Learn the language before you begin to study

Study Tips

1. Learn the Language before you begin to study anything else! Study Anatomy, Neurology, Kinesiology. Learn the nerve tracts, the brachial plexus, the bones, the wrist compartments, muscles, ligaments, tendons, dermatomes, etc. I made colorful posters and put them up all around the house. Index cards, specific folders for specific topics, i.e. tendon protocols, done in colored pencils and markers, were helpful. I needed to draw and write and tried to be creative with color and different materials.

-Rehabilitation of the Hand
-AOTA “The Hand - an Interactive Study for Therapists” CD
-observing surgeries
-various materials at work

2. Topics – Begin with topics such as wound care, read as much as you can about it, making notes, index cards, charts, etc. as you go. Study it all again, take as many practice tests as you can after you feel comfortable with the material. Review incorrect answers. Time yourself as you take the practice exams.

3. Apply the information with your patients, in your notes, when discussing with other colleagues.....keep using the language as much as possible. I began to educate my patients as I treated, i.e., identifying structures, wound care philosophies, etc.

4. Courses - Take as many as you can, especially in your areas of concern.

5. Research your patient’s diagnoses as much as possible and apply the information as previously discussed. Even simple diagnoses, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, may need current review.

6. Make up questions as you study and keep asking yourself...”How can I apply this?” 

7. Review, review, review!  

8. Have fun! Take your time ...I found studying to be fascinating and intriguing. Whether I passed the test or not became less significant because I knew I was becoming more confident and skilled as a hand therapist.

9. During the Test read the question and think about the answer before you read the answers. Mark the questions you do not know, but answer them anyway in case you don’t have time to go back. Review, starting with the marked questions. I found it was true that the first impulse is usually correct.

10. Good Luck...I hope this has helped you! Remember...no matter what happens, the knowledge you have gained from studying will be with you in your treatments and will make you a more confident and successful hand therapist.