership for Occupational and Physical Therapists, 'Affiliate' membership for Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy Affiliates, and 'Student' membership for occupational therapy and physical therapy students.

ASHT Mission Statement

To be the recognized leader in advancing the science and practice of hand therapy through education, advocacy, research and clinical standards.

ASHT Vision Statement

ASHT builds and supports the community for professionals dedicated to the excellence of hand therapy.

ASHT Core Values

Member Needs
We strive to thoroughly understand the changing professional, information and educational needs of our members. Our members’ needs serve as the foundation upon which we establish the evolving direction of priorities for the Society.

Member Involvement
We encourage our members to actively contribute their unique skills and abilities toward furthering the mission of the Society. Our success is built upon the ongoing and collaborative contributions of individual and member group efforts.

Professional Excellence
We promote and reinforce adherence to the highest ethical, professional and clinical standard within the profession. Our ability to further the Society’s leadership roles relies upon the professionalism demonstrated by each of our members, both within the profession and the Society.

Financial Stability
We utilize the Society’s resources in a prudent manner in order to establish the financial stability required to support the current and future needs of our members. Our viability in future growth as a professional association is dependent upon our ability to build financial strength.

Public Influence
We anticipate the changing legislative and industry factors impacting the well-being of the Society and our members. Our proactive awareness of impending issues which influence our profession fosters our ability to proactively influence the direction and outcomes in a timely manner.

Definition of Hand Therapy

"Hand therapy is the art and science of rehabilitation of the upper extremity of the human body.  Hand therapists are occupational therapists or physical therapists who, through extra training and experience, have specialized knowledge of upper extremity function.  Using specialized skills in assessment and treatment, hand therapists work with their clients to prevent injury or impairment, restore functional activity, and enhance participation in daily life." *

*Adapted from the Hand Therapy Certification Commission

History of ASHT

Relive the Spirit of ASHT Past as told by some of our founding members.  This six-article series published in the ASHT Times newsletter in celebration of our 25th anniversary in 2002 gives a comprehensive historical look at ASHT's early years.

The Spirit of Our Creators
As told by Karen Pendergast Lauckhart, MA, PT, CHT and Mary Kasch, OTR, CVE, CHT
Edited by Susan Johnson Melat, OTR, CVE, CHT

The ASHT Logo: A Historical Perspective
By Shellye (Bittinger) Godfrey, OTR/L, CHT, CDE
Edited by Susan Johnson Melat, OTR, CVE, CHT

ASHT Membership Application Process is Developed
By Bonnie Olivett, OTR, CHT

The Legend of the Journal of Hand Therapy
By Judith Bell Krotoski, OTR, CHT
Edited by Susan Johnson Melat, OTR, CVE, CHT

ASHT Establishes Excellence in Hand Therapy
By Mary Kasch, OTR, CVE, CHT, Executive Director, Hand Therapy Certification Commission

The Next 25 Years: A Look into the Future of ASHT
By Chris Blake, OTR/L, CHT, ASHT 2002 President-Elect