NYU Langone’s Rusk Rehabilitation offers a Hand Therapy Fellowship designed to train occupational therapists in expert specialty care for patients with hand and upper extremity conditions. The one-year fellowship program is accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Learning Objectives

The goal of the Hand Therapy Fellowship is to produce world-class clinicians who are aligned with Rusk Rehabilitation’s position as a global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation. The fellowship’s comprehensive curriculum, mentoring program, and teaching and research opportunities are designed to prepare the fellow to achieve the best clinical outcomes in clients with conditions affecting the hand and upper extremities.

Upon completion of the program, the fellow will:

• develop strong analytical, clinical, and behavioral competencies as a practitioner of occupational therapy in hand therapy
• demonstrate a client-centered, occupation-based approach to hand therapy supported by existing evidence
• practice the highest level of client care, commitment, and advocacy
• develop proficiency in scientific research consumption and contribution
• prepare for certification as a certified hand therapist (CHT)

Hand Therapy Training

The fellowship program’s didactic component provides fellows with a novel, cutting-edge approach to academic education during their classroom learning. Fellows participate in presentations and research projects with experienced on-site professionals. The concepts covered in the program’s didactic portion are reinforced during the clinical component of the training.

Fellows complete a 12-month program covering outpatient hand occupational therapy at Rusk Rehabilitation’s outpatient facilities at NYU Langone Orthopedic Center.

Fellows will not only gain experience in treating clients with a wide range of hand and upper extremity orthopedic conditions and diagnoses, but also ergonomic and work-site challenges. Some common conditions and diagnosis include the following:

• fractures
• nerve, tendon, and vascular injuries
• repetitive strain injuries
• postsurgical upper extremity conditions
• sports-related upper extremity conditions
• arthritis

These experiences enable fellows to advance their orthotic skills and manual therapy techniques. Fellows can also observe pediatric rehabilitation and surgical outpatient procedures.

Fellows collaborate directly with world-renowned surgeons and therapists to fabricate orthotics, facilitate therapeutic interventions, and provide home programs. Fellows are also paired with a mentor to enhance their clinical reasoning, elevate their clinical practice skills, and cultivate their professional goals.

Teaching, Research, and Community Outreach Opportunities

Fellows have a number of opportunities to advance their teaching skills, which may include departmental presentations, assisting in modules for occupational therapy fieldwork students, and participating in local and national conferences and meetings. Fellows also contribute to ongoing occupational therapy clinical research and quality improvement projects.

An integral part of Rusk Rehabilitation’s culture is engaging with, educating, and supporting our local community. Fellows are encouraged to offer presentations in the community about hand and occupational therapy.

Fellowship Benefits and Housing

We offer a competitive salary in the range of $73,000 to $75,000. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, vacation, sick days, and holidays.

Although housing options are not available through NYU Langone, there are a variety of local housing options. Many of our staff and fellows have found it convenient to reside outside of Manhattan, including the surrounding boroughs of New York as well as New Jersey and Connecticut. Please contact us at OTHandFellowship@NYULangone.org if you would like further information.

Fellowship Timeline, Application Process, and Prerequisites

We accept one fellow per year into our Hand Therapy Fellowship. All applications must be submitted by April 15th, along with a $50 nonrefundable application fee.

We invite top applicants for interviews in April or May.

Applicants must be a graduate of an Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) or World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) accredited/recognized occupational therapy educational program.

Applicants must be registered as an occupational therapist with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) with eligibility to be licensed in New York State.

Applicants must have at least one year of domestic work experience as an occupational therapist; experience in hand therapy is beneficial but not required. This program is currently available to qualified occupational therapists only.

Applicants are notified of our decision during early summer. Fellows begin the on-site program on or after September 1 and complete it on or before August 31 of the following year. A $3,000 program fee is due at the start of the program.

Learn more about our fellowship and view our fellowship statistics.

How to Apply

To apply for the fellowship position, you must submit the following documentation:

• a personal statement that includes why you are interested in pursuing a fellowship in hand therapy and for selecting this program; summary of any relevant work history; and how this program complements your own professional and personal goals
• at least two professional letters of recommendation
• a current resume that includes academic institutions, relevant work history, continuing education courses, and membership in professional organizations
• a copy of your graduate school transcript
• a completed application form

Please send the nonrefundable $50 application fee via USPS to the following address:

NYU Langone Orthopedic Center
Department of OT/PT
333 East 38th Street, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Attn: Erika Schnaps, OTR/L, CHT

Applications will be considered incomplete, and we will be unable to move forward with the review, if fees are not received by the deadline.

Please refer to the frequently asked questions below for further information.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Fellowship

Learn answers to frequently asked questions about the Hand Therapy Fellowship.

How long is the program, and will I be able to work another job?

The duration of this program is 12 months. This is a full-time position, and fellows work days per week (35 hours per week).

Do I need a New York State license?

You do not need to have a New York State (NYS) license in occupational therapy to submit your application, but it is required by the time the fellowship program commences in September. The time to receive a NYS license in occupational therapy can take at least six to eight weeks. It is strongly recommended that you apply for a NYS license by the end of June to ensure a start date of September.

Can I apply if I have less than one year of work experience?

One year of work experience is not required by the time of application submission. However, one year of work experience is required by the start of the fellowship program in September.

Do I need experience in hand therapy in order to apply?

While we do not require experience in hand therapy, the successful candidate must be able to demonstrate a strong interest in the area of hand therapy through their clinical fieldwork, continuing education courses, personal statement, volunteering, or mentorship experiences.

I am interested in your fellowship program, but I am not a U.S. resident. Do you offer assistance with a work visa?

We require applicants to have at least one year of work experience in the United States and be eligible for a New York States license. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.

Contact Us

For more information about the Hand Therapy Fellowship, please contact Erika Schnaps, OTR/L, CHT, at OTHandFellowship@NYULangone.org.