Occupational Therapist - Hand Therapy

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland.





Work Shift:

Day (United States of America)



Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40



Compensation:

Salary Range: $31.00 - $46.50

Sign On Bonus: $20,000 with a commitment



Union Position:

No



Department Details

Sanford Health is seeking a skilled and motivated Occupational Therapist (OT) to join our growing Hand and Upper Extremity Rehab Program. This position focuses on evaluating and treating patients with conditions affecting the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder, including post-surgical, traumatic, orthopedic, neurologic, sports-related, and work-related injuries.

A unique aspect of this role is close collaboration with hand and upper extremity surgeons, creating an integrated care model focused on exceptional patient outcomes. The therapist will participate in treatment planning, post-operative rehabilitation, patient education, and program development within a multidisciplinary orthopedic team.

Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) certification is strongly preferred but not required; candidates actively pursuing CHT certification are encouraged to apply.

Hours: M-Th 8:30-5 and Fridays 7:30-4.


Preferred Qualifications
- Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential.
- Two or more years of experience in hand therapy, upper extremity rehabilitation, or outpatient orthopedics.
- Experience with custom orthosis fabrication and post-operative rehabilitation protocols.
- Strong understanding of upper extremity biomechanics and evidence-based rehabilitation practices.

Summary

Responsibilities
- Evaluate patients and develop individualized treatment plans to restore function and optimize outcomes.
- Provide specialized upper extremity care, including therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, scar/edema management, tendon and nerve rehabilitation, post-operative care, and custom orthosis fabrication.
- Collaborate with surgeons, orthopedic providers, APPs, and rehabilitation professionals to provide coordinated, evidence-based care.
- Monitor progress, adjust treatment plans, and educate patients and families on recovery, home programs, and injury prevention.
- Maintain accurate documentation and apply evidence-based practices to clinical care.
- Support program development, quality improvement, outreach, continuing education, and serve as a clinical resource.
- Supervise therapy assistants, aides, and students and collaborate with other care partners as appropriate.

Typical Patient Population
- Tendon repairs and transfers
- Hand, wrist, and elbow fractures
- Peripheral nerve injuries
- Carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes
- Trigger finger and tendon disorders
- De Quervain's tenosynovitis
- Arthritis and joint replacement/reconstruction
- Shoulder conditions
- Sports-related injuries
- Work-related injuries
- Complex trauma and post-surgical rehabilitation

Job Description

• Why Join Our Team?
  - Collaborative Specialty Care Model: Work alongside hand and upper extremity surgeons, APPs, and rehabilitation professionals in an integrated, team-based environment focused on exceptional patient outcomes.
  
  - Strong Provider and Therapist Engagement: Collaborate with physicians, APPs, and therapists through shared treatment planning, clinical discussions, and coordinated care.
  
  - Dedicated to Clinical Excellence: Deliver high-quality care through evidence-based practice, incorporating current research into clinical decision-making and treatment planning.
  
  - Commitment to Professional Growth: Access internal education, specialty training, mentorship, and a continuing medical education (CME) budget to advance your expertise.
  
  - Specialty Program Development: Help grow and advance a thriving hand and upper extremity rehabilitation program while shaping best practices and clinical pathways.
  
  - Diverse and Complex Caseload: Treat post-surgical cases, tendon and nerve injuries, fractures, sports and work-related injuries, and complex orthopedic conditions.
  
  - Patient-Centered Culture: Build meaningful patient relationships while providing individualized care focused on recovery, function, education, and long-term success.
  
  - Learning-Focused Environment: Join a team that values knowledge sharing, clinical mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Appropriate education level required in accordance with state licensure.

Must be licensed in the state(s) of practice as Occupational Therapist.
 

When working at a Sanford Health Facility (not required but preferred for GSS Facilities): Must also be certified through the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). When applicable, may require valid driver's license. Obtains and subsequently maintains required department specific competencies and certifications. Basic Life Support (BLS) for health care providers required or within the first 60 days of employment.

In the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota, new graduates in the process of testing with the board, will be considered with the possession of a temporary license.

Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet. 

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-949-5678 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.