Occupational Therapy Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship Program

BSWIR Occupational Therapy Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship program is a fully immersive, didactic and mentorship program designed to pursue advanced clinical excellence in the field of upper extremity rehabilitation for occupational therapists, through evidence-based practice and advanced clinical reasoning skills. By setting high standards of clinical expertise, the fellow will be able to pursue and promote excellence in the provision of occupational therapy services in order to promote the well-being of individuals and families in their communities with upper extremity injuries/dysfunction.

Program goals:
The program will facilitate the fellow’s ability to:

• Become an advanced occupational therapy practitioner in the field of hand and upper extremity rehabilitation by improving clinical reasoning skills in the areas of assessment/ differential diagnosis, advanced treatment techniques and consumption of research as it pertains to evidence-based practice in order to effectively treat and enhance clinical and functional outcomes in the treatment of upper extremity injury throughout the rehabilitation process.
• Successfully meet all expectations and qualifications to sit for the Certified Hand Therapy Board Certification Examination.
• Improve interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with referral sources and other team members to access community resources and achieve outcomes that are both measurable and functional.
• Increase the awareness of the psychosocial implications that accompany injuries of the upper extremity.
• Contribute to the field of occupational therapy through participation in advanced-level professional activities.

Program length: 12 months - Runs each year from January to December

Application deadline: September 30 of each year

Locations: Two Dallas-area facilities

• Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Plano Alliance
• Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Landry

Salary: Fellows will receive a salary as an employee of Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation equivalent to new graduate occupational therapists.

Caseload: Consists of orthopedic hand and upper extremity patients. Fellow’s caseload and schedule are adapted for mentoring.

Benefits: Fellows are eligible for benefits as a full-time employee of Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation. This includes employer-supported health insurance and paid time off (vacation, sick time, and organization holidays). This is not an all-inclusive list. Applicants are directed to the BSWIR site for a full description of benefits.

Course fees: Fellows are required to purchase textbooks, travel between clinics and cover the cost of attending a one-weekend hand/upper extremity symposium or conference, as well as fees for ASHT membership.

Fellowship eligibility requirements

• A graduate of an occupational therapy educational program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) with a Master’s level degree or higher and in good standing with NBCOT
• Practicing Occupational Therapist for a minimum of two years
• Must be licensed to practice Occupational Therapy in Texas
• Active Membership in ASHT (American Society of Hand Therapists)
• 12-month relocation to the Dallas-Fort Worth area
• Excellent communication skills
• Physical ability to perform examination and treatment procedures
• Psychological and social stability required for successful completion of the program
• Evidence of commitment to a career in hand/upper extremity certification
• Strong skills in scientific inquiry and writing

Application requirements

• Completed application questionnaire
• Two letters of recommendation
• CV / Resume
• Completion of BSWIR application for employment (If not already a BSWIR employee)

Selection Criteria

• Once determined eligible for hire, the applicant will participate in a panel interview, (live or virtual) which is scored on a Leichardt scale of 0-10 in combination with a review of required letters of recommendation, CV/Resume and questionnaire to achieve a final score. Applicants must have a score of 8 or higher to be considered as a candidate.
• The candidate with the best score will be selected. If multiple candidates are close in scores, the panel will discuss and choose candidates based on discussion.

Ready to apply?
Contact: Christy Knight, OTR, CHT Fellowship Director at [email protected]

Questions on the application will include:

• Describe all extra-curricular activities (such as volunteer work, advocacy and community service) in which you have been involved outside of your normal professional responsibilities
• Attach curriculum vitae (resume) that outlines your education, work experience, certifications, etc.
• Attach a one-page description of your career goals and how Fellowship training will help you meet these goals.
• If offered a resident position in the BSWIR Hand Therapy Fellowship Program, The Fellow will sign a statement of acknowledgment of understanding that it is the fellow’s responsibility to join ASHT (American Society of Hand Therapists) and provide a membership number by the start of the Fellowship.